Dizon appointment hailed, well-received
THE appointment by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr of Vince Dizon as next transportation secretary was well-received in government and private sector circles.
The President named Dizon as next head of the Department of Transportation (DOTr) to replace Jaime Bautista, who is stepping down for health reasons.
Dizon’s appointment was hailed by legislators who praised Dizon’s record in government as head of the Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) and vaccine czar at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Dizon has been in government service for the last 26 years. He has extensive experience in both the legislature ad chief of staff of the late Senate President Edgardo J. Angara, and the Executive, especially during the term of President Rodrigo Duterte where he played numerous pivotal roles.
These include Presidential Adviser on Flagship Programs and Projects and President and CEO of the BCDA as part of the massive Build Build Build program; and Presidential Adviser and Deputy Chief Implementer against COVID 19.
Dizon was also an Assistant Professor of Economics at De La Salle University. Dizon also received one of the highest civilian honors – the Order of Lakandula with the rank of Bayani—for his key contributions to the Build Build Build program and the country’s response to the COVID 19 pandemic. He is currently the Chief Regulatory Officer of Prime Infrastructure.
Legislators lauded Dizon’s appointment. “We want to congratulate Secretary Vince Dizon on his appointment and thank him for taking on such enormous task at this critical time,” said Senator Grace Poe, who chairs the Senate public services committee.
“We are confident that with his skills and experience, he could fast track the urgently needed reforms and projects under the department,” Poe said. “The new DOTr chief can count on our support in bringing relief to our commuting public and lasting solutions to our transportation sector,” she said.
Rep. Joey Salceda, a noted economist, also lauded the appointment of Dizon.
“Vince is a long-time friend. We worked together on key issues during the COVID-19 pandemic and after. I have relied on his advice for many important policy decisions. He was also an important ally as I presided over the passage in Congress of the tax reform program,” Salceda said.
“When you need a job done, you hire Vince and the job gets done. I am sure he will bury himself in the work of the DOTr immediately. I am also certain of quick confirmation by the CA,” he added.
“I look forward to working with him again,” Salceda said.
Senator Joel Villanueva also lauded Dizon’s appointment: “We welcome the appointment of Mr. Vince Dizon as the new Secretary of the Department of Transportation. His extensive experience in government, particularly as the former President and Chief Executive Officer of the Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) and Presidential Adviser for COVID-19 response, will be invaluable in leading the department,” Villanueva said.
“We look forward to working with the agency under Secretary Dizon’s leadership, particularly in tackling the country’s traffic challenges, ensuring safe and efficient transport, and advancing transportation infrastructure which are vital in driving the country’s economic progress,” Villanueva added.
Rep. Johnny Pimentel also praised the appointment of Dizon.
“I welcome the appointment of Vince Dizon as the next sec of DOTr. I know him personally and i sincerely believe that he is more than qualified to lead one of the biggest govt agency. He is very diligent in his work and a hands on manager. I fully support his appointment sa sec of dot,” Pimentel said.
“Given his impressive track record in government service, there’s no doubt that incoming Department of Transportation Secretary Vince Dizon will be able to deliver and effectively address the pressing transportation challenges we face. May sapat siyang kaalaman at kakayahan sa pagpapatupad ng mga mahahalagang proyekto sa imprastraktura. With his experience as a presidential adviser on flagship programs and projects, as well as his role at the Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA), Dizon is a strong choice to lead the Department of Transportation (DOTr). He has demonstrated excellent leadership and expertise in urban planning, private sector engagement, and infrastructure development, which align perfectly with the responsibilities of the DOTr. I believe he will bring the much-needed efficiency and modernization to our transportation system.”
