A global people built on grit, diskarte, and quiet leadership—ready to define our place in the world.
Author: Dr. Cris Liban
Dr. Cris Liban
Dr. Cris B. Liban is a Filipino based in Los Angeles, California. He serves as Chair of the Board of Trustees of the Philippine Development Foundation, where he helps open doors for young Filipinos through education, innovation, and entrepreneurship. He works as the Chief Sustainability Officer for the public transit agency that serves Los Angeles County — one of the world’s biggest economies. Over the years, he has led volunteer efforts around the world focused on clean energy, climate resilience, and protecting the environment. At the heart of it all is his belief that wherever Filipinos are, we have the power to lift each other — and our country — forward.
When I first moved to the U.S. over 30 years ago, I was introduced as “the dependable Filipino team member.” It was meant as a compliment — and in many ways, it was. We are known for our work ethic, reliability, and humility. But I remember thinking, What if we were also introduced as the innovator, the founder, or the industry leader? That moment stayed with me. Then and now, across the world, Filipinos are not only keeping systems running — we are shaping the industries behind them. From hospitals and classrooms to tech firms and research labs, our impact…
