THE Department of Public Works and Highways is now trying to attract a new breed of civil engineers to join the government. This sounds like good news. Public works need young minds and, above all, clean intentions. But as a mother of an engineer myself, I admit I feel both hope and fear.
My son is a civil engineer working at San Miguel Corporation. Like any mother who believes in public service, part of me wishes he would someday serve the government too, just as I do. But another part of me hesitates. I worry that once he enters an office like DPWH, still dominated by “old timers,” his ideas might be slowly shaped, or worse, swallowed by the old system. (My apologies to honest engineer friends in the agency).
Let’s be honest. For many years, DPWH has carried a bad reputation, worsened by the flood control exposures. So, when we say we want a “new generation” of engineers, we should also ask: Will the system allow them to truly change things? Or will they be forced to follow old habits just to survive?
In government offices, young employees are often taught to “respect seniors,” which is good. But sometimes, this also means keeping quiet or following questionable practices, even if what’s being done is clearly wrong. That is the danger. Instead of transforming the system, the system might transform them.
Still, change has to start somewhere. Giving young engineers a chance is a step in the right direction. But hiring alone is not enough. They need proper guidance and strong leaders who will support honesty and professionalism.
As a mother, I want my son to serve a country that protects–not crushes—its idealists. If DPWH truly wants reform, it must prove that clean, hardworking young engineers can grow without being forced to compromise their values.
If you were in my shoes, would you allow your son from San Miguel to work at DPWH?
God bless the Philippines.
