Iloilo City – The Mines and Geosciences Bureau Regional Office VI (MGB VI) recognizes the contribution of Ms. Cecilia L. Ochavo-Saycon as the first woman at the helm of MGB VI in breaking barriers and inspiring change for women to have more equitable leadership opportunities in public governance. This truly exemplifies the National Women’s Month 2024 theme: “Lipunang Patas sa Bagong Pilipinas; Kakayahan ng Kababaihan, patutunayan!”
Currently holding the top leadership position as Officer in Charge (OIC), Regional Director of MGB VI, OIC RD Cecilia Ochavo-Saycon has proven that equity in opportunities is the key to make a headway for Gender and Development principles in public governance and in all sectors of society. Equipped with a diverse array of roles and responsibilities within MGB VI, she has been initiated into various facets of its operations. Previously, she served as the Chief of the Administrative and Finance Division of MGB VI since 2010. She began her tenure as an Economist II at MGB VI. She then concurrently assumed the duties of a Planning Officer II, before transitioning laterally to the latter role. Subsequently, in response to emerging needs, she assumed the role of Chief of the Administrative and Finance Division alongside her duties as Planning Officer. This wide range of functions allowed her to learn about the different aspects and challenges of the organization and equipped her capacity and competence for major roles and responsibilities in MGB VI.
OIC RD Saycon’s journey in leadership is a testament to her resilience, determination, and unwavering commitment to excellence. She is among the eighty-five (85) new Career Executive Service (CES) Eligibles who took oath in a ceremony with the Executive Service Board (CESB) Chairperson Alicia dela Rosa-Bala during the CES Congress on November 24-27, 2020.
As the MGB VI chairperson of the GAD Focal Point System, OIC RD Saycon embodies the core principles of empowerment not just for women but every individual in the organization. Fittingly so for OIC RD Saycon has always espoused fostering a supportive and inclusive organizational culture that provides equitable opportunities for everyone to develop their full capacities as professionals.
Her leadership style is characterized by inclusivity, collaboration, and a genuine commitment to fostering an environment where every voice is heard and every contribution is valued. In one forum, she urged MGB VI personnel to exemplify fairness and create an environment where everybody can trust the system.
Working for development at a non-government organization before MGB, she has always believed that providing mentorship, networking opportunities, lifelong learning, and leadership development programs can empower individuals especially women and the marginalized to overcome challenges, build confidence, and unlock their full potential as agents of change and transformation.
She is truly goal-oriented for lifelong learning. She obtained a master’s degree in Business Management at the University of the Philippines Visayas, Bachelor in Science of Nursing at the West Negros University, and a Juris Doctor (J.D.), College of Law at the Central Philippine University, all her continuing education pursuits while working full-time at the same time.
Ms. Mae Magarzo, chief of the Geosciences Division and Gender and Development (GAD) focal person said that the ascent of OIC RD Saycon to top leadership at MGB VI is a testament to MGB’s unwavering commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. “Her leadership exemplifies the GAD values we hold dear as an organization, and we are proud to have her at the helm of our regional operations.”
In celebrating OIC RD Saycon’s historic leadership at MGB VI, we honor not only her achievements but also the collective strength, resilience, and spirit of empowerment that define women’s leadership worldwide, Ms. Magarzo said.
“Inspiring and empowering women isn’t just about breaking barriers; it’s about creating a supportive ecosystem where everyone and not just women can flourish and realize their full potential,” says OIC RD Saycon.
Congratulations, OIC RD Cecilia L. Ochavo-Saycon! We honor and celebrate you this International Women’s Month! We aim to sustain this step towards diversity, equity, and inclusion throughout all generations! (LAA, MGB VI)