Published: November 15, 2004
“A breath of fresh air” - - - is what would aptly describe the appointment of Atty. Agnes VST Devanadera to the highly regarded post of Government Corporate Counsel (GCC), because for almost seven decades, the guardian of the OGCC’s fortress is a gentleman.
Atty. Devanadera, a true-blue Atenean, geared her wings and soared to greater heights, in the spirit of public service. She was elected as Mayor in the Municipality of Sampaloc, Province of Quezon and presided over the League of Municipalities in the Philippines. She likewise served as Undersecretary for Legal and Legislative Affairs at the Department of Interior and Local Government.
On September 1, 2004, the entire OGCC family has accorded Atty. Devanadera a warm ceremonial turnover, which event was graced by the presence of her family members, former GCCs, colleagues, friends, and acquaintances both in the public and private sectors.
In her acceptance speech, Atty. Devanadera stressed the importance of developing corporate core values, which would shape the mission and vision of the Office of the Government Corporate Counsel. The newly appointed GCC subscribes to the principle of hands-on management style, which, accordingly, will enable her to learn the minutiae of being at the helm of an organization mandated to be the legal counsel of government-owned and/or controlled corporations (GOCCs). As the incumbent GCC, Atty. Devanadera seeks to enhance the quality of public service rendered by the OGCC by entering into Memorandum of Understanding with various institutions, in conducting trainings and seminars that will further the potentials and capabilities of the legal staff in addressing the legal concerns of client GOCCs.
Atty. Devanadera also introduced an "open office" policy, which encourages an inviting atmosphere of belongingness and transparency.
To carry on, if not to surpass, the notable works of her equally respected and valiant predecessors, in their commitment to uphold justice under the rule of law and to perform each and every undertaking with integrity, professionalism, corporate responsibility, public accountability and excellence - - - for GCC Agnes VST Devanadera, there lies the real challenge.
