Beyond the Blueprint: Engr. Simon N. Arias and a Career Built on Steady Service

In the world of public service, where scrutiny is constant and pressure comes with every signature, longevity is not accidental. For Engr. Simon N. Arias, newly appointed Regional Director of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Central Visayas (Region VII), a decades-long career has been shaped by quiet consistency, technical discipline, and an ability to navigate some of the most demanding assignments in government.

His recent appointment places him at the helm of one of DPWH’s most critical regions, at a time when the agency is undergoing reforms aimed at strengthening accountability—particularly in flood control and infrastructure delivery. More than a promotion, the post reflects sustained institutional trust earned over years of service behind the scenes.

A Career Grounded in Results

Those familiar with Engr. Arias’ professional journey often point to his four-year stint as District Engineer of the Albay1st District Engineering Office as a defining chapter. During his tenure, the district consistently retained its status as a “Model DEO,” while also receiving top regional performance awards in Region V—recognition tied to project efficiency, compliance with standards, and timely delivery.

Across the Bicol Region, his portfolio includes infrastructure that directly touches daily life: flood mitigation and SIPAG projects designed to protect vulnerable communities, coastal defense structures such as the breakwater in Palnab, Virac, multi-storey public school buildings that expanded access to education, and upgraded road networks like the Salog-DamacanRoad that improved mobility and local economic flow.

These projects may not always make headlines, but they shape how communities move, learn, and stay safe.

Leadership in Complex Spaces

A career in public infrastructure rarely unfolds without challenges. Engr. Arias’ assignments placed him in districts where technical decisions intersected with political realities.

In Catanduanes, he served during a period of notable leadership turnover—five district engineers in four years—driven largely by intense political pressure surrounding procurement and contractor selection. The revolving-door leadership was widely seen as a structural issue rather than the result of individual administrative shortcomings.

Earlier, in 2017, his office in Albay became part of a public discussion after the Department of Environment and Natural Resources raised concerns over a proposed P7-billion MayonCircumferential Road, citing potential encroachment into the volcano’s Permanent Danger Zone. The situation underscored the delicate balance between development and environmental protection in disaster-prone areas.

In 2016, allegations related to bidding and project implementation surfaced during his stint in Camarines Norte. Engr. Arias firmly denied the claims, and no conviction or final adverse ruling was ever issued against him.

More recently, during a nationwide DPWH reshuffle in late 2025 linked to flood control reforms, Engr. Arias was reassigned along with other officials. Unlike some who faced suspension, he was later appointed to a higher leadership role—an outcome that quietly reaffirmed the department’s confidence in his professional standing.

Setting the Record Straight

As his profile rises with his new role in Central Visayas, DPWH officials and stakeholders have been clear on one point: Engr. Simon N. Arias should not be confused with Florendo Arias, a former DPWH assistant director convicted in a separate and unrelated “ghost repair” graft case. The similarity in names has led to occasional misinformation, but the two are entirely different individuals with no connection.

A Life of Public Service

For Engr. Arias, the story is less about controversy and more about continuity—showing up, managing complex systems, and delivering infrastructure in environments where pressure is constant and expectations are high.

As he steps into his new role in Central Visayas, his career reflects a familiar reality for long-serving public officials: progress measured not by noise, but by roads built, schools completed, communities protected, and the enduring trust of the institution he serves.