Brian Poe-Llamanzares Among Alumni Recognized for Public Service by the Harvard Kennedy School of Government Alumni Association of the Philippines

In a well-attended ceremony, the Harvard Kennedy School Alumni Association of the Philippines recently held its annual Bureaucrats’ Ball, bringing together distinguished public servants from the private and public sectors.

Atty. Gianna Montinola, President of HKSAAP, expressed the significance of the event, stating, “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.”

The highlight of the HKS Bureaucrats’ Ball was the recognition of HKS alumni who are currently serving in government and creating an impact on nation-building through public service. This year, the following government officials were recognized:

1. Dr. Alex Brillantes, Professor Emeritus, UP Diliman National College of Public Administration and Governance (UP NCPAG)

2. Cesar Chavez, Undersecretary for Rails, Department of Transportation

3. Jean Susan V. Desuasido Gill, Presiding Judge and Vice-Executive Judge, Regional Trial Court, Branch 131, Trece Martires City, Cavite

4. Vicente Homer Revil, Administrator, Local Water Utilities Administration (LWUA)

5. Annalyn Sevilla Santiago, Undersecretary, Department of Education 

6. Brian Poe Llamanzares, Chief of Staff, Office of Senator Grace Poe

7. Reynaldo Tagudando, Director, Department of Public Works and Highways

8. Hendrik Garcia, Deputy Asst Secretary, Department of Foreign Affairs 

9. Maria Luthgarda M Lacaba, Vice President, Corporate Services, PNOC Exploration Corporation, Department of Energy 

10. Mary Rose Magsaysay, Deputy Executive Director and Assistant Secretary, DICT – Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center (CICC)

HKSAAP celebrated alumni who embodied the spirit of the school motto “Ask what you can do”. Looking ahead, the association plans to expand its recognition by implementing Public Service Awards, aiming to honor outstanding servant leaders from all sectors.

Guests had the privilege of hearing from Ambassador Chantale Wong, United States Director of the Asian Development Bank. In her keynote address, she shared her history in public service and highlighted positive developments in the Philippines, expressing optimism for the country’s future.

Summarizing the experience, Department of Transportation Undersecretary Cesar Chavez, an HKSAAP public service awardee, stated, “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.”

Fellow public service honoree, Senator Grace Poe’s Chief of Staff Brian Poe-Llamanzares added, “It goes without saying that the Bureaucrat’s Ball was an amazing success due to the hard work and effort of the dynamic HKSAAP board.” He then went on to thank HKSAAP and invited other alums to become active in the organization, “I’d also like to say I’m very grateful for being recognized by my fellow HKS alumni. This recognition is a reflection of the amazing things we’ve been able to achieve at the office of Senator Grace Poe. I look forward to continuing to grow with the organization. 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.”

The HKSAAP board outlined future plans, including offering board seats to fellows and executive program graduates, along with more forums aligned with the interests of their membership.

The next event for HKSAAP members is the upcoming welcome reception for the Kennedy School Dean Doug Elmendorf on December 3 at the Brittany Hotel. All alumni are invited to join this intimate get-together with the current head of the Harvard Kennedy School of Government. The success of the Bureaucrats’ Ball underscores the commitment of Harvard Kennedy School alumni to nation-building in the Philippines.