SOUTHERN Leyte First District Congressman Roger “Oging” Mercado has been formally sworn in as the new secretary of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), following the resignation of then-secretary Mark Villar who is joining the senatorial race in the May 2022 elections.
Mercado, who hails from Maasin City, took his oath before Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea at the Malacañang Palace on Wednesday, October 13, 2021, after being appointed by President Rodrigo Duterte.
“Thank you, Mr. President, for the trust and confidence given to my father,” said Maasin City Mayor Nacional Mercado.
The mayor also thanked the assistance of Senator Christopher Lawrence "Bong" Go.
Mercado, 70, will be filling the shoes of Villar in the implementation of the national government’s “Build, Build, Build” program.
In the 18th Congress, Mercado served as Vice-chairperson of the House Committee on Public Works and Highways and deputy majority leader (Rules).
He principally authored 67 House bills and co-authored 26 House bills.
Mercado is a member of the Committees on Flagship Programs and Projects, Trade and Industry, Agriculture and Food, Natural Resources, Persons with Disabilities, Energy, Public Order and Safety, and Tourism.
He previously served in the 8th, 9th, 10th, 13th, 14th, 15th, and 17th House of Congress.
Mercado is the brother of incumbent Southern Leyte Governor Damian Mercado. (SunStar Philippines)