Villar hailed as 2022 ‘government hero’ by international body

MANILA, Philippines — Deputy Speaker and Las Piñas Rep. Camille Villar has been named as the Government Hero of the Year by the prestigious Stevie Awards for Women in Business, in ceremonies held at Caesar’s Palace in Las Vegas last Nov. 11.  

Villar was honored under the COVID-19 response category for her remarkable work during the COVID-19 pandemic and, as such, the Stevie Award judges have determined that the Gold Stevie Award be awarded to her.

“It is truly an honor to be recognized by Stevie Awards for our work, particularly in our fight against COVID-19. I am grateful to the board of judges for acknowledging the vaccine incentives program that we established, called May Bahay sa Bakuna, to boost the vaccine uptake of our constituents in Las Piñas,” she said after receiving news of the award.

Villar launched May Bahay sa Bakuna in mid-2021 to encourage the once hesitant residents of Las Piñas to get vaccinated against COVID, in exchange for entries to raffle bonanza that rewards lucky winners with non-monetary benefits, which included grocery items, motorcycles and a brand-new house and lot package.  

The Government Hero of the Year category is given to “female government employees who have gone above and beyond the call of duty in 2020-2022 to keep us safe and informed” amid the pandemic.

“I share this award with our local government officials, city health officers as well as our constituents who continue to serve with passion despite the difficulties during the pandemic,” the House leader said.

The Stevie Awards for Women in Business is open to all organizations worldwide and recognizes the achievements of women executives, entrepreneurs and the organizations they run.

The judges include many of the world’s most respected executives, entrepreneurs, innovators and business educators.

More than 1,000 professionals worldwide participate in the Stevie Awards judging process every year.