YLDA Hires New Program Officer
2007-01-23

YLDA Secretary General Jan-Argy Tolentino with new YLDA Program Officer Pey Canlas

After undergoing written and oral screening by the Executive Committee of the Young Liberals and Democrats of Asia, Felipe "Pey" Canlas III, a former professorial lecturer of Political Science at the De La Salle University in Taft Avenue, Manila was appointed the new program officer of the Young Liberals and Democrats of Asia (YLDA) last January 16, 2007.

He will assume the post left by former YLDA Program Officer Anne Elica?o who is connected with the Regional Working Group for an ASEAN Human Rights Mechanism. The new program officer is expected to be the point person to coordinate all YLDA activities and events as he heads the secretariat tasked to communicate constantly with the executive committee and member organizations around Asia. His customary tasks also include updating the database of member organizations and individual members, take charge in the everyday management of the Manila secretariat, and bring up to date the YLDA Website.

"Being a liberal myself, I am excited to work with young Asians who share the same passion and vision for the spread of liberal thoughts and values in the region," Mister Canlas confessed during his 40-minute interview with YLDA President Rajendra Mulmi, Friedrich Naumann Foundation Manila Resident Representative Siegfried Herzog and Executive Committee members Jan Argy Tolentino and Sandun Gamage.

Flying to Manila to personally see-through the hiring of a new program officer, Misters Gamage and Mulmi of Sri Lanka and Nepal, respectively, expressed absolute satisfaction with the recent appointment as they convey optimism that with the new and experienced program officer on board, YLDA can see the immediate fruition of important projects slated to be completed this year.

YLDA President Mulmi adds, "with Mister Canlas' familiarity with international issues and his experience in new governance, policy research, and public management, the Executive Committee is confident he will be a proficient point-person for the Secretariat and a reliable partner as we aspire for a tolerant and open Asian society where youths are empowered, responsible and active participants in the political process."

Before coming to La Salle in September 2006, Mister Canlas finished his MA in Public Administration degree at the International Christian University in Tokyo, Japan last June 2006. He obtained his Master in International Studies and AB Communication Research degree from the University of the Philippines, Diliman. He also worked for six years as Technical and Executive Assistant for a progressive city in Metro Manila, Philippines.

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