DPWH-7 welcomes its new regional director

CEBU CITY—The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH)-Region VII has a new regional director, Engr. Simon Arias, whose appointment was made public by Public Works Secretary Vince Dizon on January 22, 2026 as part of the major shake up in 12 of the 17 regional district offices of the DPWH.

He replaced Danilo Villa, who was named as one of the DPWH regional directors undergoing a lifestyle check.  Arias is a former Catanduanes DEO District Engineer and a seasoned career official that continues to earn the confidence of national leadership as he assumes the post of Regional Director for DPWH Central Visayas (Region VII), marking a significant milestone in his decades-long public service career.

Engr. Arias’ appointment comes amid a broader government effort to strengthen accountability and performance within the DPWH, particularly following a nationwide reshuffling linked to flood control projects. His elevation to one of the department’s key regional leadership roles underscores institutional trust in his technical competence, administrative experience, and capacity to deliver results under pressure.

Arias is widely recognized for his tenure as District Engineer of the Albay 1st District Engineering Office, where he served for four years and maintained the district’s standing as a “Model DEO.” Under his leadership, the office received top performance awards at the regional level (Region V), reflecting effective project management, timely implementation, and adherence to standards.

Throughout his career, Arias has overseen the completion of numerous major infrastructure projects across the Bicol Region, including; Flood Mitigation and SIPAG Projects, such as the breakwater construction in Palnab, Virac, aimed at strengthening coastal protection; Educational Infrastructure, including multi-storey school buildings like the Capitolina O. Legaspi Memorial High School in Masbate, supporting access to quality education; and Road Network Improvements, notably the upgrading of key thoroughfares such as the Salog-Damacan Road in Albay, improving mobility and local economic activity.

During his assignment in Catanduanes, he served amid a period marked by leadership instability, where five district engineers rotated in just four years.  Reports at the time pointed to intense political pressure surrounding procurement processes and contractor preferences—conditions that contributed to frequent leadership changes rather than individual administrative failure.

In 2017, his office in Albay was also drawn into public scrutiny following concerns raised by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) over a proposed P7-billion Mayon Circumferential Road project that allegedly encroached on the volcano’s Permanent Danger Zone. The issue highlighted the complex balance between infrastructure development and environmental protection in hazard-prone areas.

Earlier in 2016, Arias was reportedly relieved from a post in Camarines Norte following allegations related to bidding and project implementation. He categorically denied the accusations, and no conviction or final adverse ruling was established against him.

In late 2025, he was among officials affected by a nationwide DPWH reshuffle tied to flood control reforms. Notably, while others faced suspension, Arias was later appointed to a higher leadership position, reinforcing the department’s assessment of his professional standing.

As Engr. Arias takes on his new role in Central Visayas, his career reflects the realities faced by long-serving public officials, marked by measurable accomplishments, challenging assignments, and continued trust from the institution he serves.

Clarification on Identity

The DPWH and concerned stakeholders emphasize that Engr. Simon N. Arias is not the same person as Florendo Arias, a former DPWH assistant director who was convicted in a separate and unrelated “ghost repair” graft case. Any attempt to associate Engr. Simon N. Arias with that case is factually incorrect and misleading.

Recently, Engr. Simon Arias with his team paid a courtesy call to Cebu City Mayor Nestor Archival where they discuss concerns, updates, and shared responsibilities in improving public works for Cebu City.

According to Archival, the discussion covered the status of ongoing projects, planned developments, and practical ways to strengthen coordination between DPWH and the city, particularly in road works and other key infrastructure. (Photos: DPWH7/Cebu City PIO-FB)