Mayor Khymer Olaso recognized city government employees who participated in the Young Southeast Asian Leaders Initiative (YSEALI) Professional Fellowship Program in the United States during the regular flag-raising ceremony, held at the City Hall grounds Monday morning, May 11.

The recognition was led by the City Human Resource and Management Office (CHRMO) and highlighted Engr. Lea Diane Lacbao of the City Engineer’s Office (CEO), who completed the YSEALI Professional Fellowship under the Sustainability and Environment Theme, Cycle 1, held from March 9 to April 16, 2026.

Mayor Olaso awarded a certificate of recognition to Lacbao for her participation in the international fellowship and representation of the city in sustainability and environmental initiatives.

Also recognized were other YSEALI alumni in the city government, including Assistant City Planning and Development Coordinator Jessie Christopher Lapinid, a 2016 alumnus who trained in Kansas City, Missouri; Rosalie Molina-Aquino of the City Veterinarian’s Office, also a 2016 alumna who underwent training at the University of Arkansas Agricultural Extension Services in Little Rock, Arkansas; and Ramonelle Charmaine Faustino of CHRMO, a 2018 alumna who joined the program in Denver, Colorado.

Present during the ceremony were Chief of Staff and Executive Secretary Celso Lobregat, City Administrator Percival Ramos, and CHRMO Head Marinyd Tingcang, who underscored that international fellowship programs help strengthen competencies, broaden experience, and improve public service delivery in the local government. (Arvin Midel) (photo credits: Jen Casido)