In a landmark ceremony, Clark Development Corporation (CDC) President Agnes Devanadera was honored as the very first recipient of the Governance Commission for Government-Owned or -Controlled Corporations (GCG) Leadership Award. The prestigious event, held on Monday, December 1, at the Sequoia Hotel in Clark, marked a significant milestone in the 15-year history of the GCG.
A Recognition of Transformative Leadership
The award was presented by a distinguished group, including former Senator Franklin Drilon, the principal author of the GCG Law; GCG Chairperson Marius Corpus; GCG Commissioner Geraldine Berberabe-Martinez; and Finance Undersecretary Rolando Tungpalan, who represented Finance Secretary Frederick Go. This award embodies the core vision of the GCG Law: fostering transparency, accountability, and excellence within the state-owned corporate sector.
In her acceptance speech, Devanadera framed the accolade as a collective call to action. "This award is not just a personal honor—it is a call to action. Public office is a public trust, and we must ensure that government-owned or –controlled corporations (GOCCs) remain instruments of progress," she stated. She emphasized that revenues generated by GOCCs are vital for funding public infrastructure and social programs that uplift marginalized communities, making inclusive growth a shared responsibility.
Key Reforms and Programs at Clark
Devanadera was specifically recognized for implementing a suite of reforms that streamlined CDC's operations and enhanced its investment climate. Notable initiatives include:
- Business One-Stop Shop (BOSS) and the Online Business Registration System (OBRA) for efficient business processing.
- The Rate Rebasing Exercise and the Made in Clark Certification Mark to boost local industry.
- The Business Interdependence System (BIS) fostering collaboration within the Clark ecosystem.
- The Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul–Facilitated Access for Services and Trade (MRO–F.A.S.T.) System, which cut red tape for aviation businesses through a joint memorandum order.
Beyond corporate efficiency, CDC was also lauded for its corporate social responsibility programs. Devanadera highlighted the "Benteng Bigas, Meron Na! sa Clark" program, which provided affordable rice and Noche Buena packages to workers. "I remembered the glitter in their eyes... That is the challenge before us, to uplift the lowest in the ladder so we can achieve inclusive growth," she shared, stressing the need to support minimum wage earners.
Anchored in Law and a Legacy of Firsts
Devanadera reflected on the sector's crucial shift from tradition-based decisions to a system firmly anchored on law and accountability. "We now work within a clear legal framework. We have standards, and we take them seriously," she noted. She added that true governance must transcend mere compliance to embody values that drive performance: transparency, discipline, commitment, and love for country.
This award adds to Devanadera's legacy as a trailblazer. She is the first woman to serve as Solicitor General, the first to be appointed twice as Secretary of Justice, and the first woman Government Corporate Counsel. Separately, CDC received a citation from GCG for being a top-ranking GOCC in the 2024 Corporate Governance Scorecard, affirming its commitment to strategic management and stakeholder engagement.
Former Senator Drilon remarked that the GCG Law he authored was designed to curb past abuses and now allows GOCCs to be significant tools for economic development through good fiscal management. This legal foundation was solidified by a landmark 2020 Supreme Court decision penned by Associate Justice Marvic Leonen, which affirmed the constitutionality of the GCG's enabling law, Republic Act 10149.
GCG Chairperson Marius Corpus concluded, "GOCCs remain steadfast in fulfilling their commitment to the people they serve. Through strong governance and accountability, these institutions become catalysts for national development and inclusive growth."
