Cebuano businessman Philip Lo officially began his duties as Presidential Assistant for the Visayas after taking his oath before President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. in Malacañang on Wednesday, July 9.
Marcos appointed Lo, a former chairperson of the Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP), to lead the Office of the Presidential Assistant for the Visayas (OPAV), which coordinates and monitors the implementation of priority government programs and projects in the region.
As Presidential Assistant for the Visayas, Lo will serve as the President’s representative in the region and coordinate with national government agencies, local government units, and other stakeholders to advance the administration’s initiatives.
Lo thanked Marcos for the opportunity to serve and said he would help connect the Visayan communities with the Office of the President.
“I sincerely thank the President for giving me the opportunity to serve as the Presidential Assistant for the Visayas. I will serve as a bridge between the people of the Visayas and the Office of the President,” Lo said.
“One of my goals is to make government more accessible, responsive, and effective for every Visayan,” he added.
Lo said he would work with government agencies and local officials to help deliver programs and services to communities across the Visayas.
Before his appointment, Lo served as chairperson of the Coast Pacific Group of Companies and Toyota Mabolo Cebu, Inc. He also previously chaired DBP.
The OPAV serves as the coordinating arm between Malacañang, national government agencies, and local governments to support the implementation of the administration’s priority programs and projects in the Visayas.
Lo is expected to oversee efforts involving public services, infrastructure, investment, and economic development as the government continues to pursue projects aimed at boosting regional growth.
During the same oath-taking ceremony, Marcos also administered the oath of office of lawyer Nesauro Firme as ad interim member of the Judicial and Bar Council (JBC), representing the academe.
The JBC screens and nominates candidates for vacancies in the judiciary and the offices of the Ombudsman and Deputy Ombudsman.
Photo courtesy of PCO
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