Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Roger G. Mercado officiated the oath-taking ceremony of DPWH Directors following the approval of their appointment papers recently by the Office of the President.

Sworn to the position of DPWH Director IV are Khaddafy D. Tanggol, Rey Peter B. Gille and Nomer Abel P. Canlas while Denise Maria M. Ayag and Jose Al V. Fruto took their oath as Director III.

The oath taking occurred during the DPWH Unified Directors’ Meeting held in Baguio City, as members followed strict health protocols due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

“I wish to congratulate all the appointees and greatly look forward to your commitment to public service and perform the responsibilities of the position with the highest sense of integrity,” said Mercado.

“As part of Team DPWH, let us maintain and broaden public confidence on us with a strong commitment to personal integrity as we serve the government and the public.”

Meanwhile, the department chief also conducted an inspection of projects at the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) in Fort General Gregorio H. Del Pilar, Baguio City

The department has several projects at the military academy, which Mercado inspected like the Headquarters Support Group (HSG) Building and I Love PMA slope protection.

The HSG Building is the rehabilitation of the two-storey building conducive and convenient to the users while the slope protection works will prevent further soil erosion and road collapse to provide a space for the proposed view deck which gives a breathtaking 180-degree view of the academy.

Mercado also inspected the state-of-the-art training facility called Kill House to further improve the cadets tactical combat skills, decision making and to promote adaptability in close combat engagements in urban environments such as residential, commercial and industrial spaces.

“As training institution to the would be officers of the Armed Forces of the Philippines and future defendants of the country, our government will provide PMA officers and cadets the necessary support facilities that they rightfully deserve,” said Mercado.

Also present during the visit were DPWH Senior Undersecretary Rafael C. Yabut, Assistant Secretary Wilfredo S. Mallari of DPWH Regional Operations in Luzon, and DPWH Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR) Director Khadaffy Tanggol.

Mercado was accorded with foyer honors upon his arrival at Lim Hall as her inspected the Tatag ng Imprastraktura para sa Kapayapaan at Seguridad or TIKAS projects, a joint program of the DPWH and the Department of National Defense (DND).

PMA Assistant Superintendent Commodore Roger P. Viduya welcomed the DPWH secretary.