Reviews

Night Owl is not just a chronicle of the Build, Build, Build Program of the administration of President Rodrigo Duterte. It is also the story of the passion, hard work, and perseverance of the women and men of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) who overcame the bureaucratic and political challenges of achieving the dream of providing our people a better quality of life through world class infrastructure. Anna Mae Lamentillo displays her credentials as a development communicator by expertly weaving stories of obstacles and triumphs of this administration’s ambitious attempt to usher in the country’s “Golden Age of Infrstructure”.​ I particularly enjoyed reading the chapter on “Diplomacy” where Ms. Lamentillo explained the connection between statecraft and infrastructure development. I have always thought that one of the more underrated achievements of this administration is with regard to diplomacy. This book clearly demonstrates how President Duterte used foreign relations to pursue the interest of the Filipino people.​ This book is a must read for people who want to go beyond the partisan social media altercations and fake news that surround the flagship program of the Duterte administration. It is a must read for people who wants to understand how to pursue a worthy vision even in the midst of political noises.

 

I congratulate Ms. Lamentillo for writing this book, which confirms what People Asia has already proclaimed: that she is indeed a woman of style and substance.