Tuguegarao City, Cagayan- Mines and Geosciences Bureau ROII Regional Director Engr. Mario A. Ancheta was named top MGB Director and among the six DENR Field Officials who were conferred the prestigious Environmental Awards for Governance and Leadership Excellence (EAGLE) Award for 2020.

RD Ancheta received the award handed over by Environment Secretary Roy A. Cimatu during the DENR’s founding anniversary celebration held on June 10, 2021 at DENR Central Office, Quezon City. 

RD Mario as many would fondly call him, is known for his admirable character. He was born on May 16, 1966 by farmer parents: Gonzalo Aquino Ancheta and Juanita Rulloda Antimano. He is joyfully married to Evelyn Bawas of Kayapa, Nueva Vizcaya and they are blessed with two children: Monrivia and Luigi.

He attended his primary education in Diffun Central School and finished his high school on St. Mary’s Academy in Diffun, Quirino where he received honors and leadership award.  He decided to push through his bachelor studies in St. Louis University in Baguio City where he graduated with a degree in Bachelor of Science in Mining Engineering in1989, and was finally admitted to the board in the same year.

He started government service in 1993 when he decided to return to his province, Quirino, where he joined the Provincial Local Government Unit (PLGU)- Quirino as Engineer II from 1993 to 1997. Despite the busy schedule in the LGU, he was able to organize the Quirino Union of Employees for Solidarity and Teamwork (QUEST), he was the founder and first president of QUEST. In here, he gave his best to establish the newly founded organization. As a result of his hard work, he was awarded a Leadership award in Quirino Province.  At the same time, while working as public servant, he pursued his graduate studies and earned Master of Business Administration from Northeastern College in Santiago City, Isabela. 

A dedicated government employee, he was entrusted to become the OIC, ENRO in 1997- 1998, and in 1999 another opportunity was opened to him when he moved to DENR- Mines and Geosciences Bureau as Engineer III to Engineer IV, and later promoted as Engineer V.  Because of his hard work and commitment, he was designated as OIC, Regional Director of MGB ROII from 2008 to January 7, 2020.

As a persistent and devoted Director of MGB ROII, he earned commendations and citations from various government and private organizations proving that he is indeed a leader. MGB Region 02 was hailed as the best performing delivery unit by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) in the year 2012 and RD Ancheta as the Top Performing Regional Director of Mines and Geosciences Bureau for 2013.

This high-spirited Director, refined through time and experience, was again promoted on January 8, 2020 as Director II of MGB Region II.

RD Ancheta joins other EAGLE ­awardees: Arleigh Adorable, Regional Executive Director of DENR 10 (Northern Mindanao), Ma. Victoria Abrera, Regional Director of Environmental Management Bureau- CAR, Forester Merlyn Dumalahay, PENRO (PENRO- Camiguin), Forester Delia Benitez, Supervising PENRO (PENRO- Eastern Samar), and Imelda Casiwan, CENRO (Supervising CENRO-Pinukpok, Kalinga).

The EAGLE award is a recognition of the DENR’s Field Officials for their efficient and effective delivery of the agency’s mandate.