DPWH engineers can still hold bidding, award contracts

MANILA, Philippines — Public Works Secretary Vince Dizon has retained the powers of district engineers and regional directors to conduct public bidding and award infrastructure contracts, citing the need to decentralize procurement in order to hasten implementation of government projects.

In a July 1 department order, Dizon issued the new levels of authority of Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) officials for the procurement of civil works, goods, and consulting services, retaining the previous amount thresholds set by his predecessor Manuel Bonoan, which were flagged by the now-defunct Independent Commission for Infrastructure.

According to the comprehensive matrices outlined in the directive’s annexes, district engineers are allowed to certify availability of funds, approve budgets for contracts and sign contract agreements for civil works projects worth up to P150 million.