MANILA – The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) issued a heartfelt statement on December 19, 2025, expressing profound grief over the sudden death of former Undersecretary Maria Catalina E. Cabral, who served the agency for over 40 years. “Undersecretary Cabral served the Department for more than 40 years, and her loss will be mourned throughout the organization,” the DPWH said, extending deepest condolences to her family while urging respect for their privacy during this difficult time.
Cabral, a licensed civil engineer with advanced degrees in public administration and urban planning, rose from rank-and-file to become the first female undersecretary promoted internally at DPWH. She oversaw planning, public-private partnerships, and information management, leaving a legacy in infrastructure development.
Her passing comes amid ongoing investigations into alleged anomalies in flood control projects, where Cabral had been implicated but denied involvement. She resigned in September 2025 following congressional scrutiny.
Authorities confirmed Cabral was found unconscious and unresponsive near Bued River along Kennon Road in Tuba, Benguet, late Thursday night (December 18), after reportedly asking her driver to drop her off earlier in the afternoon. She was pronounced dead at the scene shortly after midnight on Friday.
The DPWH’s tribute underscores Cabral’s long dedication: “We recognize the profound loss the family is facing and offer our sincerest prayers.” As probes continue, her death adds a tragic layer to the agency’s reform efforts.