From Barangay Leadership to Global Democracy Work
BACOLOD - Garcia previously served as Sangguniang Kabataan chairperson of Barangay Handumanan, giving her experience in youth and community leadership at the local level. She is also the founder of Project Pagsibol, the Philippine Country Lead for the University of Virginia's Democratic Futures Project, and Regional Executive Director of CANVAS Asia. Her selection for the Global Democracy Fellows program adds another chapter to her work in civic engagement and democratic initiatives. The courtesy call provided an opportunity for Garcia to reconnect with local leadership while representing the work she has pursued both in the Philippines and internationally.
A Meeting Connecting Local and International Initiatives
Garcia was accompanied during the courtesy call by Von De Leon Maungca of the Office of the Executive Secretary under the Office of the President. Their visit brought together representatives connected to different levels of public and civic work. Garcia's background in youth leadership and community initiatives demonstrates how experiences developed at the barangay level can lead to broader opportunities in civic and democratic programs. Her international fellowship also provides a platform for exchanging ideas and experiences with other participants working on democracy-related initiatives around the world.
Recognizing Bacolod's Emerging Leaders
Garcia's visit also highlights the contributions of Bacolodnons working beyond the city's borders. Her journey from serving as a youth leader in Barangay Handumanan to participating in an international democracy fellowship illustrates one pathway through which local civic experience can develop into broader leadership opportunities. The meeting with Mayor Gasataya provides a local connection to that achievement while bringing attention to the work of a Bacolodnon involved in youth, community, and democratic initiatives. As Garcia continues her work through her various organizations and programs, her international recognition adds another example of Bacolod-linked leadership gaining a wider platform.
