Who is ex-DPWH Undersecretary Catalina "Cathy" Cabral? | PEP.ph

Ex‑DPWH Usec Catalina Cabral Passes Away: Life, Career, and Tragic Incident in Benguet

Veteran civil engineer and former DPWH Undersecretary Catalina “Cathy” Cabral experiences a tragic d34th in a sudden accident along Kennon Road.

December 20, 2025

Introduction

The Philippine government and engineering communities mourn the d34th of Maria Catalina “Cathy” Cabral, former Undersecretary of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH). Cabral, recognized for her decades-long service in infrastructure planning and public administration, tragically experienced a sudden d34th after an incident along Kennon Road, Benguet, in December 2025.

Cabral was celebrated not only for her professional accomplishments but also as a trailblazer for women in engineering and government leadership. Her sudden d34th has prompted public reflection on the pressures and risks faced by public servants, as well as media scrutiny surrounding high-profile accidents.

This article presents a detailed account of her life, career achievements, the circumstances surrounding her d34th, public reactions, and the ongoing investigation.

1. Early Life and Education of Catalina Cabral

Maria Catalina “Cathy” Cabral grew up with a passion for engineering and public service. She pursued a degree in civil engineering, later complementing her technical expertise with advanced studies in public administration, urban planning, and business management.

Cabral was recognized early for her academic diligence, leadership qualities, and determination to excel in a field historically dominated by men. Her formative years laid the foundation for a career that combined technical excellence with administrative acumen.

2. Professional Career: Rise to DPWH Undersecretary

Cabral began her career in DPWH as a junior engineer, steadily advancing through merit and dedication. She became known for her methodical approach to infrastructure projects and commitment to transparency.

In the 2020s, she was appointed Undersecretary, overseeing divisions such as planning, programming, and public-private partnerships (PPP). Her tenure was marked by rigorous project assessments, ensuring public funds were utilized efficiently for roads, bridges, and flood control systems.

3. Key Contributions to Philippine Infrastructure

During her tenure, Cabral was involved in several high-impact infrastructure initiatives:

Oversight of national highway projects to improve connectivity in Luzon.
Implementation of flood mitigation programs in vulnerable provinces.
Facilitation of public-private partnerships that modernized bridges and urban roads.

Her work contributed significantly to national development goals, earning her respect among peers and beneficiaries alike.

4. Recognition and Awards

Cabral’s career was adorned with multiple recognitions:

Awards for excellence in civil engineering and public service.
Commendations for innovative project management and adherence to ethical governance.
Public acknowledgment as a role model for women in STEM and government service.

Her accolades reflected not only her technical skills but also her ability to lead large teams and deliver tangible results for Filipino communities.

5. Catalina Cabral as a Pioneer for Women in Government

Cabral’s career represented a milestone for gender equality in Philippine public administration. As one of the first female Undersecretaries in DPWH, she broke barriers and mentored younger women engineers aspiring to leadership roles.

Her presence in decision-making circles challenged stereotypes and inspired a generation of female professionals to pursue careers in engineering and governance.

6. Circumstances Leading to Her D34th

On December 18, 2025, Cabral was traveling along Kennon Road in Tuba, Benguet, with her driver en route to La Union. Eyewitness reports indicate she requested to be dropped off at a section of the road, after which she was last seen heading toward a nearby path.

Hours later, her driver reported her missing when she did not return. The incident raised immediate concern due to Kennon Road’s reputation for steep and hazardous terrain.

7. Discovery of Her Body and Official Reports

Authorities located Cabral’s body near the Bued River, approximately 20–30 meters below the highway. The location suggested a significant fall from the roadside.

Emergency responders noted blunt force trauma consistent with a fall. Initial investigations confirmed that there were no visible signs of foul play, such as gunshot wounds or stabbing marks. Her personal belongings were recovered and secured for forensic examination.

8. Preliminary Autopsy and Investigation

A preliminary autopsy indicated blunt force trauma to the head and torso, consistent with an accidental fall. DNA confirmation verified the identity of the remains as Catalina Cabral.

While authorities continue to explore all possibilities—including accident, self-inflicted harm, or other causes—preliminary findings suggest that the fall was likely accidental, considering the location and surrounding evidence.

Investigators are also reviewing Cabral’s mobile devices and personal records to corroborate the timeline and circumstances of her final hours.

9. Reactions from Government, Colleagues, and the Public

Cabral’s d34th elicited widespread expressions of grief:

Government officials issued statements of condolence, highlighting her contributions to infrastructure and public service.
Colleagues and former subordinates praised her dedication, mentorship, and professionalism.
Public and media commentators reflected on her role as a pioneering female leader in a traditionally male-dominated environment.

The response underscored the respect she garnered throughout her career and her enduring impact on Filipino engineers and public servants.

10. Legacy and Reflections

Catalina Cabral leaves behind a legacy of excellence, integrity, and empowerment:

She demonstrated that women could lead major infrastructure initiatives in the Philippines.
Her approach to planning and project management remains a model for DPWH operations.
Her life and sudden d34th serve as a reminder of the challenges faced by public servants, including personal safety and the pressures of high-profile work.

Her contributions will continue to influence public administration, infrastructure planning, and the mentorship of future generations.

Conclusion

The d34th of Catalina Cabral represents both a personal tragedy and a significant loss for the Philippine engineering and government communities. A trailblazer in her field, she exemplified professionalism, dedication, and the power of mentorship.

While investigations continue to clarify the exact circumstances of her d34th, her life and career leave an indelible mark on the DPWH, Filipino engineers, and the broader public who benefited from her work.

Trailblazing Women in Philippine Public Service
DPWH Infrastructure Projects: Past and Present Leadership
Highway Safety Concerns Along Kennon Road
Profiles of Prominent Filipino Civil Engineers