PASIG CITY — The Galing Pook Foundation held its 2026 Annual Membership Meeting on May 25, 2026 at Astoria Plaza Hotel, Ortigas Center, Pasig City, bringing together members, trustees, partners, and friends of the Foundation in a gathering marked by renewal, gratitude, and remembrance. Members also joined the proceedings online through Zoom.

The Annual Membership Meeting served as a moment to look back on 2025, a year described by the Foundation as one of transition, consolidation, and renewed momentum. Reports presented during the meeting highlighted Galing Pook’s continuing work in recognizing local governance innovations, supporting local governments and communities, strengthening partnerships, and developing platforms for learning and replication through the Galing Pook Awards and the emerging Galing Pook Academy.

At the heart of the gathering was the welcoming of new members into the Galing Pook community. The Foundation welcomed Karlos Manlupig, Rosemarie Rafael, Aileen Leycano, Raffy Magno, Jhon Allen Berbon, Atty. Jocelle Batapa-Sigue, Maria Remedios “Mardi” Mapa-Suplido, Maria Christine Ponce Garcia, Anthony Marzan, and Wilson M. Fortaleza. Through their oath-taking, the new members affirmed their commitment to uphold the Foundation’s mission and vision, serve with integrity and excellence, and help advance communities through sustainable and innovative solutions.

The Annual Membership Meeting also expressed deep appreciation to outgoing members of the Board of Trustees. Certificates of appreciation were presented to Dr. Ador Torneo, Mr. Mel Senen Sarmiento, and Dean Alex Brillantes, Jr. in recognition of their dedicated service and invaluable contributions to the Foundation’s work in advancing excellence in local governance, innovation, and citizen-centered development.

A solemn part of the program was the reading of posthumous citations for Major General Fernando E. Mesa and Mr. Aniceto M. Sobrepeña, both of whom served as members of the Board of Trustees. The Foundation honored their lives of service, integrity, and commitment to good governance and local innovation. MGen. Mesa was remembered for his distinguished service, selfless commitment, generosity of spirit, and deep belief in the capacity of communities and local leaders to create meaningful change. Mr. Sobrepeña was likewise honored with profound gratitude for his service and contributions to the institution.

The members also elected four trustees to the Board. Alex Brillantes, Jr., Eddie Dorotan, Nieves Confesor, and Cielo Magno were elected as members of the Board of Trustees, joining the continuing trustees in guiding the Foundation’s work for 2026–2027.

As the Annual Membership Meeting closed, Galing Pook reaffirmed its mission to recognize, learn from, and amplify local innovations that show how governance can work when communities, leaders, and institutions act together. In welcoming new voices and honoring enduring legacies, the Foundation carried forward a message at the heart of its work: good governance is sustained by people who choose service, participation, and hope.