MANILA, Philippines — Atty. Nicasio “Nick” Conti has officially assumed his new role as Undersecretary for Planning of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), following his oath-taking before DPWH Secretary Vince Dizon.
Conti succeeds Maria Catalina Cabral, bringing with him a wealth of experience in law, economics, and public sector reform.
A distinguished lawyer and governance advocate, Atty. Conti is known for his longstanding commitment to transparency, anti-corruption initiatives, and evidence-based policymaking. He has held various key positions in government, including Commissioner of the Presidential Anti-Graft Commission (PAGC), Commissioner of the Presidential Commission on Good Government (PCGG), and Deputy Administrator for Planning at the Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA). He also served as Officer-in-Charge of MARINA and spokesperson for the Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) from 2012 to 2013.
An academic achiever from a young age, Conti graduated valedictorian of St. Theresa’s Academy in Bauan, Batangas, and later earned a degree in Economics, cum laude, from San Beda College. He also completed his law degree at San Beda and served as president of the Law Student Government in 2007. His further studies include a Postgraduate Diploma in Corruption Studies from the University of Hong Kong and a Chevening Fellowship in Public Sector Reform from the University of Bradford in the United Kingdom.
In 2004, he was named Outstanding Law Enforcer of the Year by the Volunteers Against Crime and Corruption (VACC) for his role in implementing the government’s lifestyle check program—a pioneering transparency initiative later cited by the World Bank.
Outside of government service, Conti is active in civic work. He founded BISYON 2020, a non-profit organization focused on anti-corruption education and governance reform, and authored the book “To Serve with Honor: A Primer Against Corruption.”
In 2024, he was conferred the Natatanging San Pascualeño Award, the highest honor given by his hometown for outstanding service to the community and the nation.
Conti’s appointment to the DPWH is expected to bolster the agency’s efforts in infrastructure planning and reform, aligning with the government’s broader push for good governance and efficient public service.| – TheMetroTimes.ph
