The recent move by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) to hire “a new breed of civil engineers” should give hope to Filipinos, especially to those of us who want our children to serve the country but worry about enduring outdated practices.

Secretary Vince Dizon has revived the agency’s Cadet Engineering Program, ordering the filling of roughly 1,993 vacant engineer positions nationwide. Priority, he said, will go to deserving job-order employees and newly licensed civil engineers. 

As a mother of an engineer working at San Miguel Corporation, I understand why many young professionals hesitate to join a bureaucracy steeped in “old-school” ways. There is fear that fresh energy and ideals will only be diluted by institutional culture— that, over time, “how things have always been done” will win over unyielding integrity. And sadly, this fear is not unfounded. Critics have pointed out how long-time DPWH engineers allegedly amassed ill-gotten wealth and perpetuated kickback schemes.

Yet, for the new generation to truly bring change, the infusion of fresh faces must be paired with vigorous reforms in accountability and transparency. The Cadet Engineering Program can do more than provide fresh, idealistic engineers. If carefully implemented, it can help cultivate a culture that values professionalism in public service and ethical standards over patronage. 

If I were advising my son, I would tell him: yes, public service is worthwhile. But with the DPWH, I will have continuing hesitation, with due respect to my honest engineer-friends in the agency. Only if we hold this “new breed” of engineers to high standards can we ensure that they are supported and mentored, and old ways are decisively uprooted. 

It’s time for the Philippines to give meritocracy a real chance not only by recruiting newly- licensed engineers but by committing to systemic reform.  I wish Secretary Vince Dizon success in the Cadet Engineering Program.