LU Gov Earns Prestigious Stevie Award; Named Global Thought Leader of the Year
Press Release from the PGLU — October 15, 2024
LU Gov Earns Prestigious Stevie Award; Named Global Thought Leader of the Year
With over 12,000 entries on the different categories from across the globe, La Union Governor Raphaelle Veronica Ortega-David was recognized as a Bronze Awardee in the internationally-acclaimed award giving body, the Stevie Awards.
Gov. Rafy personally received the award during the 21st International Business Award (IBA) held on October 10, 2024 in Istanbul, Turkey. Her stellar accomplishments as a young local government leader stood out in the award category, Thought Leader of The Year.
Gov. Rafy is one of the first local government leaders in the Philippines who garnered the award through her visionary leadership and impactful governance in La Union.
The IBA, often referred to as the Stevie Awards, honor organizations and individuals all over the world for their extraordinary accomplishments in business and leadership. Gov. Rafy’s recognition in the Thought Leader of The Year category underscores her influential role in shaping policy and driving innovation within the government sector.
"Never have I imagined that during my first term as the youngest and first female elected Governor of our province would I receive such a prestigious International Award. This only proves that age and gender will never be a hindrance but rather it serves as my building blocks towards more accomplishments," Gov. Rafy shared.
Among her innovative accomplishments considered in the award was the enactment of Executive Order No. 25 in 2022, which institutionalized the two-day work-from-home privileges for women employees of the Provincial Government of La Union (PGLU) each month. This policy inspired other LGUs in the country, and some legislators in Congress have already filed similar bills. Gov. Rafy has also made history as the first provincial local chief executive to have visited the most far-flung barangays of La Union, such as Brgy. Bayabas in San Gabriel and Brgy. Sapdaan in Santol and consulted them with the most pressing issues faced by the communities.
Gov. Rafy is also a sought-after resource speaker in leadership fora and workshops. She has spoken alongside other inspirational leaders such as Pasig City Mayor Vico Sotto, Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong, and award-winning journalist Howie Severino. She has also made speaking engagements in international conferences such as in Geneva, Switzerland and South Korea.
As a thought leader, she also pioneered the conduct of the annual Paskuhang Bayan, where hundreds of indigent constituents in the province are provided with grocery packages and other treats to defray expenses during the holiday seasons.
“I dedicate this award to my entire Provincial Government of La Union Family and of course to the people of my province. La Union, this is all for you because everything I do will always be for the love of La Union and its people,"
Gov. Ortega-David added.
Taking deep pride in this accolade of the Governor, the Provincial Government of La Union is keen to continue upholding public service excellence under the esteemed leadership of the young Governor.
