GMA names DPWH head as RP’s new bridge czar

President Arroyo designated recently Secretary Simeon Datumanong of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) to head the President’s Bridge Program (PBP).

The program includes all ongoing and proposed bridge projects funded through the Official Development Assistance (ODA) and implemented by the DPWH, DPWH-Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) and other government agencies.

Datumanong, in turn, designated DPWH Assistant Secretary Salvador Pleyto as program director of the PBPO. Rising from the ranks, Pleyto was head of Region 4 before assuming the post of assistant secretary.

As director, Pleyto who is also in charge of five regions in Luzon and the Visayas will plan, implement and oversee the operational details and administrative arrangements necessary for the effective and efficient implementation of the program, consistent with the principles of transparency and accountability.

He will also conduct a comprehensive review of all existing loan agreements and submit its recommendations to the DPWH secretary to maximize the utilization of the ODA funds.