An Aklanon Civil Servant
written by Ulysses Espartero
published in Panay News
“You can’t put a good man down.” This was how Engr. Delano Reynaldo Pelayo managed himself as a leader and civil servant for more than four decades. Thus, his parents were correct when he was named after Franklin Delano Roosevelt of USA.
An unassuming, humble man, he is very reserved and quiet but with a very keen sense of humor. He is also loyal to friends. He would even give his last centavo if need be. He has a very humble beginning coming from a simple family of farmers but has inculcated to the minds of their children the value of hard work, honor and dignity and respect for his fellowmen and tradition.
The modesty and humility characteristic of this outstanding son of Aklan bellies his brilliance and accomplishments as a renowned Aklan public works and highways engineer.
He was born on July 26, 1942 at Linabuan Sur, Banga, Aklan to spouses Avelino de Felipe Pelayo and Visitacion Sta. Maria Reynaldo. He is now 67 years old.
He is happily married to Dr. Myrtle Cabales Masangkay, a Doctor of Medicine and Provincial DOH Representative of Aklan. They have four children – Melanie, Paul Adrian, John Lawrence and May Angela. The eldest, Melanie is a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine who was 2nd placer in the 2007 Veterinary Licensure Examination given by the Professional Regulation Commission.
ARDENT BELIEVER OF EDUCATION
Engr. Pelayo spent his elementary education at Linabuan Elementary School. For his secondary education, he graduated Salutatorian at the Aklan Academy. He acquired his B.S. in Civil Engineering in 1966 from Mapua Institute of Technology. The scholastic career of this eminent son of Aklan includes a graduate degree in Master of Public Administration which he finished in 1998 from the Aklan State College of Agriculture (now known as Aklan State University).He passed the Civil Engineering Licensure Board on February 1, 1966.
BUILDER OF BRIDGES, ROADS AND HALLS
His calling to service in the government first commenced with a career in Civil Engineering, one of the few options open to young men in his time. From skilled laborer to Civil Engineer to a remarkable and illustrious career in government service, which transported him into the spotlight of the national arena – the nominee having been elected one time as Regional Treasurer of the District Engineers League of the Philippines. His illustrious career spans participation in the DPWH bureaus, representations at various regional and national fora.
The Ministry where he served for more than six years was renamed Department of Public Works and Highways following the founding of the Revolutionary Government then under the administration of President Corazon C. Aquino. He was Assistant District Engineer from March 1987 to December 1988, the Head Civil Engineer from January 1989 to December 1991, Engineer IV from January 1992 to December 1993 and OIC District Engineer from January 1994 to December 1998.
His career path led him to serve in multiple capacities within Aklan. From 1982 to 1994 apart from his regular job, he served in acting capacities as Assistant District Engineer. From 1994 to 1998, he functioned as OIC District Engineer, a prelude to his appointment as District Engineer from 1998 to 2007.
Retirement is no deterrent to his loyalty and dedication to improving infrastructure facilities in the province. He still contributes his time and experience to various organizations and agencies which seek his advice.
A DYNAMIC LEADER
He was President for two terms of PICE Aklan Chapter. During his incumbency, he steered the chapter to be recognized with the outstanding accomplishments in terms of service to the profession, to their constituents and to the community. He had likewise fostered camaraderie among the members of PICE Aklan Chapter.
In recognition of his achievements as an engineer-leader, he was named Lifetime Member of the Philippine Institute of Civil Engineers (PICE). He is likewise an active member of Association of Government Civil Engineers of the Philippines and the Road Engineering Association of the Philippines.
He was President of the Auxiliary to the Aklan Medical Society for the Medical Year 1988-1989 and Member of the Board of Directors of Boy Scouts of the Philippines-Aklan Chapter and Philippine National Red Cross-Aklan Chapter. He was one time voted as Regional Treasurer of the District Engineers League of the Philippines. A devout Catholic, he is a member of the Knights of Columbus.
MULTI-AWARDED ENGINEER
In recognition of his life of exemplary leadership and service to the Civil Engineering profession, Engr. Pelayo has the distinction of being one of the few Visayans to be conferred the Lifetime Membership by the Philippine Institute of Civil Engineers. He was conferred the title of Specialist in Transportation Engineering by the Philippine Institute of Civil Engineers, Inc. on July 25, 2003 in Quezon City, Philippines. He was also named as Most Outstanding Alumnus of Aklan Academy and Most Outstanding Alumnus of Linabuan Norte Elementary School.
PASSION FOR COMMUNITY SERVICE
As President of PICE Aklan Chapter, he made projects for community development as well as beautification projects in Kalibo and the neighboring towns. As President and auxiliary members of Aklan Medical Society up to the present, he provided assistance and active support to the Aklan Medical Society in their medical and community outreach programs to various communities and municipalities in the Province of Aklan. Most notably, he is regular patron for sports development in barangays.
His reputation as a civil servant and expert in infrastructure development, is widely known and is manifested in the number of provincial bodies to which he was elected to serve.
His passion for social work and social development of individuals inspired his membership to community organizations./PN
