Gov. Rafy’s Visions Secure Bronze Stevie Award in Thought Leader of the Year for Government
By: Camille R. Bumatay, PIO | Photos By: PIO | Date: August 26, 2024
As the prestigious Stevie Awards announces its winners for the 21st Annual International Business Awards with over 12,000 entries on the different categories from across the globe, Gov. Raphaelle Veronica “Rafy” Ortega-David was recognized as a Bronze Awardee in the category Thought Leader of The Year - Government or Non-Profit, a testament to Gov. Rafy’s visionary leadership and impactful governance in La Union.
The International Business Awards, 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.
Among her innovative accomplishments considered in the award was the passing of Executive Order No. 25, s.2022 which institutionalized the provision of two-day work-from-home privileges for women employees of the Provincial Government of La Union (PGLU) each month. This policy has 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 consulting them with the most pressing issues they face.
Gov. Rafy is 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 documentarist 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 directly gifted with noche buena items and other treats to defray expenses during the holiday seasons.
Her thought leadership is engraved in her initials, RVOD, Relevant, Vibrant, Outstanding, and Developmental. Through her innovative and dynamic leadership approach, her thought leadership indeed serves as a beacon of hope for meaning and impactful changes in the community. Gov. Rafy leads the PGLU in its Transformative Governance - a brand of governance that ushers a reinvigorated hope and optimism among constituents who are assured of a public service that does not only remain relevant and responsive but also dynamically keep up with the shifting demands of time.
The award serves as a reminder of the significant strides La Union is achieving together toward progress and sustainable development. The governor’s success is expected to further elevate La Union's profile on the global stage, attracting positive attention and opportunities for the province. The PGLU extends its heartfelt congratulations to Gov. Rafy Ortega-David for this remarkable achievement and looks forward to continuing its path of excellence and innovation under her esteemed leadership.
