DAVAO CITY — Silent, simple and workaholic, that’s how people of Davao City describe Secretary Leo Tereso Abella Magno, the man of President Ferdinand R, Marcos Jr. for Eastern Mindanao, who is also serving as Southern Mindanao Coordinator of Cabinet Officers for Regional Development and Security (CORDS).
Since the administration of Presidents Ferdinand Marcos Jr. took over in 2022, many speculated that Mindanao will be left behind as the Chief Excutive will pereferably focus the development of his region in Luzon and his hometown in Batac, Ilocos Norte.
Walking for Mindanao
“I am from Mindanao and I am your servant from Mindanao to the Palace,” says the media shy but friendly and accomodating Secretary.
The President, according to Magno, “Always want to be updated about Mindanao, this Island is always part of the government’s priority agenda, I don’t think there is so much explanation needed.”
Quashing perception that Mindanao will be left in the development corridors of the country after the administration President Rodrigo Duterte stepped down from the Palace in 2022, Magno said “Mindanao is always part of the country’s development, I can attest to that.”
Special Assistant for the President, Anton Lagdameo is from Davao City, he emphasized: “No one is left behind, Secretary Lagdameo is also working for the development of Davao and Mindanao, and the President is always asking us about Mindanao and the people, he cares for Mindanao.”
During the interview magno showed the list of new projects for Mindanao which include new ports, airport development and other programs which the people of Mindanao deserve.”
In many occasions in the past, Magno has been offered various positions in Metro Manila, “But I ccannot leave Davao, my heart is hear, I belong here and I will work for the Davao people and Mindanao.”
For Magno, serving the people of Mindanao and working for the Island’s growth is a priceless fulfillment “I will walk my way for Davao Region and Mindanao to ahieve economic growth with people enjoying the fruits of their labor in the communities with their families while savoring the support from the national government.”
His family
Despite his hectic schedules, Magno shared “I ensure that I have time for my family they are my life and my home.”
Magno comes from a family of development workers and government servants.
His grandfather, the late Justice Leopoldo Abellera served the administration of the late president Ferdinand E. Marcos Sr. and served as the minister of the then Bureau of Transportation.
Magno’s path to various government positions traverse from one administration to the other. His public service record whos his dedication to serve the people is beyond question.
The Secretary used to serve as the Chairman Of The Board at Rizal Memorial Colleges, Inc., a 77-year-old educational institution based in Davao City which has now branches in major cities of the country.
The RMC pioneered the country’s Sunday school several decades ago, giving the houshelp and working individuals the chance to avail quality education.
Magno, once served as the Regional Director of the Land Transportation Office XI (LTO-XI), then administrator of the Phividec Industrial Authority, among others.
