Patricia Santo Tomas facts for kids

Patricia Aragon Santo Tomas is a well-known Filipino government official. She held several important positions in the Philippine government. She served as the Secretary of Labor and Employment, which is like being the head of the department that deals with jobs and workers' rights. She was also the Chairwoman of the Civil Service Commission, which manages government employees. Later, she became the Chairwoman of the Board of the Development Bank of the Philippines.

Education and Learning

Patricia Aragon Santo Tomas went to school in Quezon City, Philippines. She attended Kamuning Elementary School and Quirino High School. After high school, she earned her first college degree, a Bachelor of Arts, from Far Eastern University. She then continued her studies and received advanced degrees. She earned a Master of Science from the University of the Philippines Los Baños. She also got a Master of Public Administration from Harvard University's John F. Kennedy School of Government.

Starting Her Career

Patricia Aragon Santo Tomas began her work in the government in 1964. Her first job was as a clerk at the Philippine Senate. A clerk helps with office tasks and paperwork. She worked hard and moved up to different roles over time. By 1977, she was the Chief of the Manpower Development and Utilization Division. This division was part of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE).

Important Leadership Roles

Santo Tomas took on many leadership roles throughout her career. From 1982 to 1987, she was the Administrator of the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA). This agency helps Filipinos who want to work in other countries.

In 1988, she was chosen to be the Chairperson of the Civil Service Commission (CSC). She held this position until 1994. The CSC is very important because it manages all the people who work for the Philippine government.

In 2001, President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo asked Santo Tomas to lead a special committee. This committee's job was to find skilled people for important government jobs. Soon after, President Arroyo appointed her as the Secretary of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE).

Santo Tomas was also recognized internationally. She was elected as the Chairperson of the Governing Body of the International Labour Organization. This organization is based in Geneva, Switzerland, and works to improve labor conditions worldwide.

In 2006, President Arroyo appointed Santo Tomas to another key role. She became the Chair of the board of directors for the Development Bank of the Philippines. This bank is owned by the government and has offices all over the country.

Awards and Recognition

Patricia Aragon Santo Tomas received many awards for her excellent work in government. She was named one of the Ten Outstanding Women in the Nation's Service for Public Administration. She also received an award for being an Outstanding Graduate of the Career Executive Service Development Program. She was an Edward S. Mason Fellow and a Harvard University Fellow. She also received a grant from the United States International Visitor Leadership Program. These awards show her dedication and success in public service.

Teaching and Consulting

Besides her government work, Santo Tomas also shared her knowledge. She was a Professorial Lecturer at the University of the Philippines Los Baños. This means she taught at the university. She also worked as a Consultant for Communication Technology for Rural Education.