ILOILO City – A sweeping purge has begun in the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Region 6 as all district engineers and the regional director tendered their courtesy resignations in compliance with Secretary Vince Dizon’s nationwide “clean sweep” amid alleged irregularities in flood control projects.
Engr. Mario Soriano, district engineer of the Iloilo 4th District Engineering Office in Sta. Barbara town, confirmed that the resignations of all DPWH-6 district engineers (DEs) had already been submitted to the regional office and forwarded to the central office.
“Actually, on Monday (Sept. 1) after the Secretary made the announcement, Regional Director (Joel Limpengco) directed us to submit our courtesy resignations. And that same day I right away submitted mine to our regional office,” Soriano told Panay News yesterday.
He added: “Actually all the DEs in Region 6 already submitted, I think yesterday (Tuesday, Sept. 2). And according to RD (Limpengco) in our group chat, he will submit ‘yung courtesy resignations of all DEs (to the central office).”
Dizon, who recently succeeded Manuel Bonoan as DPWH Secretary following mounting criticism over alleged ghost and substandard flood control projects, said the resignations would allow him to review the integrity and qualifications of key officials.
He vowed to remove those linked to questionable projects and appoint replacements capable of addressing the worsening flood crisis.
Soriano admitted being caught off guard by the order.
“When I first heard the announcement, of course, I was nabigla kasi we are not expecting that…but we have to follow the instructions. (But) we will continue to perform as district engineer until such time our resignation is accepted or refused,” he said.
Soriano maintained that not all DPWH officials are corrupt.
“We remain focused on performing our mandate. We will continue to deliver public service regarding the government’s infrastructure program. Let’s wait to see the results of the investigation, but for now, we must fulfill our duties and responsibilities in serving the country.”
Aside from Regional Director Limpengco and Soriano, also covered by Dizon’s order are the following:
* Aklan DE (Kalibo, Aklan) – Levina C. Amar (OIC)
* Antique DE (San Jose, Antique) – Bernadeth Betsy B. Uy (OIC)
* Capiz 1st DE (Roxas City) – Cecil Lawrence M. Cruz
Capiz 2nd DE (Dumalag, Capiz) – Gerardo G. Parra, Jr.
* Guimaras DE (Jordan, Guimaras) – Randolfo A. Melosantos
* Iloilo 1st DEO (Fort San Pedro, Iloilo City) – Ethel B. Morales (OIC)
* Iloilo 2nd DEO (Balabag, Dumangas) – Allan Rey R. Pajimna
* Iloilo 3rd DEO (Barotac Viejo, Iloilo) – Robert S. Palmera (OIC)
* Iloilo 6th DEO (Pototan, Iloilo) — Sherwin I. Galleros
* Iloilo City DEO (Jaro, Iloilo City) – Roy C. Pacanan (OIC)
The unprecedented move comes as President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s “Sumbong sa Pangulo” website logged at least 280 flood control projects across Western Visayas between 2022 and 2025
Iloilo province tops the list with more than 160 projects.
Iloilo City’s Mayor Raisa Treñas has openly backed a review, even suggesting dismantling projects if studies prove they worsen flooding. Other local leaders across Aklan, Antique, Capiz, and Guimaras have also signaled support for transparency and reforms in public works implementation.
“(Our) manifesto signing and support for reform does not only focus on the issue of flood control projects. This is for all issues that have a significant impact on the population,” Roxas City’s Mayor Ronnie Dadivas stressed.
Aklan has 57 flood control projects. Antique has 36 projects, and Capiz has 23.
Guimaras has the fewest with eight flood control projects./PN
