Nela Charade Puno Biography – Explore the life and career of Nela Charade Puno, former Director General of the Philippines’ Food and Drug Administration. Learn about her early life, education, family background, career milestones, and notable achievements.
Nela Charade Puno is a prominent figure in the Philippines, known for her significant contributions to healthcare regulation and social entrepreneurship. As the former Director General of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and a co-founder of Green Hero Corporation, Puno has dedicated her career to public health and the promotion of Philippine medicinal herbs.
Nela Charade Puno Biography
Nela Charade G. Puno is a Filipino public servant, legal professional, and former Director General of the Philippine Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Her tenure in government was marked by regulatory reform, transparency efforts, and controversy surrounding her unexpected removal from office.
📋 Profile Summary
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Nela Charade Galang Puno |
| Nationality | Filipino |
| Profession | Lawyer, Government Executive |
| Notable Position | Director General, FDA Philippines (2016–2019) |
| Known For | Regulatory leadership, legal expertise |
| Political Affiliation | Non-partisan |
Important Facts
- Leadership in Healthcare Regulation: Served as the Director General of the Philippines’ FDA from August 2016 to May 2019.
- Educational Achievement: Earned a Master’s in Public Administration from Harvard Kennedy School in 2023.
- Entrepreneurial Venture: Co-founded Green Hero Corporation, focusing on promoting Philippine medicinal herbs.
- Advocate for Preventive Health: As a cancer survivor, she is dedicated to preventive health and ethical sourcing of therapeutic herbs.
- Political Engagement: Acts as the Deputy Secretary General for Health Legislation for the National Unity Party (NUP), advising on universal healthcare initiatives.
🎓 Education and Legal Career
Nela Charade Puno holds a law degree and is a licensed attorney in the Philippines. Before entering government service, she worked in the private sector, particularly in industries involving compliance, corporate law, and regulatory frameworks.
Her legal background equipped her with a strong grasp of bureaucratic reform and institutional structure—skills she brought into her leadership at the FDA.
Career Beginnings and Leadership at FDA
Puno’s career in public service was highlighted by her appointment as the Director General of the Philippines’ Food and Drug Administration in August 2016. During her tenure, she implemented reforms to enhance the agency’s enforcement capabilities, notably collaborating with the Philippine National Police to combat the distribution of substandard and counterfeit medical products. Her leadership focused on safeguarding public health through stringent regulatory measures.
Entrepreneurship and Advocacy
In addition to her regulatory role, Puno co-founded Green Hero Corporation, a company dedicated to developing products that highlight the benefits of Philippine medicinal herbs. Motivated by her personal experience as a cancer survivor, she emphasizes preventive health and the ethical sourcing of therapeutic herbs. Puno’s commitment extends to social entrepreneurship, aiming to empower communities and promote indigenous health solutions.
Political Involvement
Puno serves as the Deputy Secretary General for Health Legislation for the National Unity Party (NUP). In this capacity, she provides consultancy on government efforts centered around universal healthcare, contributing her expertise to legislative processes that aim to improve the nation’s health system.
🏛️ Appointment as FDA Chief
In 2016, under President Rodrigo Duterte’s administration, Puno was appointed as Director General of the Food and Drug Administration. The FDA is the primary agency tasked with regulating food, drugs, cosmetics, and medical devices in the Philippines.
During her term, she prioritized:
- Fast-tracking drug approvals
- Enhancing regulatory transparency
- Introducing digital platforms to modernize FDA workflows
- Strengthening public health safeguards around pharmaceutical imports
⚖️ Controversy and Dismissal
In May 2019, Malacañang (the Office of the President) announced Puno’s removal from office. No specific cause was cited publicly, but Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo stated the dismissal was part of a general anti-corruption purge.
Puno maintained that her record was clean and welcomed any formal investigation. Her allies and former colleagues defended her performance, calling the dismissal “unclear and unfortunate.” She never faced any criminal charges.
💬 Post-Government Life and Advocacy
Since leaving the FDA, Nela Charade Puno has remained active in regulatory consultancy and public health discussions, often lending her legal insights to conversations about:
- Drug pricing transparency
- Public-private partnerships in health
- Bureaucratic reform in Philippine agencies
She has also spoken in legal forums and health conferences focused on ethics in public administration.
🗣️ Public Perception and Media Coverage
Public opinion on her tenure is mixed:
- Supporters credit her with modernizing outdated FDA systems
- Critics argue her leadership lacked internal support, contributing to political vulnerability
Despite the controversy, she remains a respected voice in administrative law and regulatory compliance in Southeast Asia.
Conclusion
Nela Charade Puno’s multifaceted career encompasses significant roles in healthcare regulation, social entrepreneurship, and political consultancy. Her dedication to public health, combined with her advocacy for preventive measures and support for indigenous medicinal practices, underscores her impact on the Philippines’ healthcare landscape.
❓ FAQs About Nela Charade Puno
1. What is she best known for?
Serving as Director General of the Philippine FDA from 2016 to 2019.
2. Why was she removed from office?
Her dismissal was officially part of a broader anti-corruption initiative, but no direct charges or detailed accusations were filed.
3. What is her professional background?
She is a licensed attorney with expertise in legal compliance and public administration.
4. What has she done since leaving government?
She has worked in consulting, public speaking, and legal circles focused on health regulation.
5. Is she related to other prominent Punos in Philippine politics?
There is no verified public record confirming direct relations to other political Punos (e.g., Reynato Puno or Ronaldo Puno).
