METROPOLITAN Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) chairman Romando Artes has been conferred the 2024 Senator Raul S. Roco Award for Public Service Excellence by the San Beda University (SBU) Alumni Association.
Artes received the award during MMDA’s flag-raising ceremony on Monday in Pasig City, presented by lawyer Dominador D. Buhain and Dr. Joffre M. Alajar, president and executive director, respectively of the SBU Alumni Association.
“In selecting Atty. Don Artes to receive the 2024 Raul S. Roco Award for Public Service Excellence, the Bedan Community recognizes his distinguished work as leader of our very dynamic and progressive MMDA, as evidenced by initiatives, programs, and projects that resulted in significant improvements in the life of the nation,” Buhain during the conferment rite.
Artes thanked the SBU and the family of the late senator Roco for choosing him as the recipient of the prestigious award. He dedicated the award to every employee of the agency, saying he was able to receive the award because of the help and support of the men and women of MMDA.
The MMDA chief graduated from San Beda with a degree of Bachelor of Science in Commerce, majoring in Accountancy in 1993. He also obtained his Bachelor of Laws from the same school in 1998.
Artes began his tenure at the MMDA in 2017 as assistant general manager for finance and administration, then became general manager and chairman in February 2022.
He was reappointed as head of the agency in November 2022 and has since led the agency in its administrative and financial aspects. He was instrumental in the ISO certification of the authority and four-peat unqualified Commission on Audit opinion.
In 2007, the San Beda Alumni Association together with Mrs. Sonia Roco and her family established the Raul S. Roco Award for Public Service Excellence. This award is given to give recognition to a Bedan who exemplifies the ideals of the late senator and the exemplary service he rendered to the country in his lifetime.