MANILA – The Tourism Promotions Board (TPB) Philippines, the marketing and promotions arm of the Department of Tourism (DOT), announces that Ms. Maria Margarita Montemayor Nograles has officially assumed the role of Chief Operating Officer on Tuesday, October 4.
Nograles was appointed member of the TPB Board of Directors in an appointment letter issued by the Malacañang released on September 15. Following this, the said Board convened and officially elected her into office in accordance with the GOCC Governance Act of 2011 and Tourism Act of 2009.
A recognized entrepreneur in the local fashion and retail industry, Nograles is the owner and proprietor of Kaayo Modern Mindanao, a clothing and accessories brand showcasing a curated collection of traditional weaves created by artisan women in Mindanao.
Her love for culture and fashion combined made her realize a potent medium of advocacy to provide a sustainable livelihood for women and artisans and establish a creative platform to showcase the world-class weaving craftsmanship of the Philippines.
“Kaayo Modern Mindanao has been my baby, my passion project, my heart, and my soul. It was not easy to make this decision but now given the opportunity to bring more of the Philippines to the world, it is with a humble and grateful heart that I step down as Creative Director of Kaayo and take on my new role – for the country,” said TPB COO Nograles.
“I am deeply humbled, honored, and blessed to have been appointed as Chief Operating Officer of the Tourism Promotions Board Philippines. I can only bow in profound gratitude and pray to God for guidance, wisdom, fair judgment, and inspiration to be able to discharge my duties in accordance with God’s will and the tourism agenda of our country,” she added.
Just like how she championed sustainable livelihood programs that uplift women and local artisans in Mindanao, Marga Nograles as COO commits to forging meaningful partnerships, embracing responsible and sustainable tourism programs, and supporting stakeholders following the multidimensional tourism approach under the seven-point agenda of Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco.
“My fervent hope is to meet the expectations entrusted to me by DOT Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco, whom I shall support and work with diligently. May I be relevant as I learn from my mentors and may my heart & mind be focused on how promotions can best benefit our communities and the only country we call home!” enthused TPB COO Nograles.
Nograles will lead TPB to implement strategic domestic and international marketing and promotional efforts to revitalize the Philippine tourism industry as a sustainable, dynamic, world-class tourism, MICE and investment destination.
Born in Davao City, Nograles spent her school years at the Ateneo de Davao University and graduated with a degree in AB Interdisciplinary Studies, Major in Management and Communications from the Ateneo de Manila University.
Since then, Marga has been involved in fashion and retail, with her being awarded the exclusive sub-distributorship of Havaianas in Southeast Mindanao in 2005 paving the way for her entrepreneurial journey.
In 2000, she worked on special projects with the Philippine Department of Tourism in New York, such as the “Balik Davao” campaign which featured a fashion show that highlighted Mindanao designers.
She is married to Atty. Karlo Alexei Nograles, the current Chairperson of the Civil Service Commission. Together they have three children: Karlos Mateo, Kristian Massimo, and Katarina Mikaelle.
Nograles succeeds Atty. Maria Anthonette Velasco-Allones who is now the Undersecretary for Finance and Internal Affairs at the Department of Migrant Workers. n
