Henry Alcantara Biography: From DPWH Laborer to Controversial District Engineer

Discover Henry Alcantara’s journey from humble DPWH laborer to District Engineer, his 30-year career rise, and the flood control controversy that led to his dismissal and legal battles.

Henry C. Alcantara is a Filipino civil engineer and government official whose career trajectory from humble beginnings to high-ranking positions in the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) represents both the possibilities and pitfalls of public service in the Philippines. Born and raised in Bocaue, Bulacan, Alcantara’s story is one of perseverance, ambition, and ultimately, controversy that has made him a central figure in one of the country’s most significant corruption scandals.

He worked in the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), where he rose from the ranks starting in 1994 until he held leadership roles at the district and regional level. His professional journey spans over three decades, during which he climbed from casual employment as a Laborer I to becoming District Engineer of Bulacan’s First District Engineering Office in 2019, and later, Assistant Regional Director for DPWH Region IV-A.

What makes Henry Alcantara’s story particularly compelling is how it exemplifies both the meritocratic potential and systemic vulnerabilities of Philippine government service. Starting as a job order employee with the humble designation of Laborer I, he gradually moved up through different technical and administrative positions, demonstrating that hard work and persistence can lead to significant career advancement in the public sector.

However, his career took a dramatic turn when he was identified as the primary individual and main suspect who certified the ghost project in Piel, Baliwag, Bulacan. This controversy thrust him into the national spotlight and made him the central figure in Senate and House investigations into alleged corruption within government flood control projects worth millions of pesos.

His story serves as both inspiration for government workers seeking advancement and a cautionary tale about the importance of integrity in public service, where every decision can impact not only infrastructure development but also public trust and community safety in flood-prone areas.

Early Life & Background: Humble Beginnings in Bulacan

Birth and Childhood in Bocaue

Henry C. Alcantara was hailed in Bocaue, Bulacan, a municipality known for its rich cultural heritage and strategic location in Central Luzon. Growing up in this bustling town provided him with firsthand experience of the infrastructure challenges that would later define his professional career, particularly the flooding issues that have historically plagued the region.

His early life reflects the story of many Filipinos who rise from modest beginnings to pursue careers in government service. His hometown pride and familiarity with Bulacan’s challenges made him a relatable figure to locals, which likely helped him build trust early in his career and gave him genuine understanding of the infrastructure needs of his community.

However, his intimate knowledge of Bulacan’s problems also set high expectations for him to deliver solutions to the very issues he grew up witnessing, such as persistent flooding and inadequate infrastructure that affected the daily lives of residents in his home province.

Cultural and Community Influences

Growing up in Bocaue during the 1970s and 1980s, young Henry witnessed the rapid development of Central Luzon while also experiencing the challenges of inadequate infrastructure that plagued many Filipino communities. This background gave him practical insight into how infrastructure projects could transform communities and improve quality of life.

His connection to Bulacan would prove significant throughout his career, as he eventually returned to serve the very communities where he was raised. This local connection was both an asset, providing him with community trust and understanding of local needs, and potentially a vulnerability, as personal relationships might have influenced his professional decisions.

Educational Journey: Building Technical Expertise

University of Santo Tomas Engineering Education

He studied civil engineering at the University of Santo Tomas, where he earned his degree before joining public service. Education was a cornerstone of Henry Alcantara’s success, as he earned his civil engineering degree from the University of Santo Tomas (UST), one of the Philippines’ oldest and most prestigious institutions, renowned for its engineering programs.

At UST, he gained expertise in designing and managing infrastructure projects, including roads, bridges, and drainage systems—skills essential for a career in the DPWH. His education provided him with the technical foundation needed to address Bulacan’s infrastructure challenges, particularly in flood mitigation and water management systems.

The importance of education in Henry Alcantara’s career cannot be overstated. His degree from UST provided credibility and opened doors to government opportunities while giving him the technical foundation to address complex engineering challenges that would define his later career in infrastructure development.

Technical Skills Development

His engineering education equipped him with knowledge of construction standards, project management, quality control, and regulatory compliance—all crucial skills for overseeing the multi-million peso infrastructure projects that would later come under scrutiny during his tenure as District Engineer.

The comprehensive engineering curriculum at UST also provided him with understanding of ethical engineering practices and professional responsibility, knowledge that would become particularly relevant during the later controversies surrounding his project certifications and approvals.

Career Journey: Three Decades of Public Service

Humble Beginnings in DPWH (1994-2000s)

Alcantara began his career in the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) in 1994, starting as a casual employee with extremely modest beginnings. He started as a casual employee and gradually moved up through different technical and administrative positions, demonstrating remarkable persistence in climbing the bureaucratic ladder.

“Nagsimula po ako job order, ang item ko po ay laborer 1, naging laborer 2, naging engineer 1, every six months po because I was a casual employee at that time,” he explained during congressional hearings, highlighting his determination to remain within the agency despite the lack of employment stability.

His first appointment was as a Laborer I, later promoted to Laborer II, before advancing to Engineer I. He revealed during congressional hearings that he experienced frequent six-month changes in his employment status during his early years, demonstrating his persistence despite difficult and uncertain employment conditions.

Career Advancement and Professional Growth

This humble start became an important narrative in Alcantara’s career—showing how he worked his way up despite difficult beginnings and proving that dedicated government employees could advance through merit and persistence. His early experiences as a casual worker gave him practical understanding of field operations and construction processes.

Over time, through consistent effort and dedication, he climbed the ladder to become Engineer I, and eventually held key leadership roles within the agency. His career trajectory demonstrated the value of hard work in public service and provided inspiration for other government employees seeking advancement.

Rise to Leadership Positions (2019-2025)

Alcantara officially entered the higher ranks of DPWH in 2019, during the administration of President Rodrigo Duterte, when he was appointed District Engineer of Bulacan’s First District Engineering Office. In 2019, he was appointed as the District Engineer of the DPWH Bulacan First District Engineering Office by then-DPWH Secretary Mark Villar.

In this role, Alcantara oversaw public works and infrastructure projects across several municipalities, including Malolos, Calumpit, Baliwag, and Hagonoy. His most notable appointment came when he was named District Engineer of Bulacan’s First District Engineering Office, where he oversaw infrastructure projects across 13 municipalities, including flood-prone areas.

Later, Alcantara also served as Assistant Regional Director and Officer-in-Charge (OIC) of DPWH Region IV-A, helping manage projects across the region. Before he was relieved from his post, Alcantara was promoted to officer-in-charge in the DPWH Region 4’s Office of the Assistant Regional Director in June 2025.

The Flood Control Controversy: Career-Defining Scandal

The Ghost Projects Investigation

In 2025, the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee investigated reports of flood control projects in Bulacan that were described as “ghost projects,” or projects that were funded but allegedly not completed, or projects that were funded but never actually constructed. Alcantara, who was then the district engineer, was asked about these projects during hearings that captured national attention.

He was a central figure in the flood control projects controversy in August 2025, identified as the primary individual and main suspect who certified the ghost project in Piel, Baliwag, Bulacan. The controversy centered around a P55-million reinforced concrete river wall project in Barangay Piel, Baliwag, that was allegedly certified as complete despite not existing.

Alcantara is the district engineer who approved several flood control projects in his area, including a P55-million reinforced concrete river wall in Barangay Piel, Baliuag, Bulacan, awarded to SYMS Construction Trading. Under Alcantara’s helm, this project was implemented by Syms Construction Trading and later found to be a ghost project.

Congressional Testimony and Admissions

During the hearings, Alcantara admitted that he had received luxury vehicles and a watch from some of his subordinates. He explained that the items were later returned, but lawmakers questioned why such gifts were given in the first place, raising concerns about potential corruption and conflicts of interest.

Alcantara on Tuesday also admitted that he certified the P55-million flood control project in Baliwag as completed even though he knew that it was a non-existent one. This admission was particularly damaging as it showed deliberate falsification of official documents and certification of non-existent infrastructure.

The former DPWH official also signed two more contracts for two other questioned flood control projects in Bulacan—one with Sarah Discaya’s St. Timothy Construction Corporation, and one with Wawao Builders, indicating a pattern of problematic project approvals and certifications.

Legal Consequences and Investigations

The Department of Public Works and Highways also filed administrative cases against Alcantara, finding him guilty of certain irregularities in project implementation. In September 2025, he was found guilty of grave misconduct over Bulacan Flood Control mess, resulting in his dismissal from government service.

He later declined to sign waivers for his bank and phone records when requested by senators, saying he wanted to consult his lawyers before taking further steps. This refusal to cooperate with the investigation raised additional suspicions about his involvement in the alleged corruption.

The House Infrastructure Committee said Alcantara will be held accountable for the anomalous projects, with lawmakers indicating that the maximum criminal charge that could be filed would be a plunder case, given that the project amount exceeded the P50-million threshold for plunder charges.

Career Timeline & Major Milestones

Year	Milestone	Significance
1970s	Born in Bocaue, Bulacan	Early life foundation
1990s	UST Civil Engineering graduation	Educational achievement
1994	Started as DPWH Laborer I	Career beginning
1994-2000s	Promotion to Laborer II, Engineer I	Gradual advancement
2000s-2010s	Various technical positions	Professional development
2019	District Engineer appointment	Major career milestone
2019-2025	Oversaw 13 municipalities	Leadership responsibility
June 2025	Assistant Regional Director OIC	Career peak
August 2025	Ghost projects investigation begins	Controversy emergence
September 2025	Found guilty of grave misconduct	Career downfall
September 2025	Dismissed from government service	Professional end

Key Takeaways from Alcantara’s Career Journey

Merit-Based Advancement Potential

Alcantara’s rise from Laborer I to District Engineer demonstrates that the Philippine civil service system can reward merit and persistence, showing opportunities for career advancement even from the most humble beginnings.

Institutional Knowledge Value

His 30-year career provided him with extensive institutional knowledge and understanding of DPWH operations, making him valuable for managing complex infrastructure projects across multiple municipalities.

Corruption Vulnerability

His case illustrates how long-tenured officials with significant authority over project approvals can become vulnerable to corruption, especially when oversight mechanisms are insufficient.

Accountability Importance

His downfall demonstrates that even high-ranking officials with decades of service can face serious consequences when they violate public trust and engage in corrupt practices.

Personal Life: Family and Private Affairs

Marriage and Family Background

As of now, there is no publicly available information confirming the identity or background of Henry Alcantara’s wife. Despite his rising profile in the Philippines—especially due to his role as a former District Engineer and recent involvement in high-profile investigations—details about his personal life, including his marital status, remain largely undisclosed.

Family life is important for Henry Alcantara, although he keeps many personal details private. Reports suggest that he belongs to a supportive family background, though he does not share much about his spouse in public. People close to him say that she has been a key supporter of his career and reportedly stood by him during his long years of service in the DPWH.

Privacy and Public Scrutiny

This absence of information could be intentional, as public officials often choose to keep their families out of the spotlight, especially when facing scrutiny. Alcantara himself has been the subject of intense public and legislative attention, making family privacy particularly important during the corruption investigations.

Despite his recent prominence due to investigations into alleged ghost flood control projects, personal details such as his family background and private life remain largely undisclosed. This lack of transparency is not uncommon among public officials, especially those under scrutiny, as it helps shield their families from public intrusion.

Daughter’s Lifestyle Controversy

Family scrutiny arose when his daughter Demy Alcantara’s lavish lifestyle in Japan, Singapore, and Dubai raised questions about family wealth. The public exposure of his family’s expensive lifestyle abroad generated additional scrutiny about the source of funds that enabled such expenditures on a government official’s salary.

Alcantara’s career trajectory, from a job order employee to Assistant Regional Director of DPWH Region IV-A, demonstrates his perseverance. Yet, his dismissal, combined with public scrutiny of his family’s lavish lifestyle, has placed him at the centre of national debates on government corruption and accountability.

Financial Profile and Assets

Government Salary vs. Lifestyle

His net worth is estimated at around $30,000 USD, based on typical government official salaries and disclosed assets. However, questions have been raised about how his government salary could support his family’s reportedly expensive lifestyle, including international travel and luxury purchases.

The contrast between his official government salary and his family’s lifestyle has become a focal point in corruption investigations, with lawmakers questioning whether additional income sources may have been derived from irregular activities related to his official duties.

Asset Investigation and Scrutiny

During Senate hearings, photos were presented showing Alcantara with what appeared to be large amounts of cash, though he gave evasive answers when questioned about these images. “Baka nga po, your honor (Maybe it’s me, your honor),” he responded when confronted with photographic evidence.

His subordinates testified that for every ghost project, 40% of the profit went to Alcantara, while other engineers received 20% each. These allegations, if proven, would explain the discrepancy between his official salary and his family’s lifestyle, though Alcantara has denied these accusations.

Legal Battles and Current Status

Criminal and Administrative Cases

Former Bulacan 1st district engineer Henry Alcantara, who was involved in the implementation of several anomalous flood control projects, may soon face plunder and other charges. The maximum criminal charge that could be filed against him is plunder, given that the ghost project amount of P55 million exceeds the P50-million threshold.

In September 2025, he was found guilty of grave misconduct over Bulacan Flood Control mess, resulting in his immediate dismissal from government service. The Department of Public Works and Highways filed administrative cases against him and found him guilty of various irregularities in project implementation.

Senate and House Investigations

At the blue ribbon committee hearing on September 18, 2025, Alcantara was cited for contempt and ordered detained at the Senate for his evasive answers and apparent lack of cooperation with the investigation. His denial and apparent attempts to appear unaware of the anomalous projects led investigators to suspect he was concealing information.

Less than 24 hours after the Senate hearing, he faced another probe at the House of Representatives, showing the intensity of legislative scrutiny surrounding his case and the determination of both chambers of Congress to get to the truth about the flood control corruption.

Impact and Legacy: Lessons for Public Service

DPWH Reforms and Accountability

His legacy is twofold: it prompted reforms in the DPWH, such as stricter project monitoring and contractor accountability, but it also serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of corruption in infrastructure projects that directly affect community safety and welfare.

The case highlights the critical role of honesty in public service and demonstrates how corruption in infrastructure projects directly harms communities, especially in flood-prone areas like Bulacan, where reliable flood control systems are literally a matter of survival for residents.

Public Trust and Transparency

The scandal has emphasized the importance of transparency, oversight, and accountability in government infrastructure projects. It has shown citizens the need to remain vigilant, report irregularities, and demand transparency from officials managing public funds and projects.

His case has become a reference point for discussions about corruption in the Philippines and the need for stronger oversight mechanisms in government agencies handling large infrastructure budgets and projects that affect public safety.

Conclusion: A Career Defined by Rise and Downfall

Henry Alcantara’s biography is a complex narrative of ambition, achievement, and controversy that encapsulates both the potential and pitfalls of a career in Philippine public service. From his humble beginnings in Bocaue to his leadership in DPWH projects, his career was initially marked by significant contributions to Bulacan’s infrastructure development and served as an inspiring example of merit-based advancement.

However, the flood control scandal and subsequent investigations revealed serious lapses in judgment and integrity that overshadowed his previous achievements. His admission to certifying non-existent projects and the evidence of potentially corrupt practices transformed him from a success story into a cautionary tale about the consequences of betraying public trust.

The case demonstrates how personal and professional choices intersect to shape both individual legacies and broader public confidence in government institutions. His story encourages citizens to remain vigilant about government accountability while reminding public officials of their responsibility to maintain integrity regardless of their career achievements.

Whether viewed as a victim of systemic corruption or an active participant in fraudulent schemes, Henry Alcantara’s story serves as a reminder that public service carries both opportunities for positive impact and serious responsibilities that, when violated, can destroy decades of professional achievement and public trust.

As investigations continue and legal proceedings unfold, his case will likely remain a significant reference point for discussions about corruption, accountability, and reform in Philippine government service, particularly in agencies responsible for critical infrastructure that affects public safety and welfare.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is Henry Alcantara’s educational background?

University Education

Henry Alcantara studied civil engineering at the University of Santo Tomas, where he earned his degree before joining public service. UST is one of the Philippines’ oldest and most prestigious institutions, renowned for its engineering programs.

Technical Expertise

At UST, he gained expertise in designing and managing infrastructure projects, including roads, bridges, and drainage systems—skills essential for a career in the DPWH and crucial for his later role overseeing flood control projects.

Professional Foundation

His degree from UST provided credibility and opened doors to government opportunities while giving him the technical foundation to address Bulacan’s infrastructure needs, particularly in flood mitigation and water management systems.

2. How did Henry Alcantara rise through the DPWH ranks?

Humble Career Beginning

Alcantara began his career in the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) in 1994, starting as a casual employee. “I started as a job order, my position was Laborer I, then I became Laborer II, then Engineer I, every six months because I was a casual employee at that time.”

Gradual Advancement

He started as a casual employee and gradually moved up through different technical and administrative positions over three decades, demonstrating persistence and dedication despite employment uncertainty in his early years.

Leadership Positions

By 2019, he was appointed District Engineer of Bulacan’s First District Engineering Office by then-DPWH Secretary Mark Villar, and later became Assistant Regional Director and Officer-in-Charge of DPWH Region IV-A.

3. What was the ghost projects controversy about?

Flood Control Scandal

In 2025, the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee investigated reports of flood control projects in Bulacan that were described as “ghost projects”—projects that were funded but allegedly not completed or never actually constructed.

P55-Million Project

Alcantara was identified as the primary individual who certified the ghost project in Piel, Baliwag, Bulacan—a P55-million reinforced concrete river wall project awarded to SYMS Construction Trading that was allegedly certified as complete despite not existing.

Admission of Guilt

Alcantara admitted that he certified the P55-million flood control project in Baliwag as completed even though he knew that it was a non-existent one, leading to serious legal and administrative consequences.

4. What were the consequences of the corruption allegations?

Administrative Punishment

In September 2025, he was found guilty of grave misconduct over Bulacan Flood Control mess, resulting in his dismissal from government service after a 30-year career.

Criminal Charges

Former Bulacan 1st district engineer Henry Alcantara may soon face plunder and other charges, with the maximum criminal charge being plunder since the project amount of P55 million exceeds the P50-million threshold.

Congressional Detention

At the blue ribbon committee hearing on September 18, 2025, Alcantara was cited for contempt and ordered detained at the Senate for his evasive answers and lack of cooperation with the investigation.

5. What positions did Henry Alcantara hold in DPWH?

District Engineer Role

In 2019, he was appointed District Engineer of the DPWH Bulacan First District Engineering Office, where he oversaw infrastructure projects across 13 municipalities, including flood-prone areas like Malolos, Calumpit, Baliwag, and Hagonoy.

Regional Leadership

Later, Alcantara also served as Assistant Regional Director and Officer-in-Charge (OIC) of DPWH Region IV-A, helping manage projects across the region before his dismissal.

Career Progression

His positions included Laborer I, Laborer II, Engineer I, various technical roles, District Engineer, and finally Assistant Regional Director OIC, representing a complete career progression through DPWH ranks.

6. What is Henry Alcantara’s current legal status?

Government Dismissal

He was dismissed from government service in September 2025 after being found guilty of grave misconduct, ending his 30-year career in the Department of Public Works and Highways.

Ongoing Investigations

He continues to face investigations by both the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee and House of Representatives regarding his role in certifying ghost flood control projects worth millions of pesos.

Potential Criminal Charges

Henry Alcantara may soon face plunder and other criminal charges related to his involvement in the anomalous flood control projects, with prosecutors indicating that the evidence supports serious criminal prosecution.