The DOST Regional Office No. VIII warmly welcomes its new Regional Director, Dr. John Glenn D. Ocaña, as he arrived in office on July 12, 2024. The short celebration was attended by its colleagues and staff at its office in Brgy. Candahug Palo, Leyte. As their former boss, the Provincial S&T Office of Leyte also joined in the celebration, extending their congratulations on his appointment.

Dr. Ocaña was officially sworn in as the new Regional Director before DOST Secretary Dr. Renato U. Solidum at the DOST Central Office in Bicutan, Taguig City, on July 8, 2024, in the presence of his family and key DOST officials..His official appointment was effective from July 2, 2024.

Dr. Ocaña expressed his heartfelt gratitude to everyone for their support and prayers throughout his journey to assuming the role of Regional Director. Acknowledging the challenges ahead as the new Regional Director, he emphasized the importance of everyone’s collective effort, hence, he was urging continuous support and active participation to drive the office in delivering exemplary public service to the people of Region VIII. He stressed that effective office operation requires teamwork and collaboration.

Dr. Ocaña brings extensive experience to his new role, having served DOST Region VIII for 31 years. His career includes leadership positions such as OIC of the Office of the Regional Director in DOST VIII, as well as roles as OIC-Provincial Science and Technology Director in Samar and Eastern Samar, and later as PSTD of PSTO Leyte. Under his leadership, several notable projects such as SETUP, GIA, and CEST received acclaim at both regional and national levels.

Dr. Ocaña holds a BS Degree in Industrial Engineering from Eastern Visayas State University (EVSU) and earned his Master in Public Safety Administration as a distinguished scholar at the Philippine Public Safety College. Through the DOST-HRDP Scholarship, he obtained a Master of Science in Information Technology in Daejon, South Korea, and completed his Doctorate in Management Technology at EVSU. His leadership has been consistently recognized by the department and partner stakeholders, earning multiple awards as the Most Outstanding Provincial Director.

Dr. Ocaña’s tenure aims to further cultivate science, technology, and innovation in the region through significant programs, projects, and activities that support the economic development agenda of the country.