Gerald Pacanan Responds to Jake Maderazo’s Column

Manila, Philippines - September 08, 2025 -

Former DPWH MIMAROPA Regional Director Engr. Gerald A. Pacanan has issued a response to the recent column written by Mr. Jake Maderazo in the Philippine Daily Inquirer. The letter addresses the points raised in relation to ongoing controversies surrounding DPWH’s flood control projects.

In his reply, Engr. Pacanan clarified several matters concerning the projects and provided his perspective as a former official directly involved in infrastructure development in the region. He emphasized the importance of transparency, accountability, and proper information in ensuring that the public fully understands the objectives and processes behind these government initiatives.

Below is the full text of Engr. Gerald A. Pacanan’s reply.

DPWH projects follow a multi-layered process in awarding of contracts to contractors.

Cost estimates are prepared based on construction materials price data (CMPD) and detailed unit price analysis (DUPA) of DPWH. Public bidding is then conducted and awards are made by the Bids and Awards Committee, with Commission on Audit (COA) and private accredited observers present. Contractors implement the projects under the supervision of project engineers, after which quality control tests are performed by engineers from the Region before any payment is released, and then be audited by Central Office based on DPWH Standard Specifications for project quality assurance.

This process ensures that pricing, procurement, implementation, and payment are subjected to multiple checks and balances and cannot be dictated by a Regional Director.