World · Philippines Bureau
DPWH removes Las Piñas-Muntinlupa maintenance chief over disaster response delays
The Department of Public Works and Highways has relieved its maintenance chief in the Las Piñas-Muntinlupa district following complaints of sluggish calamity response. The action comes as the agency seeks to improve disaster preparedness and infrastructure management in the southern Metro Manila area.
LSN Philippines ·
Engineer Loreto Balena Jr. has been removed from his position as maintenance chief of the DPWH Las Piñas-Muntinlupa District Engineering Office, according to a memorandum issued by Public Works Secretary Vince Dizon on August 29.
The dismissal follows reports highlighting delayed response times to calamities and other operational shortcomings at the regional office. The maintenance chief's unit is responsible for infrastructure upkeep and emergency response coordination across the two municipalities.
The DPWH action reflects growing pressure on infrastructure agencies to strengthen disaster management capabilities amid the Philippines' recurring exposure to typhoons and flooding. Efficient maintenance operations and rapid calamity response are critical components of the department's mandate to protect public safety and maintain essential roadways.
No immediate announcement has been made regarding Balena's replacement or specific measures the agency plans to implement to address the identified service gaps. The Las Piñas-Muntinlupa office continues its regular operations under revised leadership.