Outstanding Achiever in Public Administration

Upon receiving Region 5’s portfolio, Marlene became the rare female Regional Director at National Economic Development Agency (NEDA). After a successful decade in Bicol, she spent six years as Regional Director for Central Visayas. Having worked her way up the ranks, she was recognized as an international expert for organizational development and institutional management. Unknown to the 1.7 million enrollments of Government Service Insurance System in 2010, Marlene learned the GSIS board of directors had passed a resolution abolishing survivorship benefits once a member dies. She mobilized adherents of the threatened compensation package re-gaining its restoration from the new management.

Outstanding Achiever in Visual Journalism

With a Bachelor of Fine Arts majoring in Editorial Design from University of the Philippines, Lynett graduated in 1972 when martial law was declared in the Philippines compromising careers in mass media. Finding herself in the opposition, she was nurtured by women journalism icons like Eugenia Duran Apostol, founder of Philippine Daily Inquirer (PDI), originally a guerilla broadsheet announcing “Balanced News, Fearless Views” that impassioned People Power in 1986. Lynett designed PDI’s masthead, nameplate and uncountable pages of incendiary news, pioneering in infographics. She discovered her writing voice, aiding media people defending press freedom during martial law as well as today.

Outstanding Achiever in Diplomacy and International Relations

As the first woman Philippine ambassador to Brunei Darussalam, Amba Gee, as she is fondly known, paved the way for the Brunei Sultan’s donation of the Grand Mosque in Cotabato City and activation of agreements protecting the Filipino community that saved hundreds from human trafficking and others from the death penalty. During her term, the first environmentally compliant Philippine Embassy Chancery was constructed. While ambassador to New Zealand, direct air connectivity between the Philippines and New Zealand began. A stalwart career diplomat, she has gained trust and friendship wherever posted, especially among overseas Filipinos whom she sincerely pledged to serve.

Outstanding Achiever in Food Research and Development

If you find joy in eating “Chicken Joy,” or can’t have enough of “Peach Mango Pie,” you have Lourdes to thank for making these delights so irresistible to millions of Filipinos who love eating at Jollibee. As one of the pioneering product innovators for the giant food chain, Lourdes applies her vast knowledge of food science in the service of good taste. She has done R&D for major food companies across Southeast Asia, producing commercial-grade food and beverage items that have garnered international recognition, including a Best Foods Presidential Award and the World Beverage Innovation Awards in Germany.