Secretary's Corner
HON.
HERMOGENES EDEJER EBDANE, JR.
Policy Speech:
15 February 2005
Let me greet you all a good morning and a belated Happy Valentine’s
Day.
I hope that from hereon it is the color red that will dominate the
DPWH, to symbolize passion and dedication to the job that needs to
get done.
This day marks a new beginning for me, as I take on this challenge
to lead the way for the Department of Public Works and Highways to
contribute our share to the President ‘s 10-point Program.
I hope this day is equally meaningful to all of you who are the
heart of the DPWH for there is much to be done and there is a whole
country awaiting results from us, NOW.
The first order of business is to focus on our job, the job of
building the physical network of roads, bridges and infrastructure
to connect communities, business and people.
But if we are to get that job done we must strengthen our own
internal network, build on our strengths, and eliminate our
weaknesses as individual professionals and as units of specialized
capabilities.
While we consolidate from the inside, we must also widen our
linkages and partnerships, build a network of citizens, communities
and organizations to help us get the job done.
A network of good roads and
bridges built by a strong internal network of committed public
servants with the help of the network of people and organizations …
that is how we will make PUBLIC WORKS WORK FOR PROGRESS AND
DEVELOPMENT.
We will address the issue of graft
and corruption with urgency and conviction, without sacrificing
mutual respect and dignity. We will strengthen internal auditing
systems, investigate complaints and anomalies, and improve checks
and balances within the department.
We will listen to feedback from
our citizenry, and provide an open channel for complaints, questions
and suggestions.
We will create a network of local
citizen councils to act as our eyes and ears on the ground, as
guardians against graft and as partners for progress.
We will strengthen and widen the
network of public works down to the barrios, so that more goods and
produce can reach more markets at a faster time.
We will upgrade the standards of
our roads and infrastructures by doing the job right, following the
proper standards and implementing the right procedures and
safeguards.
We will make our public works
cost-efficient and cost-effective so that they will stand both the
test of public scrutiny and the test of time.
We will make public works work on
the ground, with regular inspections of all projects to ensure
compliance to project standards and requirements.
The work of public service has
never been easy, as you and I know so well.
But it is the work we have chosen
to do, and one that requires discipline, will power and commitment
from all of us.
Every project we complete opens up
avenues and channels for people, for progress.
Let public works be seen and felt
on the ground. Let public works deliver the network that delivers
the goods for our country.
I have always believed that to get
the job done, you need a good plan, good men and women, and good
resources.
The resources are at our
fingertips. The good men and women are the lifeblood of the DPWH.
And together, we will craft a good working plan.
TOGETHER, LET’S MAKE PUBLIC WORKS
WORK, ON THE GROUND.
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