Poll names top government officials, communicators

MANILA, Philippines — The RP-Mission and Development Foundation Inc. (RPMD) released its “Boses ng Bayan” performance assessment for the third quarter, emphasizing the pivotal roles played by government officials in the Philippines. This comprehensive assessment evaluated and spotlighted the contributions of individuals in two categories: the “Top Government Senior Officials-Philippines” and the “Top Communicators of Government Agencies- Philippines.”

The category of “Top Government Senior Officials” holds particular significance. These officials are instrumental in shaping the success of their respective principals. Their expert guidance and strategic decision-making capabilities are indispensable for their principals to efficiently navigate the intricate corridors of the national office and foster fruitful collaborations with other government agencies. Topping this esteemed list is Sofonias Gabonada, with a 91 percent performance assessment score, who currently serves as deputy secretary general at the House of Representatives and chief of staff of Speaker Martin Romualdez. His influential position holds a stature akin to that of an undersecretary.

Following Gabonada in the rankings for top senior officials is Neliza Macapayag from the Senate of the Philippines, who secured a notable score of 89 percent. Epi Densing III, representing the Department of Education (DepEd), attained an 87 percent assessment score. Ruth Castelo from the Department of Trade and Industry achieved an 86 percent rating. Hubert Guevara, from the Office of the Executive Secretary, received an 84 percent score, while Emerald Ridao of the Presidential Communications Office (PCO) garnered 82 percent. Zuleika Lopez, affiliated with the Office of the Vice President, got 81 percent. Reinier Yebra from the Department of Transportation (DOTr) and Zeno Abenoja from the Department of Finance followed closely with scores of 80 percent and 78 percent, respectively. Janet Abuel of the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) recorded a 76 percent score, Jonathan Malaya of the National Security Council secured 75 percent, and rounding out the list, Athalia Liong from the Office of the Special Assistant to the President achieved a 70 percent performance rating.

Meanwhile, the “Top Communicators of Government Agencies in the Philippines” category recognizes the individuals who effectively convey the objectives and undertakings of their respective national agencies. Undersecretary Goddes Hope Libiran from the DBM leads this category with an 88 percent job performance rating. Government communicators like Libiran play an essential role in the government, bridging the gap between the administration and the populace. They ensure transparency, clarity and active engagement, ensuring the national agency’s agenda is communicated coherently and promptly to all stakeholders.

Following Libiran in the top government communicators is Marge Gutierrez from the Department of the Interior and Local Government, who achieved an impressive score of 86 percent. Next is Daphne Oseña-Paez of PCO with 85 percent, Mico Clavano from the Department of Justice at 84 percent, and Edu Punay representing the Department of Social Welfare and Development with a score of 82 percent. Additionally, Mike Poa from DepEd secured an 80 percent rating, Cesar Chavez from the DOTr obtained 78 percent, Reynaldo Munsayac from the Office of the Vice President achieved 77 percent, Beverly Ho of the Department of Health garnered 76 percent, and Jean Fajardo representing the Philippine National Police with a commendable 71 performance performance score.

Dr. Paul Martinez, executive director of RPMD, highlighted the performance evaluation criteria for senior government officials, especially undersecretaries serving as chiefs of staff. These criteria encompass leadership effectiveness, successful policy execution, stakeholder engagement, collaboration across agencies, and realizing strategic goals. In contrast, top government communicators are assessed based on their ability to convey clear messages, engage proactively with stakeholders, manage media relations adeptly, handle crisis communication efficiently, and respond promptly to feedback.

The “Top Government Senior Officials” and “Top Communicators of Government Agencies” in the Philippines survey was part of the “Boses ng Bayan” nationwide performance assessment of public officials with 10,000 respondents conducted Sept. 20-30, 2023, with a plus/minus one percent margin of error.