TACLOBAN CITY- Agriculture Secretary Proceso Alcala has appointed a new regional executive director for DA-Region 8,Bernadette San Juan, the first-ever lady director to assume as DA-8 Chief.
In a simple turnover ceremony which coincided with the First Regional Management Council (RMC) Meeting held January 29 at the Main RIARC, Babatngon, Leyte, Dir. San Juan humbly introduced herself as a former NGO worker; a foreign affairs director from 2000 to 2006; an OFW, having previously worked as director of Regent College in Cambodia; and an educator as she was then affiliated with the academe particularly with the University of Asia and the Pacific, Perpetual College of Las Piñas and the Miriam College.
However, a closer look at her resume would actually reveals that she have had an impressive educational background and record of service from her undergraduate course to her post-graduate studies, she was a consistent recipient of various scholarship grants and awards. A Grants-in-aid Awardee for her Bachelor of Science in Geography at the University of the Philippines, Diliman, Quezon City; a Partial Tuition Fee Scholar for her Masters of Arts in Education at the Center for Research and Communication (now University of Asia and the Pacific), Pasig City, and an Aurelio Calderon Scholar for her Doctor of Philosophy in Development Studies at the De La Salle University, Manila.
She first joined the government service as personal assistant to the Assistant Secretary for Human Rights and Humanitarian Affairs of the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA). She also used to hold various designations as a consultant, training specialist and part-time lecturer at the Center for Research and Communication from 1991-1998.
Subsequently, she got some consultancy jobs at the Bishops-Businessman Conference of the Philippines Livelihood Foundation, Inc. (BBCPLFI); Development Advocacy for Women’s Volunteerism, Incorporated (DAWW); National Mapping and Resource Information Authority, and as a researcher or training specialist for the Haribon Foundation for the Conservation of National Resources, Inc.
Her wide exposure to the different sectors had practically widen her horizon, honed her capabilities and talents to handle a bigger, more grounded and challenging job in the government service, particularly in the Department of Agriculture as Assistant Regional Technical Director/Special Assistant for Technical Concerns at the Office of the Secretary (OSec) from September 2010 to October 2012.
Her new assignment in the region is her second regional posting following a successful stint as the regional technical director for operations and extension in Region 11 from January 2, 2013 to January 28, 2014.
By: FRANCISCO C.ROSAROSO/PR
