Joanne Ascencion Valdez
2025-2026 Obama Foundation Asia-Pacific Leader
Former Council Member, Candon City Government Founder, Candon Youth for Empowerment Movement
Philippines
Joanne Ascencion Valdez is a former council member for Candon City who served for nine years from 2016 to 2025. During her time as a council member, she focused on initiatives related to inclusive governance, youth development, and gender equity. Joanne extends her public service beyond government by mobilizing youth through the Candon Youth Empowerment Movement, encouraging volunteerism and civic engagement. As a council member and founder, she has led initiatives to increase literacy through the construction of a library, strengthen food security with a farm ambassador program, and improve HIV and AIDS prevention policies. In addition, Joanne also leads the Agkaykaysa Coalition, a regional network of youth and youth-serving groups working together to give more space and support to those often left out of local decision-making. Joanne finds inspiration in intergenerational dialogue between seniors and youth in public spaces and is deeply committed to service—believing that, regardless of her title, she will always choose to serve others.
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