Dr. Ronnie S. Mallari, an esteemed alumnus of the Public Management Development Program (PMDP) Senior Executive Class Batch 5 – Dalisay, is a visionary leader whose career epitomizes the intersection of academic excellence and transformative leadership. As the Officer-in-Charge (OIC) Regional Director of the Department of Education (DepEd) Region III, he often reflects, “Life is akin to a race without a finish line,” a mantra that has propelled his journey.
Dr. Mallari’s journey began with academic distinction, graduating Magna Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Science in Education. This early success led to further accomplishments, as he quickly earned a Master’s in Education and a Doctorate in Philosophy, remarkably completing his PhD by the age of 23.
His professional career commenced as a College Instructor at AMA Computer College and later as a Professor at San Lorenzo College. In 2002, Dr. Mallari joined DepEd, starting as an Education Supervisor I in DepEd City of San Fernando. His career trajectory was marked by rapid ascension: he became Administrative Officer III, then Administrative Officer V – a position he held for 12 years. His rise continued as he took on roles such as Chief Education Supervisor (2015-2016), Assistant Schools Division Superintendent, Schools Division Superintended (SDS) in San Fernando, Pampanga, and Balanga, Bataan, and finally OIC Regional Director of DepEd Region III.
Dr. Mallari’s contributions reach beyond DepEd. From 2012 to 2016, he was a member of the Teacher Education Council (TEC) for Language at DepEd’s Central Office. Additionally, he served as President of the City College of San Fernando, Pampanga, from 2008 to 2011. Since 2004, he has been an Associate Professor at the Graduate School of the University of the Assumption in San Fernando.
Driven by a relentless pursuit of growth, Dr. Mallari enrolled in a Special Education Program at the Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila. During this period, he encountered the PMDP at the Development Academy of the Philippines. The PMDP provided a platform for collaboration and connection with high-caliber resource persons, enriching his ability to achieve personal and professional goals. Reflecting on his PMDP experience, Dr. Mallari said, “What I know is not always the only way; even superheroes have to collaborate to save the world.”
Engagement with fellow public servants in PMDP allowed Dr. Mallari to simplify complex issues and foster innovative solutions. This collaborative spirit, coupled with a renewed mindset, propelled him to his current role as OIC Regional Director. In this role, Dr. Mallari strives to elevate educational standards and opportunities, inspiring educators to strive for excellence. When he was still the SDS in the Province of Tarlac, he remarked, “As mandated by the RA 9155, my role as OIC Regional Director encompasses a myriad of responsibilities aligned with third-level positions. These include crafting the Division Education Development Plan, overseeing Human Resources Development Programs for over 13,000 teachers and 1,500 non-teaching personnel in Tarlac Province.” Amid the transition from K-12 to the Matatag Curriculum, he maintains high standards in the teaching and learning process.
Dr. Mallari also ensures fiscal accountability and transparency by diligently monitoring fund allocation and utilization from national and local government entities. Strategic planning and project proposal reviews are integral parts of his duties, alongside ongoing school monitoring and supervision to address ground-level realities.
During his time as SDS, the Schools Division Office (SDO) Tarlac has garnered acclaim, earning the Philippine Quality Award and International Organization for Standardization accreditation. Notable projects such as the establishment of an Information and Communications Technology High School, the first Tarlac Provincial Science High School, and Foreign Language Proficiency Centers underscores his commitment to inclusive education. SDO Tarlac Province also earned the title of Most-Improved in the National Achievement Test and triumphed in international robotics competitions held in Greece.
However, Dr. Mallari’s legacy transcends accolades. It lies in his unwavering commitment to the marginalized, exemplified by initiatives such as the development of Lifelong Learning Centers and the Library of the Future. “This project will foster an ecosystem of innovation and collaboration for generations to come,” he says.
Dr. Mallari, a perpetual student, returned to PMDP for the Senior Executive Class Batch 5 – Dalisay. His advice to aspirants resonated with the clarity of experience. “Go the extra mile, humble yourselves, embrace change, and redefine mindsets.”
OIC Regional Director Ronnie S. Mallari’s journey is a testament to the transformative power of education. From the classroom to leadership, his story inspires us to unlock our potential and chart a course toward a brighter tomorrow.
