The President’s Men and Women: DPWH chief wants to lead by example

MANILA, Philippines – If it takes a preacher to rid the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) of its corrupt image, then the new man at the top is perfect for the job.

After all, Public Works Secretary Rogelio Singson believes his current post is in response to a call from God.

“I have to lead by example. If (it means) I come here as a preacher, so be it,” Singson said.

Singson, a Roman Catholic and a covenant member of Ang Ligaya ng Panginoon Community, said there were a couple of signs that God wanted him to leave his work at Maynilad Water Services, Inc. and return to government service.

Singson said he got a call from President Aquino offering him the top DPWH post last June 19 while he was on a retreat in Tagaytay.

The teachings in the retreat, Singson said, centered on heroic leadership and the meaning of a good disciple.

Singson said had he been given the offer before he went on retreat, he would have declined the post.

The second sign came when Singson was interviewed by the President.

“It was a Tuesday, and it was again providential because the reading that day was ‘The road to eternal life is through a narrow gate and a narrow road,’” Singson said, adding that he accepted the DPWH portfolio “because of my love for God and my country.”

“There was no reason for me to leave Maynilad. Everything was going well. I was very happy with Maynilad and I was successful in turning it around,” he said.

“My family was worried. They know the difficulty of the task, the reputation of the DPWH,” he said, referring to the bad image the agency has earned throughout the years owing to alleged anomalous deals entered into by its officials.

There is even a running joke among DPWH employees as to what rank their department would have in yearly surveys on the most corrupt government offices.

The 61-year-old Singson said he told his wife Isabel and his four children that “we keep complaining about graft and corruption and now that you are being asked to do something to address the problem, you are not ready to take on the challenge and sacrifice?”

Singson stressed the need to walk the talk in order to improve the department’s image and to regain the public’s trust.

He said he also could not ask his people to make sacrifices that he himself is not willing to make.

One of the things that he intends to ask from them is to give up their current lifestyle.

Noynoy’s vision

Singson recently briefed DPWH undersecretaries and assistant secretaries on the plans of President Aquino.

“I told them to think about it. I am not a dictator, I just have to live by example. I’m a very facilitative leader. Their inputs are going to be important. They would have to buy in this visioning and definition of strategic direction of DPWH. I will not succeed if they won’t help me,” he said.

“I think Maynilad employees know me,” he said. “I can be gentle, I can be friendly, I can forgive lapses in technical judgment, but I will not condone dishonesty. That’s how straight my principles are.”

Merit system

The DPWH chief said employees who perform well will be rewarded and promoted.

The department has been given a P126-billion budget and Singson said they have to optimize its use by being more prudent and efficient in spending.

Leakages in the system that result in poor quality, corruption and inefficiency in the execution of projects need to be plugged, Singson said, adding that a review of the design and quality of DPWH projects must also be conducted.

Singson does not only want to streamline processes and procedures in the department and reduce red tape. He also wants to adopt a policy on transparency and accountability in transactions, project selection, biddings and in the awarding of projects.

He is also bent on developing more public and private partnerships by leveling the playing field for the private sector investing in infrastructure.

To attain this goal, the DPWH would require the cooperation of contractors, local government officials, and legislators. “They have to understand where we are coming from at this time,” Singson said.

Priority projects of the Aquino administration include the construction of more school buildings, flood control projects and a review of the standards for buildings, drainage, and roads.

The DPWH under Singson’s command also intends to come up with strategic infrastructure projects that would enhance tourism in the country.

Balanced life

Singson said he is used to waking up early and is fine with just five hours of sleep. He plays golf and runs.

“I lead a pretty balanced life. Stress is nothing new to me. I think I can handle it. I have no vice, and I pray a lot. I have my regular meditation. I serve the Church and I attend prayer meetings two nights a week to keep my balance. It is good for the soul,” the secretary said.

He admitted that his strong relationship with God would help him resist temptations that come with his job.

“That will definitely help. You practically need a miracle to get around this,” he said.

Not a greenhorn

Working in government is not new to Singson.

From July 1987 until May 1991, he was the assistant Cabinet Secretary at the Office of the President.

The Chief Executive then was Mrs. Corazon Aquino, mother of the incumbent President.

It was during his stint in Malacañang that Singson met the future president.

Singson was born on Sept. 16, 1948 in Ilocos Sur and is a second cousin of Ilocos Sur Gov. Luis “Chavit” Singson.

The new DPWH Secretary obtained a Bachelor of Science (BS) degree in Industrial Engineering in 1971 at the University of the Philippines in Diliman, Quezon City.

He took up his Masters in Public and Business Management at the De La Salle University.

Prior to getting the DPWH portfolio, he was the executive director of the Coordinating Council of the Philippines Assistance Program (CCPAP) from May 1991 to November 1992.

He also served as chairman and president of the Bases Conversion Development Authority (BCDA) from July 1998 to February 2002.

He was president and chief executive officer of Maynilad Water Services, Inc. from June 1, 2007 until he resigned last June 30. –Evelyn Macairan (The Philippine Star)