Poe’s chief of staff awarded for distinguished public service

MANILA, Philippines — The Harvard Kennedy School Alumni Association of the Philippines (HKSAAP) celebrated its annual Bureaucrats’ Ball with distinguished public servants and private sector achievers in attendance.

“The festive Bureaucrats’ Ball is an annual tradition carried on from our Harvard Kennedy School student days. It is not only an opportunity for the alumni in the Philippines to catch up but also to share and celebrate the achievements of those who serve in government and in the public sector,” HKSAAP president Gianna Montinola said.

The highlight of the HKS Bureaucrats’ Ball was the recognition of alumni currently serving in government.

Awarded recognition were Dr. Alex Brillantes, professor emeritus, UP Diliman National College of Public Administration and Governance; Cesar Chavez, undersecretary for rails, Department of Transportation; Jean Susan Desuasido Gill, presiding judge and vice-executive judge, Regional Trial Court, Branch 131, Trece Martires City, Cavite; Vicente Homer Revil, administrator, Local Water Utilities Administration; Annalyn Sevilla Santiago, undersecretary, Department of Education; Brian Poe Llamanzares, chief of staff, Office of Sen. Grace Poe; Reynaldo Tagudando, director, Department of Public Works and Highways; Hendrik Garcia, deputy assistant secretary, Department of Foreign Affairs; Maria Luthgarda Lacaba, vice president, corporate services, PNOC Exploration Corp., Department of Energy and, Mary Rose Magsaysay, deputy executive director and assistant secretary, DICT-Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center.

The HKSAAP also plans to expand next year its recognition of outstanding service to include those outside of the organization. The move is intended to expand the role and influence of HKSAAP in supporting the development and public reform agenda of the government.

Ambassador Chantale Wong, US director of the Asian Development Bank, cited in her keynote address the many positive developments in the Philippines, including financing the climate change action program in 2021 as well as the more active role the Philippines played in Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation under the new administration.

“The Philippines has come a long way, but there is still much work to be done. With the continued efforts of the government and the support of its partners, I am confident that the country will overcome its challenges and achieve its development goals. I am personally honored and pleased to be part of the journey and look forward to continuing partnership,” she said.

DOTr’s Chavez said the Bureaucrats’ Ball “showcased the powerful synergy between Harvard Kennedy School alumni working in various government agencies and development partners, fostering valuable connections in the Philippines.”

“It goes without saying that the Bureaucrats’ Ball was an amazing success due to the hard work and effort of the dynamic HKSAAP board,” Brian Poe-Llamanzares said.

“As an executive program graduate I feel very welcome in the organization and encourage more executive education grads to join the organization and contribute to the nation building vision of the association,” he said.

The HKSAAP, meanwhile, also announced a welcome reception for the Kennedy School Dean Doug Elmendorf on Dec. 3 at the Brittany Hotel.