Each of us students at our post-doctorate class at the Philippine Christian University was required to submit a bionote for our souvenir program.
I’ve been writing a column for Diyaryo Pinoy since 2014, so I’d like to introduce myself to my readers, on the occasion of our 9th anniversary; call it some “getting to know you” time. The following is my submission.
I am Josephine Jaron Codilla, hailing from Lamitan City, Basilan Province, and currently serving as the Assistant Chief of the Legislative Journal Service in the Senate of the Philippines. I have a rich 34-year history in the Senate since I started on October 30, 1989. I also earned a Career Executive Service eligibility in 2009.
I earned my bachelor’s degree from the University of the Philippines in Diliman. I later pursued a master’s degree in public administration from the University of Santo Tomas (UST) and completed all academic requirements for a Doctor of Philosophy in Public Administration at UST, absent dissertation only, as a government scholar. Recently, I earned a PhD in Development Administration from the Philippine Christian University. My passion for learning also took me abroad, participating in international training programs by the Development Academy of the Philippines and studying public policy at institutions such as Universiti Malaya in Malaysia, National Graduate Institute for Policy Studies in Japan, and KDI School of Public Policy and Management in South Korea.
In addition to my academic pursuits, I have been teaching public administration at the Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila since 2008. I am also a regular columnist for Diyaryo Pinoy since 2014. I am an active member of the National Press Club.
Beyond my professional engagements, my heart lies in philanthropy. I serve on the boards of esteemed organizations like Rotary International, Lions Club International, and Mindanao Humanitarian Volunteers for Peace (MHVP). Through MHVP, I collaborate with the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) on humanitarian missions, focusing on geographically inaccessible and impoverished communities, particularly in the ZAMBASULTA area. Additionally, I contribute to the collaborative efforts between civil society and the military by serving on the multi-sector advisory boards of the AFP Leadership Development Center and the Civil-Military Operations Regiment. My expertise is further bolstered by a certificate in International Relations and Security.
I am delighted to share this glimpse into my life journey with you, my readers, especially as we celebrate our 9th anniversary together. Your continued readership is deeply appreciated. Thank you for being a part of this incredible journey with me.