“With Esquibil by his side, Dizon is poised to steer the DPWH toward a future defined by transparency, professionalism, and public trust”
Change is steadily taking root in the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) under Secretary Vince Dizon, who is assembling a reform-driven leadership team.
Among the most significant appointments is 36-year-old Lara Marisse I. Esquibil, designated as Undersecretary for Technical Services and Operations for External Convergence Projects.
Her rise signals a shift toward youth, merit, and professionalism in a department long plagued by corruption and public distrust.
Esquibil’s appointment reflects Dizon’s leadership style: one that values integrity, competence, and vision. Her selection is not symbolic; it is strategic.
Dizon has emphasized that Esquibil embodies the qualities he seeks in his team: honesty, hard work, and professionalism.
These traits are especially critical as the DPWH reels from the fallout of the flood control scam, which saw trillions of pesos lost to ghost projects and fraudulent deals.
Before her promotion, Esquibil served as Officer-in-Charge Director of the Bureau of Design.
She is a product of the DPWH Cadet Engineering Program, launched by former Secretary Rogelio Singson to cultivate young talent in public infrastructure. Her career began in 2013 as part of the program’s pioneering batch, inspired by Singson’s call for civil engineers to serve the country.
Mentored by leaders from both public and private sectors, Esquibil internalized the principle that technical work must be rooted in love of country.
A graduate of the University of the Philippines with a Master of Science in Civil Engineering (Structural Engineering), Esquibil has led design reviews for flagship infrastructure projects such as the Bataan-Cavite Interlink Bridge, the Samal Island-Davao City Connector Bridge, and the 4th Cebu-Mactan Bridge. She played a key role in adopting the Load and Resistance Factor Design (LRFD) Bridge Design methodology and in developing guidelines for buildings with seismic isolation systems in collaboration with the Association of Structural Engineers of the Philippines (ASEP).
She is also involved in policy improvements for flood and water resource management.
Esquibil’s promotion was met with widespread approval, both internally and publicly, with many highlighting her age as a refreshing departure from the department’s traditionally senior-dominated leadership.
Her ascent is seen not only as a win for women in engineering but as a clear signal that the DPWH is embracing reform through youth and meritocracy.
Her predecessor, Arrey Perez, resigned amid political intrigue to avoid distracting Dizon from his reform agenda. Perez’s exit was viewed as a dignified move, allowing the department to focus on transformation without internal disruption.
Dizon’s broader reform efforts include reviving a merit-based promotion system, dismantling patronage networks, and forming committees to detect corruption early.
He has also implemented President Marcos Jr.’s directive to curb overpricing in materials, a move projected to save the government at least ₱60 billion.
In line with the President’s orders, Dizon demanded the resignation of all officials and installed a new leadership team.
Esquibil was among those entrusted with key roles. Dizon expressed full confidence in her, stating, “Just do the right thing and keep your integrity, you will be okay. We are behind you.”
He emphasized the importance of her role, noting that convergence projects and technical services—design, construction, and monitoring—are central to the department’s reform agenda.
Initially hesitant to accept the post, Esquibil was ultimately driven by her sense of patriotism.
Her appointment marks a turning point for the DPWH, which has long suffered from public skepticism. With her leadership, the department hopes to rebuild trust and demonstrate that technical excellence and ethical governance can coexist.
Esquibil represents the remnants of good within the DPWH—proof that despite the scale of corruption, integrity and competence still exist.
Her career trajectory, shaped by mentorship and rigorous training, positions her as a beacon of hope for institutional renewal.
More than her credentials, Esquibil’s alignment with Dizon’s vision makes her a vital part of the transformation.
She exemplifies the kind of leadership needed to restore the DPWH’s credibility: young, intelligent, and committed to public service.
Her appointment is not just a personnel change—it is a declaration that the department is serious about reform.
With Esquibil by his side, Dizon is poised to steer the DPWH toward a future defined by transparency, professionalism, and public trust. (Email: ernhil@yahoo.com)
