Maria Catalina Cabral Biography: Early Life, Education, Career, Personal Life and Recent News

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Maria Catalina Cabral Biography

Maria Catalina Cabral was a respected civil engineer and public servant in the Philippines. She worked for over 40 years at the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH). She became the first woman from a regular staff position to reach the rank of Undersecretary. Born on May 23, 1962, she passed away on December 19, 2025, at age 63. Her career showed great success in a field mostly led by men. She helped plan major infrastructure projects. Later, she faced questions about budget issues in flood control work. This article looks at her life, work, wins, challenges, and recent events. It aims to give clear facts to help readers understand her story.

Maria Catalina Cabral Early Life and Education

Maria Catalina Cabral grew up in Manila, Philippines. She went to Holy Trinity Academy for her early school years, from 1969 to 1979. She showed interest in science and math from a young age. In 1984, she earned a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from the University of the East. This degree started her path in building roads and bridges.

She kept learning throughout her life. She got a Master in Business Administration in 1993 from Manuel L. Quezon University. Then, she earned a Doctor of Philosophy in Business Management in 1998 and a Doctor in Public Administration in 2001 from the same school. She also studied economics. At the time of her death, she was working on another doctorate in Urban and Regional Planning at the University of the Philippines. These studies helped her lead big projects and understand government work. Her strong education made her a role model for women in engineering.

Maria Catalina Cabral Career

Cabral started her career at DPWH as a regular civil engineer. She worked hard and moved up over many years. She handled planning for roads, bridges, and flood control. Later, she became Undersecretary for Planning and Public-Private Partnership. In this role, she oversaw how the department planned projects and worked with private companies.

She served the DPWH for more than 40 years. She was known for her knowledge in infrastructure. Her rise from a basic job to a top position was rare, especially for women in the department. She helped shape national plans for public works.

Maria Catalina Cabral Achievements

Cabral made history in engineering groups. She was the first female national president of the Philippine Institute of Civil Engineers (PICE). She also led the Road Engineering Association of the Philippines as national president from 2019 to 2021.

She earned many honors. She became a registered ASEAN Engineer and APEC Engineer. The ASEAN Federation of Engineering Organizations named her an Honorary Fellow. In 2021, she held a Professorial Chair in Engineering, Science, and Technology at the Polytechnic University of the Philippines.

These wins showed her skill and leadership. She inspired many women to enter engineering and public service. Her work helped improve standards in road building and civil projects in the Philippines.

Maria Catalina Cabral Controversies

In 2025, Cabral faced allegations linked to flood control projects. Reports said there were issues with budget insertions in the national plan. These insertions were called “allocables.” Some claimed they led to substandard or ghost projects.

Former DPWH Undersecretary Roberto Bernardo mentioned her name in testimonies. He said she knew about the budget process from 2023 to 2025. Senators like Panfilo Lacson and Tito Sotto raised questions during hearings. Cabral denied any wrongdoing. She said she had no part in kickbacks or wrong projects.

The Senate Blue Ribbon Committee and the Independent Commission for Infrastructure looked into the matter. These probes focused on how funds for flood control were used.

Maria Catalina Cabral Resignation

Cabral resigned from her position on September 15, 2025. DPWH Secretary Vince Dizon accepted it soon after. This came after President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. ordered an investigation into the allegations.

Even after resigning, she was asked to attend hearings. The Senate issued a subpoena for her to testify. Officials said resignation did not stop accountability. The probes continued to seek facts about the budget issues.

Maria Catalina Cabral Personal Life

Cabral kept her private life quiet. She was married to Thomas Cabral. Little public information exists about her family. She focused on her work and professional groups. Friends and colleagues described her as dedicated and low-key outside of office duties.

She balanced a demanding job with personal time. Her story shows how public servants often keep family matters private.

Maria Catalina Cabral Recent News

On December 18, 2025, Cabral was traveling along Kennon Road in Tuba, Benguet, with her driver, Ricardio Munos Hernandez. Around 3 p.m., she asked to stop and be left alone at a spot in Camp 4. The driver returned later but could not find her. He reported her missing to police around 7 p.m.

Search teams found her unconscious near the Bued River, about 20 to 30 meters below the road. Rescuers brought her up around midnight. A doctor declared her dead at 12:03 a.m. on December 19, 2025.

Police are investigating the incident as an alleged fall. The Ombudsman ordered preservation of her cellphone and gadgets for examination. The Independent Commission for Infrastructure and others called for a full probe to rule out foul play. The DPWH issued a statement mourning her loss and noting her long service. As of December 19, 2025, the investigation continues.

Conclusion

Maria Catalina Cabral left a strong mark on Philippine infrastructure. She broke barriers for women in engineering and led important groups. Her long career at DPWH helped plan key projects. At the same time, the 2025 allegations brought challenges and led to her resignation.

Her sudden death on December 19, 2025, ended a life of public service. Ongoing probes into both the budget issues and her passing seek answers. Her story teaches about hard work, leadership, and the need for clear rules in government. She remains an example of success in a tough field.

FAQs

Who was Maria Catalina Cabral?

She was a civil engineer and former DPWH Undersecretary known for her long career and leadership in engineering groups.

What was her role at DPWH?

She served as Undersecretary for Planning and Public-Private Partnership, overseeing project planning.

What education did she have?

She held a civil engineering degree, multiple master’s and doctor’s degrees in business and public administration, and was pursuing one in urban planning.

What achievements did she have?

She was the first female PICE president, led road engineering groups, and earned ASEAN and APEC engineer status.

Why did she resign?

She resigned in September 2025 amid allegations of budget issues in flood control projects.

How did Maria Catalina Cabral die?

She was found unconscious after an alleged fall along Kennon Road on December 18, 2025, and declared dead on December 19, 2025. The cause is under investigation.