THE Regional Office 1 of the Department of Public Works and Highways emerged as the top performing implementing unit of the agency as of end of August 2021.

Secretary Mark Villar handed several certificates of recognition to DPWH Regional Director Ronnel Tan for the exemplary performance, far ahead of his other peers in the Department.

“I would like to congratulate RD Tan for once again demonstrating tireless commitment for excellence, and effective and efficient leadership,” said Villar at the DPWH Unified Regional Directors Meeting held last Friday.

Tan said that the awards are an important acknowledgement of the work and success of his Region 1 Team, who always plan around, identify possible known risks early, and monitor the overall implementation process closely to avoid complicated problems down the road.

DPWH Regional Office 1 placed first in absorptive capacity for its efficiency in utilization of the budgetary resources/appropriations made in the 2021 General Appropriations Act, surpassing the 87 percent overall Department expenditure target at the end of August , with a 94.53 percent performance.

As an affirmation of the effectiveness and efficiency in managing financial resources, the DPWH Regional Office 1 also ranked first in the disbursement for current and prior years.

Tan performed very well as public servant in his various assignments in Quezon province and Siquijor as District Engineer to becoming Assistant Director at Bicol Region until his transfer to Ilocos Region as he was able to establish a cohesive and hardworking DPWH organization.

The most awarded Regional Field Executive, Tan has inspired his men and women in the Districts of Pangasinan, La Union, Ilocos Sur and Ilocos Norte to perform at their best.

DPWH Pangasinan 1st made it to the Top 10 District Engineering Office, with high absorptive capacity, while Ilocos Norte 1st, and Pangasinan 2nd, were cited for the current year disbursement performance at rank 6th and 9th, respectively.

For prior years disbursement, both La Union 1st and Pangasinan 1st DEO shared the top spot for highest prior years disbursement rate as of end of August.

Even with complexities of Covid-19 crisis that pose challenges in field activities, the DPWH in Ilocos Region has also succeeded in the effort to deliver prompt completion of infrastructure projects funded under the 2021 regular infrastructure program.

DPWH Region 1 bested the 15 other Regional Offices nationwide in the actual physical accomplishment, posting a rating of 65.66 percent to yield the top place.