By Bryle B. Suralta
“Binibiro mo ako (you’re joking),” she remembers telling the country’s Chief Executive, President Rodrigo Duterte, when he told her. At that time, Berna was the undersecretary of the Department of Agriculture (DA) for 12 years.
“Do you want the DOT (Department of Tourism) position, Berna?” she remembers the president reiterating his offer. On that same day, Berna was named the new Tourism secretary.
Sustainable tourism “with more responsible tourists” is part of her plans.
After the closure of Boracay, she says that the one good thing about it is that “people have been educated further on what sustainable and responsible tourism is.”
As a self-confessed foodie, Berna also believes in food tourism. This is because of the many years she has interacted with farmers who introduced her to good food in different provinces.
“You want to go to a place because the food is good,” she says, admitting that the best dishes are always home-cooked.
The sincere relationships she has forged has led her to mouthwatering dishes. Although, at first, Berna was afraid that her mestiza looks would alienate the farmers.
“As soon as they found out I was a widow and a single mother, I connected right away with the farmers,” says Berna, who lost her husband Dave Puyat in 2010. For two years now, Berna has found love in former Tarlac Rep. Charlie Cojuangco.
Charlie and Berna met at a common friend’s dinner party. “It was a miracle because he (Charlie) does not go out. We were seated together,” Berna recalls, smiling.
“What I love most about Charlie is that he is loyal. Hindi nangangaliwa (doesn’t cheat). Simple lang; Loyalty—it’s very rare,” Berna says, her eyes glistening.
When she was offered the job, her daughter, Maia, was the first person who called. “Mom, I know you’ll be so happy,” Berna quotes her daughter.
“I only listen to the opinions of the people I care about—my children, my family and loved ones, and my closest friends,” says Berna.
“Basta, Berna, no corruption,” she quotes the president’s only mandate.
She assured him—no corruption. And the president knew that Berna would walk her talk.
After all, integrity is in the secretary’s DNA.
(Secretary Berna Romulo-Puyat leads PeopleAsia’s Women of Style and Substance 2018 awardees. A longer version of this story written by Büm Tenorio Jr. first appeared in PeopleAsia’s August-September 2018 issue)
