The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) governance monitoring body gathered on Tuesday, January 11, 2022 to discuss developments on Philippine infrastructure and moving forward programs and strategies of the Department.
DPWH Secretary Roger G. Mercado together with members of DPWH top management got insightful feedbacks via virtual teleconferencing from members of the DPWH Multi Sector Governance Council (MSGC).
The MSGC feature is significant as it is the concrete operationalization of the principles of transparency, accountability, and participation in governance.
The 2-hour virtual conference is a first time open conversation by DPWH-MSGC members with Secretary Mercado, and a follow through of MSGC First Executive Talks held March 10, 2021.
“I am glad to meet every DPWH-MSGC member who is present today, allotting time to collaborate with DPWH despite the current state of pandemic. Rest assured that this leadership will continue to recognize the role of stakeholders’ participation in our project implementation,” said Secretary Mercado.
The event aims to further strengthen engagement with established DPWH external stakeholders composed of Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), professional organizations, contractors and consultants, academe, and other government agencies.
DPWH Undersecretary for Information Management, Planning, and Public-Private Partnership Services and Performance Governance System (PGS) Chairperson Maria Catalina E. Cabral presented the 2021 key accomplishments of the Department, highlighting recently-completed projects, programs and policies that have the most impact to the Filipino people, as well as development challenges.
MSGC members present were Dr. Bernardo Villegas of University of Asia and the Pacific; Dr. Hussein Lidasan and Prof. Carmie U. Liwag of University of the Philippines School of Urban and Regional Planning; Mr. Ruy Moreno and Mr. Alfred Pascual of Management Association of the Philippines (MAP); Mr. Paul Gutierrez of National Press Club of the Philippines; Assistant Secretary Roderick Planta of National Economic and Development Authority(NEDA); Mr. Anthony Mariano and Mr. Barry Paulino of Philippine Constructors Association Inc. (PCA); Ms. Doris Gacho of Construction Industry Authority of the Philippines (CIAP); Philippine Institute of Civil Engineers, Inc. (PICE) led by National President and DPWH Assistant Secretary Ador G. Canlas; Ms. Dana Patuar of Philippine Institute For Development Studies (PIDS); Col. Joel Paloma of Philippine Army - Governance Strategy Management Office; and Ms. Sofia Talja, Ms. Guia Luistro, Ms. Romina Acosta of Institute for Solidarity in Asia (ISA).