Galvez back as OPAPRU chief; Gadon gets poverty alleviation post

From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 26, 2023): Galvez back as OPAPRU chief; Gadon gets poverty alleviation post (By Anna Leah Gonzales)

Presidential Adviser for Poverty Alleviation Lorenzo "Larry" Gardon and Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity Carlito Galvez Jr.

MANILA – President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. sent back Carlito Galvez Jr. as head of the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity (OPAPRU) while lawyer Lorenzo “Larry” Gadon was appointed Presidential Adviser for Poverty Alleviation, the Presidential Communications Office said.

Galvez, a former Armed Forces of the Philippines chief, served as OPAPRU head under the administration of Rodrigo Duterte shortly after his retirement from the military in December 2018.

His tenure at the OPAPRU was extended during the Marcos administration.

On Jan. 9, Galvez was named Defense department officer-in-charge until June 6 when President Marcos appointed Gilberto Teodoro Jr. as secretary.

Meanwhile, Gadon's appointment "reflects the government's commitment to address one of the most pressing challenges faced by our nation," the PCO said in a statement.

Gadon obtained his Bachelor of Science in Management and Law degrees from Far Eastern University in Manila.

Prior to his appointment, he served as managing partner of Gadon and Associates Law Office and as associate at Antonio Abad and Associates Law Office.

The PCO said Gadon will play a pivotal role in advising the President on strategies and policies to combat poverty and improve the lives of the most vulnerable sectors of society.

"He will work closely with government agencies, non-governmental organizations, and other stakeholders to design and implement comprehensive programs to address the root causes of poverty," the PCO said.

"His wealth of experience as a corporate executive and legal counsel in diverse sectors, including manufacturing, information technology, realty development, healthcare, resorts and hotels, construction, and trading, will contribute to the formulation of innovative and sustainable poverty alleviation strategies."

Other appointees

Aside from Galvez, the PCO also announced the appointment of Isidro Purisima as senior undersecretary in OPAPRU.

Purisima served as acting OPAPRU chief during Galvez's stint in the Defense department.

OPAPRU congratulated Galvez and Purisima on their appointments.

"(OPAPRU) proudly congratulates Secretary Carlito Galvez and Senior Undersecretary Isidro Purisima on their appointments within the office," the agency said in a Facebook post Monday.

"Their unwavering dedication and exemplary leadership truly have been instrumental in advancing our nation's journey towards lasting peace and unity.”

The PCO likewise announced the appointment of Ruel Rivera as chief of the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology under the Department of the Interior and Local Government.

Other appointees:
--Dan D. Baliao as chief of aquaculture of the Department of Agriculture
--Nolasco A. Mempin as undersecretary of Department of Education (DepEd)
--Noel T. Baluyan as DepEd assistant secretary
--Vener S. Baquiran as deputy commissioner of Bureau of Customs
--Aileen S. Manalo as acting chairperson and member, Board of Trustees of Asian Productivity Organization Production Unit, Inc.
--Arlene Romasanta (Director IV), Cleo D. Sabado-Andrada (Director III) and Felix C. Taguba (Director III) at Department of Environment and Natural Resources
--Federico M. Marquez Jr. and Michael Democrito C. Mendoza as members of National Tripartite Industrial Peace Council
--Pia Charmane O. De Jesus as deputy executive director IV and Warren Gregorio A. Manilay as member of Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Board, Region 12.

--Aurelio C. Angeles Jr. (member), Michael Dennis M. Ballesteros (member), Conrado G. Marty (member), Armando P. Rubia (member), Pablo M. Gancayco (acting member), and Benjamin M. Tancio (acting member) of the Board of Directors of Authority of the Freeport Area of Bataan.
--Liberito V. Espiritu (chairman), Francis Gerard S. Cañado Jr. (member), Noel S. Flores (member), Ronaldo R. Elepaño Jr., and Dino Mae D. Suelto (member) of Philippine Domestic Construction Board.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1204352