TACLOBAN CITY — Imelda Romanillos has assumed leadership of the Department of Labor and Employment in Eastern Visayas (DOLE-8), replacing Atty. Joan Noya-Nidua who served as officer-in-charge regional director.
Romanillos was formally installed as the new DOLE-8 regional director during a turnover ceremony on Oct. 2 at Hotel Lorenza in Tacloban City.
She brings more than three decades of experience in the labor department, having started her DOLE career in 1989 as Clerk III at the DOLE Bicol Regional Office.
Romanillos rose through the ranks and became assistant regional director in 2022.
She later served as officer-in-charge regional director of DOLE-CAR in 2024 before formally assuming the post in January 2025. Prior to her assignment to Eastern Visayas, she served as regional director of DOLE Region II.
In her message during the turnover ceremony, Romanillos thanked DOLE-8 officials and employees for the warm welcome and pledged to pursue responsive, meaningful and client-centered public service.
“Let’s create impact to the lives of the clients we serve,” Romanillos said.
She also underscored the honor and responsibility attached to public service, citing former United States Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice’s observation that public service is both a great challenge and an honor.
Noya-Nidua, meanwhile, thanked DOLE-8 officials and employees for their support and cooperation during her tenure as officer-in-charge regional director.
She is set to join the DOLE Bicol Regional Office as assistant regional director.
The leadership transition is expected to ensure the continued delivery of labor and employment programs and services across Eastern Visayas.
(ROEL T. AMAZONA)
