Human resource development expert Barbie Atienza (in foreground), running for councilor in the 5th district of Manila, awards certificates to pre-school graduates during recent ceremonies.

A psychologist and human resource management and development expert who is also a broadcaster has cast his hat into the political ring in Manila.

Vying for a seat in the city council, Barbie Atienza is running for councilor representing the fifth district. After shelving such plan for the last 12 years, Atienza is ready and determined to win in this year’s electoral race.

Atienza said he believes he has something unique and distinct to offer to Manileños. Having had extensive training and exposure in the field, he said he believes that developing people is the key to genuine progress of the city. “I have seen organizations grow and succeed, mainly because they knew how to nourish their employees and harness the best in them.”

Atienza observed that lack of employment or job opportunities are not just the problem. The real problem, he said, is the inability of applicants to properly prepare and present themselves when applying, citing their lack of confidence to convince prospective employers to choose them for job vacancies.

Atienza has deferred his plans and intentions to enter public service for more than a decade to avoid misimpression of dynasty building in the city. An uncle and cousins have been active in the arena. Now, he said, he feels it is imperative for him to join the fray and bring in what he has always envisioned to be a critical component in sound and good governance.

He was president of the People Management Association of the Philippines (PMAP). Born and raised in Malate, Barbie Atienza is a B.S. Psychology graduate from Letran College and took his Masters in Business Administration at De La Salle University. He has served as top human resource management executive for three multinational companies. He has trained and taught locally here and in other countries such as the US, Europe, Japan, Korea, China, India and Southeast Asia. He is currently Vice-President of the Public Relations Society of the Philippines.