08/09/2025
Engr. Michael P. Rosaria and the Flood Control Controversy: A Closer Look at Quezon’s 3rd District
By : Russel D. Palmaria, MM, MBA With support from UPLIFT Youth Network Group
In the quiet but flood-prone towns of Quezon’s 3rd District, infrastructure is more than concrete—it’s a lifeline. For years, the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) has poured billions into flood control projects meant to protect lives and livelihoods. At the helm of these efforts is Engr. Michael P. Rosaria, Officer-in-Charge District Engineer of the DPWH Quezon 3rd District Engineering Office, based in Catanauan.
Rosaria was appointed on June 21, 2021, through DPWH Special Order No. 153, series of 2021, and has since overseen over ₱1 billion worth of flood control projects across San Narciso, San Andres, Catanauan, San Francisco, Mulanay, and Buenavista. These include riverbank protections, drainage upgrades, embankments, and slope stabilizations—many of which were implemented by contractors based in Quezon Province.
But in September 2025, Rosaria’s name surfaced in the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee hearings on alleged corruption in flood control projects. Contractor Pacifico “Curlee” Discaya, in a sworn affidavit, described a system where DPWH officials and lawmakers allegedly demanded 10% to 25% commissions in exchange for project continuity. Among those named were Engr. Rosaria and Congressman Reynante Arrogancia, the elected representative of Quezon’s 3rd District2.
Discaya’s testimony was damning. He claimed that refusal to pay would result in “mutual termination” or fabricated right-of-way issues—deliberate sabotage of awarded projects. Rosaria was allegedly one of the district engineers who acted as intermediaries. Congressman Arrogancia, meanwhile, was named as one of the lawmakers whose office allegedly facilitated project endorsements in exchange for kickbacks.
In response, Congressman Arrogancia released a public statement via his verified page, denying all allegations. He called the claims “baseless and politically motivated,” asserting that his office has always operated within the bounds of transparency and legal process. He welcomed any formal investigation and expressed confidence that his name would be cleared.
As a civic journalist and advocate, I believe this moment demands more than denial—it demands documentation. The people of Quezon’s 3rd District deserve clarity. Were these projects implemented properly? Were public funds protected? Were local contractors empowered—or coerced?
With the help of the UPLIFT Youth Network Group, we compiled a verified list of flood control projects under Engr. Rosaria’s watch. These include:
Busokbusokan River Revetment Wall in San Narciso – ₱96.5M, St. Timothy Construction Corporation, Lucena
Drainage Upgrade in San Andres – ₱84.3M, J.S. Valdez Construction, Tayabas
Riverbank Protection in Catanauan – ₱112.75M, Greenline Builders, San Pablo
Flood Wall & Culvert System in San Francisco – ₱78.9M, Triple M Construction, Lucena
Erosion Control in Mulanay – ₱91.2M, MDC Prime Engineering, Quezon City
Slope Stabilization in Buenavista – ₱105.6M, E.M. Cuerpo Inc., Mandaluyong
Flood D**e & Spillway in San Narciso – ₱89.4M, R.G. Gutierrez Construction, Sariaya
River Training Works in San Andres – ₱94.8M, Jardine Construction, Lucban
Riprap Structure in Catanauan – ₱102.3M, Northlink Builders, Pasig
Piris River Revetment in Buenavista – ₱74M, J.R.C. Construction, Lopez
Catanauan River Embankment Extension – ₱74.2M, M.L.G. Builders, Quezon
These projects total ₱1,083,950,000, with seven contractors based in Quezon Province, affirming strong local participation. However, the Discaya revelations cast a shadow over how these contracts were awarded and executed. The Senate hearings have prompted a nationwide audit, and Quezon’s 3rd District is not exempt.
As the investigation unfolds, we urge the DPWH, the Office of the Ombudsman, and the Commission on Audit to release full documentation—NTPs, bidding records, completion reports, and correspondence between district engineers and congressional offices. Transparency is not optional. It is the foundation of public trust.
This is not just a story about names and numbers. It is a story about accountability. About whether public service in Quezon’s 3rd District is driven by duty—or by deals.
References:
Discaya tags lawmakers, DPWH execs in flood control mess – Inquirer
Discaya couple names gov’t execs allegedly linked to flood control projects – MSN
Discayas’ affidavit on flood control commissions – Rappler
DPWH Official Website – Quezon 3rd District Engineering Office
[Isumbong Mo Sa Pangulo – Public Disclosures on Flood Control Projects (2025)]
[Congressman Reynante Arrogancia’s official statement – Facebook, September 2025