Norlando Flores Divina, Barangay Captain of Barangay 24 in Caloocan City, received the prestigious “Global Outstanding Public Servant Humanitarian Leader of the Year” award from the Global Academy for Human Excellence (GAHE) and the International Center for Diplomatic Studies (ICDS) Norway.
The ceremony occurred at the Heritage Hotel Manila, coinciding with the 1st ICDS-Norway Doctoral Conferment and World Peace & Economic Summit and Awards.
Divina, affectionately known as “Tatay” by his constituents, has dedicated a remarkable 43 years to serving as barangay captain of Barangay 24. He is the esteemed father of renowned lawyer Nilo T. Divina, Dean UST Faculty of Civil Law and Managing Partner of Top Law Firm DivinaLaw, Councilor Arnold T. Divina of Caloocan City, and Marco T. Divina, a PCSO employee.
“It was the people of Community 24 who pushed me to run and file my candidacy for Punong Barangay of Barangay 24,” Divina said.
From 1982 to 2023, he held the position of Barangay Captain. In those 43 years, Divina admittedly enjoyed the challenges and demands of the position as it allowed him to provide for his community and address their immediate issues.
Throughout those years, Divina said that the most valuable lesson he learned was that good deeds reap equally positive rewards.
In the recent Barangay Elections, the esteemed barangay captain retained his position, earning votes by a significant margin.
“This is a testament to the fact that my constituents truly believed in my capacity to deliver good and honest service to them. Now, I am committed to once again continue my good service to my beloved Barangay constituents,” he said.
This international recognition highlights Divina’s unwavering commitment to public service, specifically focused on supporting people with disabilities (PWDs), senior citizens, and the youth. His tireless efforts have made a tangible difference in the lives of his community members, earning him admiration and respect throughout Caloocan.
The “Global Outstanding Public Servant Humanitarian Leader of the Year” award is a testament to Divina’s unwavering dedication to his community. His commitment to improving the lives of the vulnerable and championing the needs of his constituents is an inspiration to public servants across the globe.
This recognition also shines a light on Divina’s exceptional service and brings positive attention to the city of Caloocan and its dedication to empowering its communities.
Divina’s story is a heartwarming reminder that impactful leadership can blossom even at the grassroots level, leaving a lasting legacy of career and dedication for the next generations.