OceanaGold (Philippines), Inc. (OGP) President and General Manager for External Affairs and Social Performance, Atty. Joan D. Adaci-Cattiling has been named one of the recipients of the 2026 Ifugao Achievers’ Award, recognized under the “Chief Executive Officer or its Equivalent” category.
Atty. Joan D. Adaci-Cattiling(6th from right) receives the Ifugao Achiever’s Award from Ifugao Governor, Hon. Jerry U. Dalipog(6th from left) during the Opening Program of the 60th Founding Anniversary of the Province of Ifugao and Gotad ad Ifugao 2026
The award was conferred on June 8, 2026, during the Opening program of the 60th Founding Anniversary of the Province of Ifugao and the Gotad ad Ifugao 2026, which highlighted the achievements of exemplary Ifugaos across diverse fields.
This year’s recognition marks the second time that Atty. Adaci-Cattiling was recognized by the province. She was first honored for placing Top 5 in the 2000 Philippine Bar Examinations, underscoring a career marked by sustained excellence and leadership.
In her response on behalf of the awardees, Atty. Adaci-Cattiling emphasized the shared identity and collective strength of the Ifugao people:
“Each of us awardees have taken a different path, but we are bound by the same historical cloth. Like the patterns of the various Ifugao fabric… each of us carries a distinct thread… woven together, we form a stronger and more meaningful tapestry—one that reflects the talent, resilience, and dignity of the Ifugao people.”
She highlighted that the recognition is not solely an individual achievement but a reflection of the communities that shaped each awardee:
“The Ifugao Achievers’ Award is not simply one of individual achievement. It also honors the wisdom of our ancestors and the communities that shaped each of us for excellence.”
Atty. Adaci-Cattiling has been with OGP for nearly two decades, leading the company’s initiatives in external affairs, social performance, stakeholder engagement, and community development. Her leadership reflects the growing impact of women in the mining industry, where female representation in senior executive roles remains historically limited.
As one of the few women in a top leadership role in the sector, she has helped advance a model of responsible mining that prioritizes inclusive development, meaningful engagement with Indigenous Peoples, and cultural preservation.
“I am proud that we have made it our mission to support the preservation and promotion of Ifugao culture in the Didipio Mine’s host and neighboring barangays through our Indigenous Peoples’ Culture Revitalization Program,” she said, noting that around 450 trainees, both young and old, have benefited from the program by learning the dances, music, and cultural practices.
She also encouraged the youth of Ifugao to take pride in their identity and pursue their aspirations with purpose:
“May today’s celebration challenge you to dream boldly and let your identity as an Ifugao be a source of strength… carry it with you proudly, confidently, and with purpose.”
In a remarkable family milestone, among the awardees is also Atty. Adaci-Cattiling’s brother, Retired Vice Admiral Toribio D. Adaci Jr., former Flag Officer in Command of the Philippine Navy, who was recognized under the national-level positions category.
The Ifugao Achievers’ Award, established through Provincial Ordinance No. 2006-040, institutionalizes the recognition of Ifugaos whose achievements bring honor and dignity to the province. The award recognizes outstanding individuals across various sectors, including corporate leadership, public service, and community development.
