DPWH: Lara Marisse Esquibil named OIC usec for convergence projects, technical services

The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) on Monday named Lara Marisse Esquibil as its new officer-in-charge undersecretary for convergence projects and technical services after the resignation of Arrey Perez.

“May I just introduce to you our OIC undersecretary for convergence and technical services, OIC Lara Marisse Esquibil,” DPWH Secretary Vince Dizon said during the agency’s flag-raising ceremony.

Dizon said Esquibil was recommended by former DPWH chiefs Rogelio “Babes” Singson and Jose "Ping" de Jesus.

Before her appointment, Esquibil was the head of the DPWH’s Bureau of Design.

On Friday, Perez tendered his “irrevocable resignation” after Batangas Representative Leandro Leviste claimed that the undersecretary was among those who have alleged ties with contractors involved in flood control corruption.

Dizon pointed out the importance of Esquibil’s new position in the department.

“Very important ‘yun kasi nandoon ang convergence, nandoon yung mga projects na napaka-importante. At pangalawa, ‘yung technical services, yung design, yung construction, yung monitoring nandyan lahat ‘yan,” he said.

(That's very important because the convergence is there, the important projects are there. And secondly, the technical services cover the design, the construction, the monitoring, all of that is there.)

2,000 vacant positions

Meanwhile, Dizon vowed that current employees who are qualified will be promoted and will be prioritized to fill the around 2,000 vacant positions in the agency.

He also vowed that the DPWH will work on the reported delay in the release of salary among some DPWH employees.

Dizon also announced during the flag-raising ceremony that the DPWH is set to revive the Cadet Engineering Program.

Started in 2013, the program aims to produce the best civil engineers in the country through an extensive training focusing on the development of technical and professional competencies. — RSJ, GMA Integrated News