ILOILO — The Department of Public Works and Highways (Department of Public Works and Highways) has ordered a leadership reshuffle between Western Visayas and the Negros Island Region (NIR), a move that takes effect this January 26 and places new oversight over two high-profile flyover projects in Iloilo needing repairs.
Under Special Order Nos. 18 and 19 issued January 22 by DPWH secretary Vivencio “Vince” Dizon, Engr. Jose Al Fruto was designated officer-in-charge of the DPWH Regional Office–NIR, while Engr. Denise Maria Ayag was reassigned as regional director of DPWH Region 6.
Dizon said the switch was “in the interest of the service”.
The order authorizes Fruto to assume the full duties of a regional director and to receive the corresponding entitlements, subject to standard accounting and auditing rules.
He was also instructed to ensure continuity of operations by completing and turning over pending documents and records prior to taking his new post.
A parallel directive ordered Ayag to assume leadership of DPWH Region 6. Her reassignment comes as the region enters a sensitive construction period, with DPWH overseeing the repairs at the Aganan Flyover and Buhang flyover — projects that require close supervision to meet timelines and quality standards.
The swap, according to the DPWH, is aimed at uninterrupted public service delivery as both regions proceed with major infrastructure activities.
President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. has ordered the long-delayed Aganan Flyover in Pavia, Iloilo to be completed before Christmas 2026, with the DPWH committing an additional P229 million to fast-track the project while prioritizing safety and fixing design flaws similar to the nearby Ungka Flyover.
On the other hand, Dizon ordered the immediate assessment and repair of the P315-million Buhang Flyover in Barangay Buhang, Jaro district after cracks and falling concrete were discovered, raising concerns over construction quality and public safety just two years after it was opened to traffic.
“You have to fix this,” Secretary Vivencio “Vince” Dizon directed flyover contractor F. Gurrea Construction, Inc. via phone call on January 19, during an on-site inspection of the Buhang Flyover.
At one point, he asked, “Bakit nagkaganito?”
The two-lane Buhang Flyover is situated at the intersection of the Iloilo Circumferential Road and Iloilo-Capiz Road (new route) in Barangay Buhang, Jaro. It aims to ease traffic congestion in this major intersection, especially during rush hours./PN
