DOT exec Jeff Ortega named new NYC chair

MANILA – President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has appointed Joseph Francisco "Jeff" Ortega as the new chairperson of the National Youth Commission (NYC).

The Presidential Communications Office (PCO) made the announcement in a statement Thursday.

The PCO also announced the appointment of Karl Josef Legazpi, a director at the House of Representatives, as the second Commissioner-at-Large of the NYC.

Ortega served as the Regional Director of the Department of Tourism (DOT) Region 1 since 2019.

"Mr. Ortega's appointment comes as part of the administration's commitment to empowering the Filipino youth and ensuring that their voices are represented at the highest levels of government," the PCO said.

The Palace media office likewise touted Ortega's background in tourism and youth advocacy, saying that he is "well-positioned to lead the NYC in its mission to develop and implement policies that will further the welfare and development of young Filipinos across the country."

Ortega is a graduate of Ateneo de Manila University, where he completed his Bachelor of Arts in Political Science in 2013, followed by a Master of Business Administration from the Ateneo Graduate School of Business in 2023.

According to the PCO, Marcos is confident that under Ortega's leadership, the NYC will remain a "vital force in shaping the future of the nation, inspiring young Filipinos to take on leadership roles and make meaningful contributions to society."

Ortega will replace Ronald Cardema who was appointed NYC chair by former President Rodrigo Duterte in 2018. (PNA)