The Honorable Leo Tereso Magno
Born to Tereso Magno and Dr. Evelyn Abellera Magno—daughter of the late Justice Leopoldo M. Abellera—he pursued his entire early education at the Ateneo de Manila University, where he earned a degree in AB Business Humanities. He later undertook postgraduate studies at Irvine Valley College in California and completed a Master’s in Educational Management at Rizal Memorial Colleges.
At only 26 years old, in 1998, he made history as the youngest Regional Executive Director of the Land Transportation Office (LTO) and concurrently chaired the Department of Transportation and Communications’ Regional Management Council. In this role, he pioneered the digitalization of LTO’s processes, a transformative innovation later institutionalized nationwide.
In 2010, he was appointed Administrator and Vice Chairman of the PHIVIDEC Industrial Authority, overseeing the special economic zone in Cagayan de Oro–Tagoloan. His leadership ushered in significant growth, including a remarkable 300% increase in agency revenues.
Following this successful stint in government, he transitioned to the private sector as Chairman and COO of Rizal Memorial Colleges (RMC). There, he drove a dramatic expansion of the institution, growing its student population from 3,000 to 20,000—cementing RMC’s place as one of the region’s leading educational institutions.
His achievements earned him recognition in 2021 as one of the three honorees of the Leaders and Achievers of Davao (LEAD) Awards, given by the Davao Jaycee Senate to outstanding Dabawenyos whose contributions advance the community and embody JCI’s core values.
In November 2022, he returned to public service as Presidential Assistant for Eastern Mindanao. Just six months later, in May 2023, he was appointed Chairperson of the Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA), with the rank of Cabinet Secretary. In this role, he continues to champion the inclusive development of Mindanao, drawing on his wealth of experience across government, education, and industry.
Drawing from his experience in governance, industry, and education, he brings to MinDA a vision anchored on innovation, collaboration, and empowerment of local communities. His career reflects a consistent commitment to transforming institutions and creating opportunities—principles that guide his leadership in Building a Better Mindanao.
