ILOILO – Ilonggo engineer Sanny Boy O. Oropel, officer-in-charge (OIC) director of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Region 6, vowed to do better, especially on the “pressing problems” in the city and province of Iloilo.
Although he did not explicitly identify the problems, the issues currently hounding DPWH-6 are the P680-million defective Ungka flyover in Barangay Ungka II, Pavia and the stalled construction of the P802-million Aganan flyover in Barangay Aganan, also in Pavia.
“This is also very challenging on my part…Indi ako superman, but I promise to do better. Kon ano ang himuon ta da, with the help of the media, maka-survive ang Region 6,” Oropel said in an interview with Panay News.
On Monday, Aug. 1, DPWH secretary Manuel Bonoan issued Special Order 160, Series of 2023 designating Oropel as OIC of DPWH-6.
“Under and by virtue of this order, Engr. Oropel is directed to perform the duties and assume the responsibilities appurtenant to the position of regional director,” read part of the order.
Oropel replaced Engr. Nerie Bueno who was promoted to DPWH Assistant Secretary for Operations for Regions 6, 7 and 8, including the National Capital Region, Region 4-A and Region 4-B.
“Si Asec. [Bueno] will be playing a great responsibility in project implementation as far as Region 6 is concerned,” said Oropel whose previous assignment was as district engineer of the DPWH-6’s Iloilo 2nd District Engineering Office based in Dumangas town.
He said would seek updates on the Ungka and Aganan flyovers.
“Tan-awon ta kay sa subong wala pa ako kabalo kon ano ang problema sina, but rest assured you will be given an update on the development of two bridges,” Oropel told Panay News.
Oropel is currently in Metro Manila and is expected to arrive here this week or early next week./PN
