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: Profile Summary
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Nela Charade Galang Puno |
| Profession | Pharmacist, Public Servant |
| Nationality | Filipino |
| Age | 47 years old (as of 2025) |
| Education | Bachelor of Science in Pharmacy, magna cum laude, University of Santo Tomas |
| Notable Roles | Director General, Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Philippines (August 2016 – May 2019) |
| Notable Achievements | First licensed pharmacist and youngest individual to serve as FDA Director GeneralLed modernization initiatives including digital prescription systemsLaunched anti-counterfeit drug campaigns |
| Controversies | Dismissed in 2019 amid corruption allegations (denied and no formal charges filed). Acquitted in 2024 of graft charges related to the closure of a cancer treatment center |
| Personal Life | Survived an ambush in 2018 (three police escorts killed)Diagnosed with breast cancer in 2018; became an advocate for early cancer detection |
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.
Early Life and Education
Specific details about Nela Charade Puno’s early life, including her birthdate, birthplace, and family background, are not publicly available. She pursued higher education at the Harvard Kennedy School, graduating in 2023 with a Master’s in Public Administration.
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.
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. Who is Nela Charade Puno?
Nela Charade Puno is a licensed pharmacist and former Director General of the Philippine Food and Drug Administration (FDA), serving from August 2016 to May 2019. She was the first licensed pharmacist and the youngest person to hold the position.
2. What were her major accomplishments as FDA chief?
She modernized the FDA through digital reforms, led anti-counterfeit campaigns with the police, and achieved ISO certifications and ASEAN recognition for regulatory standards.
3. Why was she dismissed from her position?
She was terminated by President Rodrigo Duterte in May 2019 as part of the administration’s anti-corruption campaign, though no specific charges were cited at the time.
4. How did Puno respond to the corruption allegations?
She denied any wrongdoing, claimed no knowledge of formal complaints, and stated she was ready to face any investigation.
5. Was she involved in any legal proceedings after her dismissal?
Yes. She faced a graft case over the closure of a medical center in 2018, but was acquitted by the Sandiganbayan in November 2024 due to lack of wrongdoing.
6. Did she experience any security threats during her tenure?
Yes. In October 2018, her convoy was ambushed in Camarines Sur, resulting in the deaths of three police escorts. Puno was unharmed, and the attack was blamed on communist rebels.
