Talaga namang “power” bicycle ang na-develop ng ilang high school students from Bulacan. Ilang padyak lang — kaya nang magproduce ng kuryente. Pwede pang mag-recyle ng papel at lapis? Tara, let’s change the game sa project cycle!

Source: GMA News

Apr 24, 2024
By: James Patrick Cruz

Which city, municipality, and province has the most Galing Pook awards?

Local governments, despite their scale and resource limitations compared to their national counterparts, wield significant influence within their communities.

From fixing roads, ensuring clean streets, and maintaining peace and order, they are the frontline responders to the needs of their residents.

The impact of local governments, however, stretches far beyond these basic responsibilities, with many innovating to deliver better services to their constituents.

To recognize the best practices of local governments, the Galing Pook Awards was launched on October 21, 1993.

Since then, the Galing Pook Foundation has recognized 357 programs from 230 local government units.

Rappler looked at which cities, municipalities, and towns have the most number of Galing Pook awards, exemplifying best practices in local governance.

Provinces

Bulacan stands out with 11 Galing Pook awards, making it the most recognized province as of 2023.

One of the province’s programs awarded by Galing Pook is the Lakas ng Kabataan sa Bulacan through the Provincial Youth Development Council. This initiative fosters capacity-building for unemployed adults, out-of-school youth, and high school graduates, enhancing their competitiveness and employability.

Galing Pook Executive Director Georgina Ann Hernandez Yang linked the province’s multiple awards to the exceptional leadership of its local chief executives former Governor Obet Pagdanganan and Governor Josie Dela Cruz.

She said they empowered the bureaucracy, overseen by Ma. Gladys Cruz-Sta. Rita, former provincial administrator of the Provincial Government of Bulacan, whose 17-year tenure ensured the sustainability of the programs.

Yang said that having a long-term “provincial administrator gives that continuity and stability and also that culture of excellence in local governance.”

“Local chief executives cycle in and out after each election year but it’s good to have that stability of a local government manager, like a COO,” Yang said.

“It gives us an insight into professionalizing the local government bureaucracy,” she added.

Based on the Local Government Code, the term of a provincial administrator is coterminous with that of his appointing authority, the governor.

Following Bulacan, Bohol claims seven awards, while Nueva Vizcaya holds six. Davao del Norte and Negros Occidental both boast of five awards, and Negros Oriental has four.

Several other provinces, including Albay, Bataan, Cotabato, Iloilo, Sarangani, South Cotabato, and Zamboanga del Norte, have been recognized with three awards. Guimaras, Misamis Oriental, and Quezon Province have earned two.

Cities

Naga leads among Philippine cities with 11 Galing Pook awards.

Under then-mayor Jessie Robredo’s tenure, the city earned 10 awards, including recognition for the People Empowerment Program in 2002.

This initiative enables public participation in local governance across various areas such as procurement, budgeting, and policy deliberation through the Naga City People’s Council. This was institutionalized through a city ordinance.

Representatives of the council gained authority to propose legislation and participate in committee-level voting within the Sangguniang Panlungsod or city council.

Marikina City trails Naga with nine Galing Pook recognitions, mostly under the late Mayor Bayani Fernando. One of its outstanding initiatives is the “bicycle-friendly city” program.

Its bike-friendly initiatives date back to 1999, “building a network of dedicated bike lanes within its boundaries.” In 2005, Marikina’s biking program received recognition from Galing Pook.

Quezon City, another top awardee, holds eight recognitions. One of its latest programs to be recognized is the Intelligent, Resilient, and Integrated Systems for the Urban Population or iRISE UP.

This system provides real-time monitoring of weather, gives rain forecasts, updates on the level of flooding, heat index, and temperature per barangay, and detects earthquakes.

Among the most lauded cities, Yang noticed a pattern of the mayors of these cities mostly coming from the same family like the Gathchalian brothers of Valenzuela (Rex and Win) and the Fernando couple of Marikina (Bayani and Marides).

She also cited former Quezon City mayor Feliciano Belmonte Jr. and his daughter and incumbent local chief executive Joy Belmonte as another example.

“Perhaps we could say that the continuity of that excellence (in the city) was in the sense because they came from the same family so somehow the program continues,” Yang said.

She noted, however, that beyond family ties, shared values concerning excellent service delivery, positive impact, and people empowerment are ultimately crucial in maintaining good local governance.

Municipalities

Among the 1,486 municipalities in the country, the Municipality of Malalag in Davao del Sur boasts of four Galing Pook awards.

It first secured recognition from the foundation in 1995 for the town’s development program to transform Malalag into a “provincial agri-industrial center.”

Following Malalag, several towns, including Alimodian in Iloilo, Goa in Camarines Sur, Guagua in Pampanga, Irosin in Sorsogon, and Magsaysay in Davao del Sur have each earned three Galing Pook awards.

Most awarded programs based on category

Since its inception, most of the programs recognized by the Galing Pook Awards are environment-related, totaling 66.

This trend, according to Yang, stems from the different environmental concerns of different communities across the country.

How programs are assessed

The winners of the Galing Pook Awards are pulled from applicants across the country.

Each program undergoes “rigorous screening” by the foundation’s secretariat and the National Selection Committee. Those with high potential are chosen.

The final step involves the presentation of programs by local chief executives and/or program officers before the Final Board of Judges.

After the first screening, the program is validated and deliberated on by the Galing Pook panel.

To qualify for the Galing Pook Awards, a program must:

• Have involved or engaged processes within a local government unit (barangay, municipality, city, or province) even if the program might have been initiated (either independently or jointly) by an NGO, CSO and/or an LGU.
• Have been in operation for at least two (2) years before the deadline of submission.
• Have verifiable and significant results

Qualified programs are evaluated based on the following criteria:

• Positive results and impact – 25%
• Promotion of people’s participation and empowerment – 20%
• Innovation and adaptation – 25%
• Resilience – 10%
• Sustainability – 10%
• Efficiency of Program service delivery and transferability – 10%

Why local government matters

Yang underscored the crucial role of local governments in addressing community issues and serving as models for national leadership.

“The local governments have the most direct impact on people in the communities, especially on addressing issues on poverty inequality, and promoting economic development, addressing issues on climate and disaster risk reduction,” the Galing Pook executive director said.

Aside from the leadership and governance of the local chief executives, Yang also highlighted the importance of empowering the local government workers and the citizens.

“We have so much to learn and so much to benefit from when we give more spotlight and when we learn more from our local chief executives and their teams and their communities,” Yang said. – Rappler.com

Source: Rappler.com

The provincial government of Bulacan honored exceptional Bulakenyas during the Gawad Medalyang Ginto 2024 at The Pavilion, Hiyas ng Bulacan Convention Center in Malolos Bulacan on Tuesday, March 12.

Dr. Eva Fajardo, chairperson of the Panlalawigang Komisyon para sa Kababaihan ng Bulacan ( PKKB); Governor Daniel Fernando and Vice Governor Alexis C. Castro led the awarding ceremony.

With the theme “Matatag na Pamilyang Bulakenyo, Katuwang sa Pagpapaunlad ng Lalawigan Ko”, the Bulakenyas were honored for their invaluable contributions to the development of the province and the nation.

The Outstanding Woman of the Year 2023, Ma. Gladys C. Sta Rita, turned over her title to Natatanging Babae 2024 Jonnah Garcia, owner of Punique Handicrafts in the City of Malolos, for her visionary entrepreneurial leadership which revitalized and preserved the art of Puni Weaving, through community collaboration, training, and employment.

Aside from Garcia, other awardees were Meysulao Lady Warriors (MEYDYWA) headed by its president Jenneelyn Grace Flores of Calumpit hailed as “Natatanging Samahang Pangkababaihan”; Matagumpay na Konsehong Pambayan para sa Kababaihan (KPK)-Malolos headed by President Maria Cristina S. Dionisio as “Matagumpay na KPK”; Maria Lourdes C. Marquez of Obando as “Matagumpay na Babaeng Mangangalakal”; Palmarina B. Tejuco of the City of Malolos as “Matagumpay na Babaeng Makakalikasan”; and Jasmin P. Lucas of Norzagaray as “Matagumpay na Babae sa Makabagong Pagnenegosyo”.

Awardees for Natatanging Babae and Natatanging Samahang Pangkababaihan received a statuette trophy, gold medal, sash, winners’ tarpaulin, and P30,000 and P40,000 cash prize, respectively.

Meanwhile, all sectoral category winners were given a bust trophy, sash, winners’ tarpaulin, and cash prizes of P30,000 for Matagumpay na Konsehong Pambayan/Panlunsod para sa Kababaihan (KPK), and P15,000 each for Matagumpay na Babaeng Mangangalakal, Matagumpay na Babaeng Makakalikasan, Huwarang Kabataang Babae sa Pamumuno, and Matagumpay na Babae sa Makabagong Pagnenegosyo.

Also present during the awarding ceremony were Bocaue Mayor Eduardo J. Villanueva and Vice Mayor Atty. Sherwin Tugna who received the award on behalf of his wife, former Mayor Joni; Matagumpay na Babaeng Mangangalakal 2020 Cristina C. Tuzon, the guest of honor; and one of PKKB commissioners.

The Women’s Month celebration and Gawad Medalyang Ginto in Bulacan started in 1996 through Executive Order No. 96-07.

Source: Manila Bulletin

“Mga Bulakenyo, Kayo ba ay may interest sa organic farming? Dito sa ating lalawigan, Marami tayong mga farms ang gumagamit na ngayon ng mga natural na pamamaraan sa pagtatanim ng mga halaman at gulay. At pati na po rin sa pagpapalago ng mga palaisdaan at pagpapalaki ng mga livestock animals. Kaya’t sa isa sa ating pagdayo do’n po sa bayan ng Paombong ay makikilala natin si Mang Danny Dionisio. Isang dating OFW na ginamit ang kanyang kaalaman sa organic farming na syang naging daan po para maging isa sa mga accredited Learning Sites in Agriculture or LSA ng agricultural learning institute ang kanyang farm kaya’t atin pong pasyalan ang Mang Danny’s Organic and Natural Farm and experience the organic way of life.”

– Gov. Daniel R. Fernando

“Kaisa po ako sa adhikain ng ating pamahalaan para mapaunlad and sektor ng ating agrikultura at pangisdaan, magkaroon ng sapat, mura at ligtas na pagkain sa hapag-kainan ng bawat Pilipino.”

– Mang Danny

PH robotics team garners top honors at Olympiad

BY Dhel Nazario
Nov 25, 2020 09:18 PM

Amid pandemic, destructive typhoons, and other challenges, a Philippine team made up of young scientists from various schools has emerged victorious in the prestigious World Robot Olympiad Canada 2020-X.

Dr. Yanga’s Colleges, Inc. DYCI NOVUS Team bagged first place in the Open Category for Senior High School with their entry “Project Feet,” a three-part project composed of plastic recycling, power generation and provision of footwear.

The Project Feet robot manufactures footwear from plastic trash and is embedded with piezo discs that generate power for mobile phones and other gadgets.

The all-female team of Naiah Nicole Mendoza, Denise Carpio, and Abigail Silva with their coach, Beryl Cruz, also won the “Girl Power Award” conferred during the 19th Philippine Robotics Olympiad.

Dr. Yanga’s Colleges, Inc. DYCI Primes Team, meanwhile, bagged second place in the Open Category for Junior High School with their entry “Project Cycle,” a bicycle that can convert trash paper mixed with water lilies to make recycled paper.

Rice husk called “ipa” was used to make recycled pencils. Also, the Project Cycle bike was used to generate power for mobile phones and other gadgets.

The team consists of Annette Nicole Ambi, Aaron James Amar, and Daniella Angela de Guzman with their coach, Anne Jazpher Raz.

Lastly, the Candijay Municipal High School under the Department of Education, Division of Bohol won third place in the Open Category for Junior High School for their entry called BASAK.

BASAK stands for Bohol Action to Solidify Agrikultura.

It is composed of wind turbines, water pumps and biomass generators with many applications for the agriculture industry in Bohol.

The members of the team are Mary Haidee Makinano, Trisha Belle Olaivar, and Juno Ceasar Escatron with their coach, Thata Celeres. Due to the pandemic, the World Robot Olympiad (WRO) Canada 2020-X has made innovations in delivering the event to over 750 participants from over 40 countries.

WRO Canada 2020-X conducted the event fully online using digital floor plans, live streaming of activities, virtual meetings, social media platforms, and real-time digital scoreboard. The theme this year was titled “Climate Change/Climate Squad.” “The biggest challenge was to synchronize everything as the countries were from different time zones.

WRO Canada 2020-X set pre-scheduled calls and connected the participants resulting in the same excitement and success as a physical event.

The Philippine Robotics National Team has overcome adversity of slow internet access, remote meetings, school closure, series of typhoons and online presentations to the WRO Canada judges,” said Mylene Abiva of FELTA Multi-Media Inc. and national organizer of the Philippine Robotics Olympiad and World Robot Olympiad Ambassador (representing 72 countries).

Incidentally, FELTA, a pioneer and leader in the introduction of instructional materials such as electronic devices and audiovisual materials for Philippine schools, is one of the institutional partners of the Science and Technology Information Institute of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST-STII) and has long been collaborating with the DOST-Science Education Institute in various learning programs that promote science, technology, engineering and mathematics or STEM education in the country.

The Department of Education lauded the Philippine National Robotics teams for securing global recognition.

“I am aware that we have been facing adversities and challenges recently but seeing these learners triumph in the international stage motivates us to prepare and enhance basic education more for their future,” said DepEd Secretary Leonor Briones. (With a report from Merlina Hernando-Malipot)

Source: Manila Bulletin

Bulacan’s Dr. Yanga’s Colleges wins Gold at World Robot Olympiad in Denmark

By Angie Quadra-Balibay, August 22, 2019

Dr. Yanga’s Colleges Inc. (DYCI) from Bocaue, Bulacan won Gold at the World Robot Olympiad Friendship Invitational (WROFIT) 2019 held in Aarhus, Denmark.

Team DYCI NOVUS, a member of the Philippine Robotics National Team, won Gold in the Senior – Open (Creative) Category with the project SMART Governance or ALAB (Anti-Adversity Link for Aid and Benefit).

The ALAB is an efficient, innovative and organized way of providing aid in addressing natural and man-made calamities all over the world through smart governance Technology.

The winning Robotics Team include Naiah Mendoza, Jaren Perez, and Doneth Dela Rama, with head Coach Beryl Jhan Cruz and Assistant coach Anne Raz. DYCI President, Dr. Michael Yanga, accompanied the team.

The Philippine Robotics National Team delegation, composed of students from DYCI, San Beda College of Alabang, JJAL Learning Center in Olongapo, and De La Salle Santiago Zobel (DLSZ), competed among 150 teams from 33 countries which participated in the WROFIT 2019 held from August 1-4, 2019 in Aarhus University.

Mylene Abiva, President/ CEO of FELTA Multi-Media Inc. which led the Philippine delegation spoke about the value of the competition saying, “The complexity, technology has evolved. Even at the at an early age, the concepts of Artificial intelligence and machine learning with technology will be adapted in our everyday life.”

The Philippine Robotics National Team will next compete in the World Robot Olympiad Finals in Gyor, Hungary on November 8-10, 2019.

Dr. Yanga’s Colleges Inc. of the Philippine Robotics National Team has won several medals in various international tournaments including a Gold in Turkey and Special Awards in Houston.

Source: Good News Pilipinas

Philippine Robotics NATIONAL Team won SILVER at World Robot Olympiad 2018

The World Robot Olympiad Finals 2018 was held in Chiang Mai, Thailand with 63 countries or 486 teams participated and with over 26,000 teams participated in their respective country nationals. The most prestigious and largest Robotics competition in the world.The theme for 2018 is Food Matters.

Philippine Robotics NATIONAL Team had the largest delegation in 18 years ! World class performance as 17th place in Robot Soccer by CLARET School of Quezon City and Dr. Yanga’s Colleges Inc. won the SILVER Medal for Open/ Creative Category Elementary Level for their PROJECT FEED . As part of the cultural and heritage tour, the Philippine Robotics National Team visited Wat Sadouk temple and other places of interest in Chiang Mai.

World Robot Advisory Committee presented a Certificate of Appreciation to FELTA Multi Media Inc. and City of Lapu Lapu during the National Organizer VIP Dinner for the successful and momentous organization of the World Robot Olympiad Friendship Invitational 2018 in Lapu Lapu City, Cebu, Philippines.

The Vice President of the Philippines , VP LENI ROBREDO, joined the Philippine Robotics National Team at Suvarnabhumi Airport from Bangkok to Manila via our official carrier Philippine Airlines.

FELTA Multi Media Inc. continues to bring out the BEST in every student! Robotics Excellence and World Class!

Source: FELTA

Robot created by PH students to detect unsafe meat wins 3rd prize in US expo

 

by: Tarra Quismundo, May 10, 2012

 

Andrew Nathaniel G. Santos

Planning Head
Group Five Pipe Saudi
Dammam, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

Illustrious shepherd of migrants goes beyond boundaries, extends help

A GRACIOUS and compassionate Bulakenyo, Andrew Nathaniel Santos is one of the first Filipinos who was presented the Outstanding Migrant Workers Award in 2014 by the Philippine Embassy in Riyadh.  He is the first Outstanding Alumnus in the field of Information Technology (IT) of his alma mater La Consolacion University Philippines in Malolos City, Bulacan. He is the recipient of the Outstanding Community Leader in KSA by the Filipino Community Leaders and the Global Pinoy Idol given by ABS-CBN TFC-DZMM in Dubai.

The 55-year-old native of Guiguinto sits on the School Governing Board for 2-terms of International Philippine School in Al Khobar. He holds the rare privilege of holding highest positions in Filipino community organizations in the Eastern Province of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. He served, among others, as President of OFW Congress – Eastern Province KSA, Dammam Black Gold Sapatilha Eagles Club, K Fitness Club and Desert Smashers Club. He was International Director of Association of Chiefs of Police in the Philippines, Inc., Middle Eastern Makabayan Chapter, Regional Overseas Vice Chairman of Anti Organized Crime and Corruption Intelligence Group and Chapter Pursuivant of Knights of Rizal – EPCC Chapter. He was Vice President of Harmonicans Choir.

At work, he was promoted from IT Manager to Planning Head of Group Five Pipe Saudi. With this promotion, he holds the record as the only Filipino manager in one of the leading manufacturing companies of large diameter spiral pipes in the Arab kingdom. While he has done great things as a community servant, he still seeks how he can extend his support especially to our fellow OFW in distress. He organized various community and environmental awareness programs which the host country appreciated much. He was leading in the organizing of the Kalayaan celebrations in the Eastern Region and during the visits of the Philippine Presidents, H.E. Rodrigo R. Duterte and H.E. Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. in organizing the delegations of Community leaders to attend in the Meet and Greet in Riyadh, KSA.

He took his elementary education from San Agustin Institute of Technology in Valencia City where he graduated in 1980. He graduated as an Exemplary Student in 1986 from St. Anne’s Catholic High School in Hagonoy, Bulacan. He was an Outstanding Computer Science Student and recipient of Service Award when he graduated in 1991 for his bachelor’s degree from La Consolacion University Philippines, in Malolos City. He obtained his Master of Arts in Education from Adamson University in 1998 and Masteral Units in Master of Business Administration in La Consolacion University Philippines and Masters in Information Networks in Polytechnic University of the Philippines.

He was 20 years old when he had his first paying job. He recalls, “During my college days, I worked as data encoder in the university and so I was able to sustain my education and helped also my three brothers in completing their baccalaureate degrees.”

In 1991, he married Vilma Gonzalo Mendoza. Their marriage is blessed with six children. The eldest, 32-year-old Kristine Andrea, a graduate of BSFM at Far Eastern University, works as a call center supervisor. The second child, 29-year-old Katrina Ann, who earned her bachelor’s degree in Math major in Computer Science from Bulacan State University, is a credit analyst in BPI Main office in Makati. The third child, Karen Angelica is a graduating BSIM student at BSU. The other children are Engr. Karl Andrei, aged 25; Karisa Alyanna, aged 23, a 3rd Year Tourism Management Student in National University Baliwag; and, Kiana Amirah, aged 9.

Prior to his departure overseas, he was the Dean of the College of Computer Science and Engineering at La Consolacion University Philippines. He said, “I requested the University President, Sr. Carmel Ma. Catan, OSA to allow me to go to KSA for a two-year sabbatical  leave so I can expose myself to the industry or in the business sectors and  in my return, I will be developing a comprehensive curriculum in the  college of Computer Science and Engineering. That was the plan that time.”

Fascinated. The first time he came to Dammam, he was impressed with the city’s development. “I was fascinated with the infrastructures and the way things are implemented. I feel that it is more peaceful and enjoyable to stay here. I still appreciate the host country allowing expatriates to work for a living, although there are new laws and regulations now, but still, it is favorable to work here. I find many Saudis as friendly, professionals and caring people.”

He said, “I took note of the increasing needs of my family. As a father of six children, it was very difficult for me to sustain their education. I was forced by the situation to stay as an OFW. Happily, I was blessed that I was able to bring my family with me here in KSA and we were together. But this is not the case of many.”

He has been abroad for the last 22 years. He further said, “After serving for three years from August 2002 to September 2005 as System Analyst in Gulf Agency Company in Dammam, I found myself, that it was then the needs of my family should be on top of my priorities. I decided to continue my service in the kingdom until today.”

Modern factory. The Group Five Pipe Saudi which operates under Abdel Hadi Al Qahtani and Brothers in Dammam is a modern factory that supplies Saudi Arabia and the neighboring Middle East markets with big-diameter, high-quality carbon steel pipes. These pipes are used in the sectors of oil and gas, water and construction.

Andrew was involved in creating and developing an in-house information system known as the Pipe Tracking System. It was a very significant project because it serves as the main application that tracks the status of the project and it will provide a real-time update and needed reports. “This was during the time that I was the IT Manager of the company. Being the Planning Head, I am responsible for the production planning and monitoring of various multi-billion projects in Saudi Aramco and SWCC in the KSA.”

Lessons learned. According to him, being an OFW is not forever.  “It is a temporary journey in your life that you try to get out in your local community to look for a greener pasture outside the country. Value your money and time. Educate your family in the Philippines that the money that you earn is not easy. Encourage your relatives to be entrepreneurs so that the daily needs may be provided by the small business you put in.  This will make them busy and productive rather than waiting for your remittances. Start investing for your health and future. Look for good investment programs that will allow your money to grow big.

He adds, “Always communicate with your family, relatives and friends. Nowadays, it is easy to keep in touch through social media. This is for you not to dislocate and be forgotten by the people whom you know. It will make you easy to reintegrate one day. Lack of communication makes relationships with your spouse or children difficult and it makes you alienated from them. Sometimes, it leads to broken and problematic family relationships. So be careful, always go back to your decision why you have to leave them.”

“As an OFW, look for partners of the same interest as yours, so when you come home, it will be easy to put up business. Do linkages and partnerships. Always plan and see to it that it is achievable. Your plan will make your journey in life more worthwhile and no regrets.”

Passion to serve. “When I arrived here in August 2002, after a month I was able to get involved in the Filipino Community. I was appointed to handle a sports tournament (Basketball League) among Filipinos here in Dammam and Al Khobar. My training and experience in the Philippines handling a regional meet paid off and I was able to share it to many of the OFWs.”

“I joined OFW Congress-EP and during the election that year. I was elected as the Secretary General and that started my life as a servant to the OFW. As president of this organization, I was able to concretize my passion to help, assist, educate and serve my fellow kababayan creating an environment of unity and collaborations about various organizations.”

“I have made many accomplishments in terms of helping my fellow distressed OFWs, especially during the pandemic. Truly as they said Bagong Bayani I feel useful to my country as we are the one who help to fuel our economy.”

He has been commended for his consistent passion to serve, share and love to people. “I am a type of a leader who does not need an appreciation or accolade. It is enough for me to make other people happy and succeed.”

“I wanted to take challenges and opportunities and never give up.  Many events in life had passed. Many successes are being praised. For me, if I will do it again, I will make sure that it is in the next level. I feel I still have a lot of things to do. God made me as an instrument of his greatness and blessings. I will continue and I will never stop until the last moment of my life. I want to be remembered for having a happy and contended life, leaving a legacy that anyone would emulate and replicate.”

Source: Andrew Nathaniel Santos/ ABS-CBN TFC Global Pinoy Idol

Donato D. Marcos is a senior undersecretary of the Department of Energy. As undersecretary, he holds array of portfolios which include energy efficiency and conservation, alternative fuels, energy resource development (coal, oil and gas), downstream oil industry management and nuclear energy program, among others. He is chairman of the Philippine Downstream and Natural Gas Regulation Committee, Task Force Mimaropa and Philippine Convention Energy Cooperation program. He is also alternate chairman for PNOC Exploration Company, National Biofuels Board and MOU China-Philippine Bilateral Cooperation.

Usec. Marcos has attended several energy-related trainings from various parts of the world like hydropower technology in Slovenia, Czech Republic and Prague, renewable energy from Germany, liquified natural gas from Singapore and Qatar, and nuclear energy technology from Japan, Russia, Vienna, and Croatia.

Prior to his stint at the DOE, Marcos is President Emeritus and used to be National President of the League of Municipalities of the Philippines. He was also Municipal Vice-Mayor of Paombong town in Bulacan from July 1, 2004 to March 21, 2005 and eventually became the Municipal Mayor thereafter following the demise of the incumbent mayor. He was until June 30, 2013.

He has a degree in Mining Engineering from the Mapua Institute of Technology and finished his master’s degree in public administration from Manuel L. Quezon University. He is also an aqua culturist and businessman.

Source: Donato D. Marcos Website

August 1, 2013

From the Department of Energy

President Benigno S. Aquino III recently appointed Ma. Gladys Cruz-Sta. Rita of Bulacan as National Power Corporation’s (NPC) new President making the latter the first woman to head Napocor since its foundation in 1936.

Sta. Rita, a former Director of Philippine National Oil Company (PNOC) and Chairperson of its subsidiary PNOC Development and Management Corporation (PDMC), was endorsed by Secretary of Energy Carlos Jericho Petilla to President Aquino for the position after former NPC President Froilan Tampinco resigned in his post.

Gladys Sta. Rita studied at the University of the Philippines School of Economics, both for her undergraduate and graduate degree courses. She completed a Certificate Program for Senior Executives at the John F. Kennedy School of Government in Harvard University. She also completed a master’s degree in Public Administration at La Consolacion University of the Philippines.

Before her stint in the energy sector, Sta. Rita served as the Provincial Administrator of Bulacan for 17 years and worked as consultant at United States Agency for International Development (USAID) through the HPDP of the UPEcon for projects in the Philippines. She also worked as the Director General of the Liberal Party of the Philippines.

Sta. Rita authored Running A Bureaucracy: A Guidebook for Local Government Unit Administrators, Other Public Managers and Elected Officials, a UP Centennial Publication of the University of the Philippines National College of Public Administration and Governance (UP NCPAG). She also co-authored Towards a More Effective Peoples Participation in Local Governance: A Sourcebook on Local Public Finance.

Source: Official Gazette Philippines