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Press Secretary Jesus
G. Dureza assumed his present appointment on June 16, 2008. Prior to
this, he was Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process. He is concurrent
Mindanao Super Region Development Champion and Philippine Signing
Minister to the Brunei-Indonesia-Malaysia-Philippines –East ASEAN Growth
Area (BIMP-EAGA).
He also held several other appointive positions in the government,
including the chairmanship of the Mindanao Economic Development Council
(MEDCo); the chairmanship of the Government Peace Negotiating Panel for
Talks with the MILF; and Presidential Assistant for Mindanao. He was
Director of the Philippine Coconut Authority Governing Board from 1989
to 1992. He was Panel Adviser and Spokesman of the Government Panel for
Peace Talks with the CPP/NPA/NDF.
He has likewise served in an elective position as Congressman of the 1st
district of Davao City, from 1987 to 1989 and from 1992 to 1995.
Secretary Dureza, who placed 10th in the Philippine Bar exams of 1973,
graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree, cum laude, from the Ateneo de
Davao University. He practiced law as Senior Partner of the RAMA,DUREZA
and ABARQUEZ Law Firm and was a law professor at the Ateneo de Davao
University. He was President of the Integrated Bar of the Philippines,
Davao del Sur Chapter from1985-1987.
He is not new to media, having served as President Fidel V. Ramos’
Spokesman (1999-2000), Spokesman of the House of Representatives (
1987-1989 and 1992-1995), TV host (“Brainstorm”, a program in Davao
City, 1985-1987), editor of the Mindanao Times (1972-1987) and
correspondent of Manila Bulletin and Manila Times (1973 – 1987 and
1967-1972, respectively). He was regional chair (Region XI) of the
Publisher’s Association of the Philippines (1992) and president of the
Davao Press Club, Inc. (1972).
He is a recipient of the Presidential Award of Merit from President
Ramos (1998) and Datu Bago awardee (highest award given to Davaoeno) in
1983.
Secretary Dureza, who was born in Guimbal, Iloilo, is married to
Elizabeth Salutillo. The couple has four children. |
