The newly reconstituted Multi-Sectoral Governance Council or MSGC of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) convenes for the first time on September 27, 2017.
Establishment of MSGC at DPWH is part of the agency’s transformation program and the institutionalization of its Performance Governance System (PGS).
The DPWH MSGC meeting was presided by Undersecretary Raul C. Asis, Chairman of DPWH Management Committee and PGS Chairperson, and was attended by MSGC members namely Mr. Guillermo Luz of the National Competitiveness Council (NCC), Mr. Angelo Lazaro and Mr. Eric A. Cruz of Confederation of Filipino Consulting Organizations (COFILCO), Ms. Aileen Mappala of the University of the Philippines - National National Center for Transportation Studies (UP-NCTS), Atty. Ruth B. Castello of Construction Industry Authority of the Philippines (CIAP), former DPWH Undersecretary Teodoro T. Encarnacion representing the Private Sector, and DPWH Undersecretary Maria Catalina E. Cabral in her capacity as National President of the Philippine Institute of Civil Engineers (PICE).
Former DPWH Secretary Rogelio L. Singson, representing the private sector and Mr. Dante Abando from the Philippine Constructors Association (PCA) are also members of the council but were not able to attend the meeting.
Discussed at the meeting is the strategic direction of newly established DPWH Roap Map 2017-2022 which focuses on the reduction of travel time, the improvement of road quality and safety, and the protection of lives and properties from natural disasters.
Other concerns and issues of stakeholders raised through the MSGC members as well as their pledge of commitment were also touched in the meeting agenda.
The MSGC, which will serve as an independent advisory body to the DPWH Management aims to improve transparency and accountability in reporting agency performance and encourage private sector participation; and serve as a venue for communicating and consulting with the private sector and other government agencies the policies and strategic directions of the Department.
MSGC will also ensure alignment of objectives from the different sectors and consultative bodies that DPWH work with; and further institutionalize partnership with the private sector, other government agencies and stakeholders.