New PNOC Chief, our Homecoming Speaker

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Retired Admiral Reuben Lista has been sworn in by Energy Secretary Alfonso Cusi as the new president of Philippine National Oil Corp. (PNOC), the entity tasked with ensuring a stable supply of petroleum products—and likewise one with the mandate to pursue exploration, exploitation and development of energy resources in this part of the world.

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Lista, who has Ilocano roots, has skill sets seen suitable for the PNOC job. He was the 18th commandant of the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), during which he was credited for piloting the establishment of navigational safety rules and traffic separation schemes, the “Sea Scouts” and regulated the construction of bridges and structures over navigable waters. One brainchild of his was the “Adopt a Lighthouse Program,” designed to promote the upkeep and maintenance of historical lighthouses.

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He graduated consistently at the top of his class in BS Marine Transportation at the Philippine Merchant Marine Academy (PMMA) in 1969 and holds a Masters degree in International Resource Planning and Management (MIRPM) from the US Naval Postgraduate School. He also holds an MBA degree from the Ateneo de Manila .

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The new PNOC chief was a multimedal awardee while serving “with highest distinction and honor” in his various assignments as a line and technical officer in the Philippine Navy, Armed Forces of the Philippines and the PCG. As its first ever commander of the Marine Environmental Protection Command (Mepcom), he was credited for the “development of its laboratory equipment and continually built up its capabilities to address the constantly changing maritime environment.” —Doris Dumlao-Abadilla