The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) recently welcomed its new Regional and Assistant Regional Directors in Davao Region.

In a turnover ceremony last March 24, 2017, DOLE XI employees and staff greeted their new Regional Director (RD) Raymundo G. Agravante and Assistant Regional Director (ARD) Naomi Lyn C. Abellana and thanked outgoing leaders RD Joffrey M. Suyao and OIC-ARD Jason P. Balais. RD Agravante came from his assignment in DOLE Region X in Cagayan de Oro while ARD Abellana came from Region XII – SOCCSKARGEN.

RD Agravante graduated with a bachelor’s of Science degree in Agriculture from University of Southern Mindanao, finished Bachelor of Laws in Notre Dame University and completed a Master in Public Administration from the same university as well. He also graduated Master of Art in Development Studies from the Institute of Social Studies in Netherlands. Prior to Davao Region, Director Agravante has been previously assigned as Regional Director in Region XI but only for a short period of 43 days. He also led the Department’s offices in the National Capital Region, Region 4A – Calabarzon, and Region III – Central Luzon. Director Agravante is also an award winning DOLE Regional Director and championed mainly in his innovation and implementation of the Department’s core programs which include the Labor Laws Compliance System, Employment, Livelihood, and Child-Labor Prevention and Elimination to name a few.

ARD Abellana, on the other hand, graduated Magna cum Laude in her Bachelor of Arts degree Major in Economics from University of the Visayas, finished Master’s of Public Administration from Bukidnon State University and got a Diploma in Public Management and Development from the Development Academy of the Philippines. Prior to her assignment in Region XII, ARD Abellana worked as OIC-ARD for DOLE CARAGA region.

During the turnover event, a ceremonial turnover of the key of responsibility was done among the incoming and outgoing leaders. RD Suyao is now assigned in DOLE X – Cagayan de Oro while OIC-ARD Balais is assigned at DOLE Negros Island Region.

Kriztja Marae G. Labrador/LCO-DOLEXI