ASC Circular 2024-010– ASC Management Team Update

The 2024 Officers and Board of Directors of the Ad Standards Council (ASC) announce developments concerning the ASC management team, in line with its objective of continuously professionalizing and injecting new blood into the organization.

1. Ms. Digna Dator Santos, ASC Executive Director, is taking her Mandatory Retirement effective 1 September 2024.

   The Board wishes to thank Digna for her invaluable contribution and service to the advertising industry, in general, and to the ASC, in particular during her various capacities in the ASC. Digna, who was previously the PANA executive Director, helped out during the physical setting up of the ASC in 2008. She then joined the ASC as one of PANA’s representatives to the ASC Board in 2010. She later acted as an OIC of ASC concurrent to her PANA Executive Director role, when Ms. Mila Marquez, then ASC Executive Director, had to take a medical leave from August to December 2015. In 2016, Digna officially joined the Ad Standards Council as Executive Director, taking over Mila who opted for an early retirement.

   The ASC will continue to engage Digna as Consultant for special projects in line with the 3-year celebration towards the Golden jubilee of Advertising Self-Regulation in 2026. She will also assist ASC Management in overseeing the completion of a number of key projects for the further development of the ASC.

2. Mr. Roberto “Robbie” A. Aligada will take on the role of Executive Director, effective 01 September 2024.

   The 2024 Officers and Board of Directors is proud to announce Robbie’s promotion to the highest position in the company. Robbie’s promotion comes with a solid experience as Ad Content and Operations Manager for the past three years and a good track record as ASC Compliance Manager and Data Privacy Officer for two years. Prior to being the Compliance Manager, Robbie started as a volunteer panelist for case hearings, then became a Professional Screener and as Reviewer. For many years, Robbie had significant experience working in key advertising agencies, handling market leader brands, in the area of client servicing and account management.

3. Mr. John Erwin “Erwin” O. Furagganan is promoted to Operations Manager and Data Privacy Officer, effective 01 September 2024.

   The 2024 Officers and Board of Directors is proud to announce Erwin’s promotion to Operations Manager. Erwin’s promotion is backed by his experience as Compliance Manager and Data Privacy Officer for the past three years, working closely with the ASC Technical Committee in the resolution and interpretation of procedural cases. Erwin joined the ASC as a full-time Professional Screener and Reviewer in January 2019. Prior to joining the ASC, Erwin was also one of our active volunteer panelists and was exposed to various key product and service categories. Erwin also brings with him his industry experience as Media Director –Business Unit Head, his last position prior to joining ASC full time.

   Please join us in wishing Digna all the best in her future endeavors as ASC Consultant, and congratulate Robbie and Erwin in their new roles, giving them our support and best wishes as well.

Thank you.