SANCHEZ with the NTA recognition. (NTA FB)
CANDON CITY, Ilocos Sur – The National Tobacco Administration (NTA) was eighth among the country’s top-performing Government-Owned and -Controlled Corporations (GOCCs) for 2024 after posting an overall score of 98.41 percent in the Governance Commission for GOCCs’ (GCG) Performance Evaluation System and Corporate Governance Scorecard.
The agency was feted for the achievement on Monday, Dec. 1, at the Mahogany Grand Ballroom of the Sequoia Hotel in Parañaque City.
NTA Administrator and CEO Belinda S. Sanchez received the award from keynote speaker, former Sen. Franklin M. Drilon.
She was joined onstage by GCG Chairperson Atty. Marius P. Corpus, Executive Director Johann Carlos S. Barcena, Commissioner Atty. Geraldine Berberabe-Martinez, and Finance Undersecretary Rolando G. Tungpalan.
Sanchez was accompanied by Deputy Administrator for Support Services (DASS) Benedicto M. Savellano, Regulations Department Manager Atty. Rohbert A. Ambros, and Corporate Planning Department Division Chief III Neyo Valdez.
The top five performing GOCCs were Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO), Mactan-Cebu International Airport Authority, Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp., Clark International Airport Corp., and Land Bank of the Philippines.
The GCG said the NTA’s maiden recognition was a result of their outstanding accomplishments in the agriculture sector.
In 2024, the agency reported significant gains in operations and management, contributing to increased net income for tobacco farmers and the strong domestic performance of high-grade tobacco.
“The NTA demonstrated its commitment to improving and sustaining the livelihood and economic upliftment of tobacco farmers, highlighting its strategic efforts to strengthen the country’s agriculture sector,” the GCG said.
Corpus said the awards serve as a testament to the critical role that top-performing GOCCs play in nation-building and their consistent pursuit of excellence grounded in integrity and good governance.
As of September 2025, the Philippines has 126 GOCCs.
Martinez congratulated all awardees, saying the event celebrates not only individual achievements but also the collective progress of the entire GOCC sector.
She said that the recognition honors the dedication of officials and employees who implemented key systems and delivered exemplary results.