Baguio boy Nathaniel V. Lacambra has assumed on Feb. 11 as the new director of the Department of Labor and Employment-Cordillera.
Lacambra has replaced Exequiel Ronie A. Guzman, who will take over the leadership of DOLE-4A or Calabarzon.
With him is Atty. Sixto T. Rodriguez, also a Baguio boy, who will also assume as the DOLE-CAR assistant director replacing Jesus Elpidio A. Atal, Jr. who will assume as the ARD of DOLE-6 or the Western Visayas.
The DOLE regional and provincial offices and employees, including all its attached offices in the Cordillera, and other regional line agencies welcomed the new officials.
May I share how DOLE-Information and Publication Service (IPS) describes Lacambra, as he is fondly called by officemates and friends, in their special feature honoring him as DOLE’s “Three-peat man”:
“The former regional director of DOLE-1 carries these virtues without his effusing them.An inordinate sense of dedication to his job is implicit in his bearing, as they are in most government officials. But behind this veneer, like a secret garb hidden by an official shirt, one senses the qualities that underpin his amazing rise from within the ranks of the labor department – unerring work ethic, handscrabble rise, unstinting devotion to what he does, and his own native intelligence.
Lacambra is unassuming as he is plain spoken. What exudes from him is a sense of engagement and dedication to his work, especially when it comes to his duties as main purveyor of decent employment, industrial peace, and workers’ welfare in the region.
But his modesty aside, Lacambra’s legend in the labyrinthine hallways of the department does not stand on myth-putty. They emanate from a deep and rich source just like his pride of place – hardscrabble, yes but also verdant and rich.
At a stage when most young men are just settling into their career paths, Lacambra holds the record of being the youngest division chief at 28 years old. He also became assistant regional director at age 31, also a department record.
At 43, like a man seeking a career three-peat, Lacambra became the department’s youngest regional director.
His first stint as one of DOLE’s regional honchos started in Region 2, as he also served distinguished careers in Regions 3 and 5. He is currently the second most senior director in the department today.
In 2015, he was feted by the Armed Forces of the Philippines for spearheading the provision of livelihood projects for rebel returnees in Southern Luzon. He was awarded by the Department of Justice for remarkably giving employment to ex-cons and former jailbirds.
As director for the Bicol Region, he was a recipient of the “Onrang Andurog” one of the most coveted awards for public service in Bicolandia, which is awarded to those who have made significant impact on the socio-economic lives of the people of Bicol.”
As for Rodriguez, he was the former assistant regional director DOLE-4B or Mimaropa. He was also the former OIC director of DOLE-2 or Cagayan Valley and the ARD for the National Capital Region.
Both public servants pledged to work immediately to achieve DOLE’s mission to promote gainful employment opportunities, develop human resources, protect workers and promote their welfare, and maintain industrial peace in the Cordillera.
April 20, 2024
