In line with the decentralization of the national government, the Commission on Population Regional Office No. 02 was established in 1973. The Regional Population Office (RPO02) was one of the eleven (11) original offices established during the year.
For 29 years, RPO 2 withstood the changes in the national and political scenario, shifts in the thrusts of the Population Program, and modifications of the organizational structure.
Four (4) Regional Directors steered the affairs of RPO 02 abd the Regional Population Program for the past 29 years. the first Regional Director was Engineer Querubin A. Verdaflor (1973-1975); followed by Ms. Emilia H. Maramba (1976-1978); then succeeded by Mrs. Mia C. Ventura (1978-1998). With the promotion of Mrs. Mia C. Ventura as the Deputy Executive Director in 1998 she was succeeded by Mrs. Madelyne M. Mamuri as Officer-in-Charge from March 9, 1998 to Feb. 28, 2000. She assumed as Regional Director on March 1, 2000 to present. Presently due to the Official Leave of Absence of Ms. Mamuri since December 9, 2002, Mr. Avelino T. Marallag, Planning Officer IV acted as Officer-in-Charge for RPO 02.
RPO 02 started with only 2 staff in 1973. It grew to 15 in 1975 composed of two divisions: the Administrative and the Technical. Subsequent years saw the gradual increase in manpower, consistent with the growth of the Program.
RPO 02 staff is shaped by many enriching and enhancing staff development sessions, human relations exercises and growth adventures. Today, RPO 02 is a strong, competent and cohesive team of 22 members out of 24 plantilla positions.
The first RPO 02 building was a one-storey structure constructed in 1976, located in a 2,000 sq. m. lot donated by the Provincial Government of Cagayan. In 1988, the one-storey building was upgraded into a 2-storey building fully equipped with a training center, a dormitory, a Regional Population Information Center (RPIC) in the second floor, and the Regional Population Office on the ground floor. In 1983, a warehouse and a motorpool were constructed adjacent to the mainbuilding.
RPO 02 is fortunate to have two (2) office buildings in its lifetime.