THE DEPARTMENT of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) is celebrating its 126th founding anniversary today, June 23, 2024, under the theme “Serbisyong May Bilis: Building Better More for a New Philippines.”
Established in 1898, the DPWH has played a pivotal role in the nation’s development through its infrastructure projects aimed at driving economic growth and improving public welfare.
Currently under the leadership of Secretary Manuel M. Bonoan, the agency continues to steer its vision and strategic direction toward a more connected and resilient Philippines.
The DPWH’s development into its present structure underwent a long process of evolution spanning a century of significant events, laying the groundwork for the country’s physical foundation.
Its origins date back to the Spanish colonial era, making it as old as the Philippine government itself. The department began in 1565, when the first settlement roads were constructed using forced labor.
Fortresses were connected by improved trails, serving as supply lines and means of communication. In 1867, the Spanish Governor General was designated as the Chief of Public Works, marking the formal beginning of the DPWH’s history.
In 1868, the Bureau of Public Works and Highways (Obras Publicas) and the Bureau of Communications and Transportation (Communicationes y Meteologia) were organized under a civil engineer known as the “Director General.”
Since then, the department has undergone various stages of development and evolution, influenced by changes in government policies and administrative structures to suit the demands of the times.
Finally, by virtue of Executive Order No. 124, dated January 30, 1987, the agency was established as the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) with five bureaus, six services, 16 regional offices, 24 project management offices, 16 regional equipment services, and 118 district engineering offices.
As the State’s engineering and construction arm, the DPWH is responsible for the planning, design, construction, and maintenance of infrastructure facilities, including national highways, flood control and water resources development systems, and other public works.
The department continuously develops its technology to ensure the safety of all infrastructure facilities and secures the highest efficiency and quality in construction.
The DPWH has completed numerous significant projects, such as the North Luzon Expressway (NLEX) and South Luzon Expressway (SLEX), which have transformed transportation in the Philippines.
These achievements highlight the department’s commitment to enhancing connectivity.
As it marks its 126th anniversary, the DPWH not only honors its rich legacy of public service but also looks forward to future endeavors.
The celebration will highlight the agency’s achievements and outline its strategic plans for further infrastructure development.
Through its unwavering dedication, the DPWH remains a cornerstone of the Philippines’ path toward a more connected and resilient future.
