By Karren Jay G. Asgar
Centralian in Public Service: Hon. Matt P. Palabrica, Ph.D., Sangguniang Panlalawigan Member of the 3rd District of the Province of Iloilo.
The transition from the vitalizing journey as a varsity student and a student leader to the demanding landscape of public service may seem like a difficult road to cross, but Centralian Hon. Matt P. Palabrica’s progression is fueled by the overflowing passion and commitment that drove him on the field.
Armed with a heart filled with burning purpose and equipped by the Central Spirit, Hon. Matt P. Palabrica, Ph.D., Sangguniang Panlalawigan Member of the 3rd District of the Province of Iloilo, ventures into public service, embodying the ideals of citizenship and the pursuit of the common good. He has been demonstrating a steadfast commitment to the field of agriculture that benefits the general welfare.
Hon. Matt P. Palabrica is a PhD degree holder in Development Administration (2011) and a Master in Management in Public Administration (2007) from Philippine Christian University, Manila. He is a graduate of CPU High School with honors and was also a consistent Dean’s Lister in Bachelor of Science in Agriculture, Major in Agronomy from Central Philippine University.
He is also the Chairman of the Accounts Committee, General Services, and Human Resources; Vice Chairman of the Ways and Means Committee and Cultural Communities and Underprivileged Committee; Member of the Agriculture; and several other committees. He was the former Mayor of the Municipality of Bingawan, Iloilo, from 2007–2016 and Vice Mayor of Bingawan from 2016–2019.
Moreover, he was also the Agriculturist II (Rice Specialist) of the Department of Agriculture (2000–2004); Presidential Staff Officer II, National Youth Commission (1997–2000); and President, SK Provincial Federation of Iloilo (ex-officio, Sangguniang Panlalawigan Member 1993–1996). Recently, he was elected as the Interim Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Fortress College, Inc. as a member of the CPU Board of Trustees.
Dr. Palabrica has laid the foundation for a life dedicated to serving and assisting the public. His passion for agriculture and community is continually ignited, making his journey in public service noteworthy and remarkable. His experiences as the former governor and representative of his department marked the beginning of his quest to make a meaningful impact on society. Whether in the fields of local government, organizations, or institutional advocacy, he sought out opportunities to effect change and prominent causes close to his heart.
Beyond his own accomplishments, Dr. Palabrica also serves as a source of inspiration for aspiring leaders and changemakers. Through a live interview, he amplifies Centralians’ voices to inspire a new generation of individuals committed to building a better world. He shared that with the help of sufficient mentorship, experience, advocacy, and leading by example would empower others to follow and pursue careers in public service.
Hon. Matt P. Palabrica stands as a testament to the profound impact of individuals who dedicate their lives to public service, which he learned from the Centralian community as he was once part of the Central Philippine University Republic (CPUR). From humble beginnings on campus to the corridors of power, he has been exemplifying the CPU’s core values. As we reflect on his notable journey, let us be reminded of the profound responsibility we all share to contribute to the common good.
You may watch the replay of the live interview with Hon. Matt P. Palabrica at: Centralian in Public Service: Hon. Matt P. Palabrica.