Former Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Gregorio Ramos Vigilar has passed away, the agenc announced on Friday.
In a statement, the DPWH said Vigilar has "undoubtedly served the country with the highest standards of professionalism and integrity. "
Born on August 12, 1928 in La Paz, Iloilo City, he was appointed as DPWH Secretary by then President Fidel Valdez Ramos on July 1, 1993 and extended by former President Joseph Estrada up to January 20, 2001.
"He was a key figure during the administration of President Ramos as DPWH Secretary wherein the first stage of Skyway project, the first elevated toll road in the Philippines, was started as a solution to the heavy traffic in Metro Manila and inaugurated on December 1998 under the administration of President Estrada," the department said.
He had been also instrumental in the urgent reconstruction/rehabilitation works in the aftermath of the 1991 eruption of Mount Pinatubo in Central Luzon in order to prevent further destruction of life and property, it added.
Vigilar led the construction of major infrastructure projects such as the Southern Tagalog Arterial Road commonly known as the STAR Tollway; Tagaytay - Santa Rosa Road connecting Tagaytay City, Cavite and Santa Rosa City, Laguna; first phase of President Carlos P. Garcia Avenue or C-5 Road; Naguilian Bridge, La Union; Bamban Bridge, Tarlac; Marcelo Fernan Bridge, Cebu; Santa Maria Centennial Bridge, Ilocos Sur; and among others
