Bengzon named DOTC undersecretary

President Estrada has appointed Agustin R. Bengzon as undersecretary for the Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC). Bengzon brings with him a track record of integrity, professional competence and dedicated service gained from many top-level positions he occupied in both the government and private sectors.

Prior to his appointment, Bengzon was administrator of the Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA), a line agency of the DOTC. As MARINA administrator, Bengzon initiated many innovative programs, the latest of which was the inauguration of a 100-hectare Maritime Industrial Park -- a one-stop shop for four major shipping-related industries: shipbuilding and ship repair facilities, oil depot and farm tank, spare parts depot, research and training center.

Bengzon has represented the country in various conferences abroad such as the International Maritime Organization (IMO) Council and Assembly in London; the Philippine Ship Manning Mission to Tokyo; the ASEAN Transport Officials and Ministers Meeting in Hanoi; 84th International Labor Organization Conference in Geneva; and the UN ESCAP Mission in Bangkok.

Before taking on the challenge of government service, Bengzon was a self-made entrepreneur. The young Bengzon established his own businesses which included shipping, pilotage services, trading, real estate and property management.

He was president of the Philippine Inter-island Shipping Association from 1982 to 1997, vice president and committee chairman of the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Indusry from 1988 to 1996, and president of the Philippine Marketing Association in 1979.

Earning a Bachelor of Science from Ateneo de Manila Universtiy, and a second degree in Business Administration from the University of the East, the new undersecretary completed post graduate studies in Business Administration at UP. Bengzon honed his management skills in top private companies, most notable of which are the Philippine Investment and Management Consultants (Phinma) and Philippine Shipyard and Engineering Corp. (Philseco).

Bengzon was a member of the private sector representatives to the Shipping and Ports Council from 1987 to 1998, where he participated in the formulation of ports and shipping policies, plans, rules and regulations. He was elected chairman of the Transportation Working Committee on Infrastructure and Tourism during the 1997 Pan Asian Council.

Bengzon is a prime mover in notable civic organizations, being a Jaycee Senator and Paul Harris Fellow of the Manila Rotary.

With his appointment to the DOTC, Bengzon is expected to enhance the government's goal of revitalizing government performance throuh honest, credible and professional public service.

Bengzon is a son of the late Chief Justice Cesar Bengzon.