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| L-R: PeopleAsia Director Sara Soliven De Guzman; PeopleAsia People Of The Year 2026 awardees Fr. Flavie Villanueva SVD, Francis Libiran, Cecile L. Ang (Ramon S. Ang), Jessica Soho, Martin Nievera, Sheila Romero; PeopleAsia Founding Editor-In-Chief Joanne Rae Ramirez; PeopleAsia People Of The Year 2026 awardees Dr. Hayden Kho Jr., SBMA Chairman Eduardo Jose Aliño, Nikki Tang, DICT Undersecretary David Almirol and Atty. Anna Cabrera; PeopleAsia Editor-In-Chief Jose Paolo S. dela Cruz (Image Source: Manila Standard/PeopleAsia) |
Two key national government reformers have been named among “People Of The Year” 2026 awardees by PeopleAsia, underscoring a broader push for accountability and digital transformation in the public sector. Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Vince Dizon was recognized for institutional reforms aimed at restoring integrity in one of the country’s largest implementing agencies while Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) Undersecretary for e-Government David Almirol Jr. was cited for accelerating digital reforms designed to make government services faster, simpler, and more accessible.
Since assuming office, DPWH Secretary Dizon has prioritized transparency, launching a public Transparency Portal, ordering asset freezes against implicated personnel, dismissing erring officials, and introducing 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,” said Dizon, describing corruption within the agency as systemic and deeply embedded, stressing that reform requires confronting long-standing practices and reinforcing internal controls. Framing digital transformation as a matter of public service, DICT Undersecretary Almirol said the push to innovate government systems is rooted in a simple goal: make services easier, faster, and more accessible for every Filipino. Underscoring the direction of Philippine President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr., Almirol emphasized, “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.). 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. 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, integrating services into unified digital platforms. Almirol emphasized that both initiatives were developed internally by government teams, resulting in significant savings. “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. Now we can transact with the government in a single app. It’s a major shift,” said Almirol.
Before entering public service, Almirol served as chief executive of Multisys Technologies Corporation. His early career included working 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. He recalled, “My biggest mistake was that I overexpanded. I had seven computer shop branches in Isabela and nearby provinces. I spent all my savings from Iraq and lost money. It was the most painful experience,” noting that the setback shaped his focus on efficiency and fiscal discipline in government projects. Also honored was San Miguel Corporation Chairman and CEO Ramon S. Ang who received the magazine’s Lifetime Achievement Award for his contributions to nation building. Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) Chairman and Administrator Eduardo Jose Aliño was recognized for generating ₱6B (6 billion pesos) in committed investments for the economic zone. Veteran broadcast journalist Jessica Soho of GMA Network and music icon Martin Nievera were likewise cited for their lasting contributions to media and entertainment. Entrepreneur Nikki Tang, Dr. Hayden Kho Jr. of Belo Medical Group, designer Francis Libiran, and Anna Cabrera of the Philippine Animal Welfare Society were also recognized for leadership in business, design, and advocacy.
The recognition of DPWH Secretary Vince Dizon and DICT Undersecretary David Almirol Jr. as PeopleAsia's People Of The Year 2026 highlights how government reform today is being driven on two fronts: enforcing accountability within institutions and leveraging technology to modernize public service delivery.
