TACLOBAN CITY — The Police Regional Office 8 (PRO-8) Advisory Group for Police Transformation and Development has officially announced its new set of officers and members for the next two years during an election and oath-taking ceremony held on April 5, 2025, at Layao Resort in Marabut, Samar.
The event was officiated by PCol. Matthe Aseo, CRS/C, RPSMU 8, and highlighted the group’s continuing commitment to the Philippine National Police’s (PNP) PATROL Plan 2030 — a long-term reform program aimed at improving police performance and public trust.
Reappointed as chairman for a second term is Dr. Ronald Madera, while Department of Tourism Regional Director Karina Rosa Tiopes assumes the role of vice-chair.
The Advisory Group also welcomed new members from key regional government agencies: Atty. Robert Yu, Regional Director, Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR); Engr. Maya Collantes Junia, Assistant Regional Director, Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH); Atty. Risty Sibay, National Police Commission (Napolcom); and Keena Mate, private sector representative.
Continuing members include Rachel Cuevas (Department of Education), Ma. Daisy Amor Belizar (DyAS), Lady Ann Yao, Atty. Ryan Mancera, Engr. Dindo Obediencia, and a representative from the Office of Civil Defense (OCD).
The Advisory Group plays a vital role in helping guide and monitor police transformation initiatives within Eastern Visayas, including strengthening personnel skills, improving public service, and encouraging transparency and community participation.
Aside from Nadera and Tiopes, also elected as officers were Ma. Daisy Amor L. Belizar, secretary; Rachel Cuevas, treasurer; and Lady Ann Yao, auditor.
Named as committee chairpersons were Dalmacio Grafil, selection and membership; Engr. Ma. Margarita Junia, ways and means; Engr. Dindo Obediencia, public information & advocacy; Atty. Risty Sibay, best practices and good deeds; Atty.Robert Anthony Yu, policies and programs; and Keena Mate, capability building.
The event also served as a platform to discuss upcoming initiatives aligned with the PNP’s transformation roadmap and reaffirm the group’s support for sustainable and community-focused policing reforms across the region.
(LIZBETH ANN A. ABELLA)
