Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Vince Dizon and Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) Undersecretary for e-Government David Almirol Jr. have been named “People of the Year” by PeopleAsia, recognizing their leadership in governance reform.
Dizon was cited for advancing transparency and institutional reforms within the DPWH. Since assuming office, he has rolled out a Transparency Portal, ordered asset freezes against implicated personnel, dismissed erring officials, and initiated structural reforms to strengthen oversight of infrastructure projects.
“The President asked me to do three things. Hold those responsible to account wherever the evidence leads. Get the people’s money back. Reform the DPWH so that this never happens again,” Dizon said.
Almirol, meanwhile, was recognized for driving digital transformation initiatives at the DICT. He has focused on integrating public services into unified digital platforms to simplify transactions and make government services more accessible.
Presenting digital transformation as a core public service initiative, Almirol said the innovation in government systems is driven by a straightforward aim: to deliver services that are more efficient, convenient, and accessible to all Filipinos.
“The mandate was clear: to give Filipinos a government that is accessible. And President Ferdinand Marcos’ tagline expresses it succinctly: Walang pila, walang red tape, walang corruption (No lines. No red tape. No corruption),“ Almirol emphasized, underscoring the president’s direction.
“Why join a long queue when you can process papers from the comfort of your home? Why get stuck in traffic or file a leave to get a document? Why can’t government transactions be done while you’re having your morning coffee? Technology will make all these possible,” Almirol said. “Once processes are automated, everything will become simple. Government should not be complicated — it should help people, not make things harder for them.”
Under his leadership, the DICT advanced the eGovPH Super App and the digital National ID, initiatives he said were built internally by government teams to ensure cost efficiency.
“We didn’t get the services of a contractor for the eGovPH Super App. Same with the digital National ID—my staff made it. The government saved a lot,” Almirol said. “Now we can transact with the government in a single app. It’s a major shift.”
Also honored was Ramon S. Ang, chairman and CEO of San Miguel Corporation, who was named the magazine’s Lifetime Achievement Awardee for his contributions to nation building. Eduardo Jose Aliño, chairman and administrator of the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority, was likewise recognized for generating ₱6 billion worth of committed investments to the special economic zone last year.
Dizon described corruption within the agency as systemic and long embedded, alleging that certain officials, politicians, and contractors had worked together to divert public funds.
“It is a systemic problem that has been embedded in the agency for decades, and the immensity of this issue is unthinkable,” he said.
Veteran broadcast journalist Jessica Soho was cited for examining and presenting pressing national issues with compassion through her award-winning programs at GMA Network, even after 40 years in broadcasting, while music icon and “Concert King” Martin Nievera continues to perform for audiences after more than four decades in the industry.
Before entering public service, Almirol served as chief executive of Multisys Technologies Corp. He previously worked in Iraq in 2003 as an illegally recruited janitor, where he learned hard coding skills from American soldiers. After returning to the Philippines, he ventured into business but later lost his savings due to rapid expansion of his computer shop operations.
Also recognized were Nikki Tang, founder and CEO of DMark Beauty and DermAsia, for her work in science-based skincare and technology, and Dr. Hayden Kho Jr., co-chairman of Belo Medical Group, whose “The Scar Project” seeks to restore dignity and hope for beneficiaries. The list further included architect and designer Francis Libiran and Anna Cabrera of the Philippine Animal Welfare Society for her advocacy in animal welfare.