The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) on Wednesday urged newly graduated engineers from Mapúa University to join the agency as part of efforts to reform the department and fill thousands of vacant positions.

DPWH Secretary Vince Dizon made the appeal during the DPWH Campus Job Fair at Mapúa University, which drew around 300 student applicants.

“Now is the time to come in and be part of the solution to remove rotten eggs and replace it with good ones and that it you,” Dizon told the graduates.

Dizon said the recruitment drive is in line with the directive of Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to attract dynamic and idealistic young professionals to fill some 2,000 vacant positions in the DPWH.

“This is a golden opportunity for you, young engineers, to come in and be part of the solution. Because that’s what we need. We need more people to join us and try to solve all these problems. Ang dami-daming problema,” Dizon said.

“But we need you. We need to remove the rotten eggs and we need to bring in dynamic fresh blood,” he added.

The DPWH chief said he was encouraged by the strong turnout at the job fair, noting the enthusiasm of fresh graduates to take part in reforming the agency.

He also sought to allay concerns among applicants who may be hesitant to enter government service, saying the current situation presents an opportunity to make meaningful changes.

“If you don’t come in, Maharlika will not be fix, bridges for years have been in sorry condition. So I call on you, joins us and be the fresh blood lf the agency,” Dizon said.