A Seaside Paradise owned by Filipino-American Retirees(David Balleza Katague & Macrine Nieva Jambalos)Boac,Marinduque, Philippines
Despite the hardships of war, Katague's childhood was filled with enriching experiences. He was an avid reader, delving into books salvaged by his parents after their home in Jaro was bombed. The family also enjoyed listening to radio soap operas in the evenings, as television and the internet were nonexistent at the time. Katague excelled academically, graduating with honors in sixth grade and as valedictorian of his high school class. He fondly recalls his father teaching him and his cousins to dance the tango, paso doble, rumba, and waltz, instilling a lifelong appreciation for music and dance .davidbkatague.blogspot.comdavidbkatague.blogspot.com
These formative experiences laid the foundation for Katague's future achievements, including his notable career at the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and his active involvement in humanitarian missions in the Philippines. His reflections on his upbringing highlight a life rich in cultural heritage, resilience, and a deep commitment to community service.
Blog Content and Themes:
Personal Reflections: Katague writes about his family, including milestones such as his son's 60th birthday, and shares his thoughts on aging and family life .davidbkatague.blogspot.com
Professional Experiences: He details his extensive career in chemistry, discussing roles in both private firms and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). He recounts experiences ranging from developing analytical methods for pesticide detection to supervising teams at the FDA.davidbkatague.blogspot.com+1davidbkatague.blogspot.com+1
Hobbies and Interests: Katague shares his passion for activities like playing bridge, which he believes helps keep his mind sharp, and listening to classical music, such as Ferde Grofé's "Grand Canyon Suite".davidbkatague.blogspot.com
Health and Lifestyle: He discusses practices like taking power naps to boost productivity and shares his views on topics like social media usage .davidbkatague.blogspot.com
Through his blog, Katague offers readers a window into his multifaceted life, blending personal anecdotes with reflections on broader topics.
In his later years, David and Macrine resided in Northern California, where they enjoyed the tranquility of their home. David's blog entries reveal a life filled with cherished moments, from observing wild turkeys in their yard on Christmas Eve to celebrating family birthdays and achievements. He also candidly discusses the challenges and rewards of caregiving, particularly during Macrine's health struggles, showcasing his unwavering dedication and love for his family .davidbkatague.blogspot.comdavidbkatague.blogspot.com
Beyond his immediate family, David maintains strong connections with his extended relatives across the globe, often sharing stories and photographs that celebrate his rich cultural heritage. His writings reflect a life marked by resilience, gratitude, and a deep appreciation for the bonds that tie his family together.
Caregiving and Daily Routine
David became the primary caregiver for his wife, Macrine, who was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease. He meticulously structured his daily activities around her needs, ensuring she received attentive care. To maintain this balance, he utilized time management skills honed during his FDA tenure, allocating specific periods for personal activities such as blogging and playing computer games like bridge and mahjong, often during Macrine's rest times.Their home was equipped with monitoring systems, allowing him to stay connected to her needs even while engaged in other tasks. Additionally, he coordinated with his son, who assisted with caregiving duties on his days off, enabling David to attend to errands and personal care .davidbkatague.blogspot.com
Blogging and Writing
David channeled his experiences and reflections into his blog, "My Autobiography: David Balleza K(C)atague," where he documented various aspects of his life, including his professional journey, family events, and insights on health topics. His writings offer a window into his post-retirement life, blending personal anecdotes with broader observations.
Continued Engagement with Health Topics
Drawing from his professional background, David remained engaged with health-related topics, particularly those pertinent to his wife's condition. He explored and discussed advancements in Parkinson's disease therapies, offering insights and personal conclusions based on his family's experiences .My Published Articles for ViewsHound
Through these activities, David B. Katague exemplified a post-retirement life marked by dedication to family, continuous learning, and sharing of knowledge, reflecting a seamless transition from professional service to personal fulfillment.
Educational Background: David earned a degree in Chemistry from the University of the Philippines and later pursued graduate studies in the United States.
Early Work: Before moving to the U.S., he worked as a chemist in the Philippines. His move abroad allowed him to explore advanced research and regulatory roles.
Pharmaceutical and Agricultural Chemistry: He worked for several private firms, developing analytical methods for pharmaceutical and pesticide residue testing.
Environmental Chemistry: His work included detecting contaminants in food and water, contributing to public health and safety standards.
Supervisory Chemist: At the FDA, he rose to the position of Supervisory Chemist at the Division of Field Science. He was involved in overseeing laboratory operations and ensuring regulatory compliance.
Technical Expertise: He specialized in drug analysis, pesticide residues, and toxicology. His work ensured that pharmaceutical and food products met stringent safety standards.
Recognition: David received multiple commendations for his leadership, technical skill, and contributions to public health protection.
Mentorship and Training: He mentored young scientists and inspectors, sharing his expertise in laboratory methods and regulatory protocols.
Authorship: In addition to technical reports, he authored several articles and blog posts that reflect both scientific knowledge and real-world experience.
David B. Katague’s professional life exemplifies dedication to scientific integrity, public service, and mentorship. His contributions continue to resonate through the safety protocols and practices he helped shape.
Would you like a summary of his awards or specific technical projects he worked on at the FDA?
Review Chemist (1990–1993): Dr. Katague began his FDA career in the Division of Anti-Infective Drug Products, focusing on the evaluation of new drug applications (NDAs) for anti-infective medications.Marinduque Awaits You+6Marinduque - My Island Tropical Paradise+6Snowbirds Living in the Philippines+6
Expert Regulatory Scientist (1993): In 1993, he was promoted to the GS-14 level as an Expert Regulatory Scientist, specializing in anti-malarial, anti-parasitic, and systemic anti-fungal drug products. This promotion was notable, as only seven out of more than 90 review chemists at the Center had achieved this rank at the time.davidbkatague.blogspot.com+3Marinduque - My Island Tropical Paradise+3Marinduque Awaits You+3
Chemistry Team Leader (1997): In 1997, Dr. Katague was promoted to Chemistry Team Leader, becoming the first Filipino-American to hold this position in the Center for New Drugs. In this role, he supervised a team of six reviewers, five of whom held doctoral degrees. His responsibilities included prioritizing, assigning, and ensuring the technical accuracy of all chemistry, manufacturing, and control issues for new drug applications submitted to the Division of Anti-Infective Drug Products .FDA Access Data+5Marinduque - My Island Tropical Paradise+5Snowbirds Living in the Philippines+5
Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Award (1998): Dr. Katague received the EEO Award for his outstanding accomplishments in fostering the objectives of the EEO Program by hiring minorities and encouraging their professional growth while providing excellent leadership .Marinduque - My Island Tropical Paradise+1davidbkatague.blogspot.com+1
Multiple Commendations: Throughout his FDA career, he received numerous certificates of appreciation, awards in leadership and communications, and commendations for teamwork and excellence in accomplishing the FDA's mission .Marinduque - My Island Tropical Paradise+1davidbkatague.blogspot.com+1
Dr. Katague played a pivotal role in the evaluation and approval of several significant anti-infective drugs. Notably, he was involved in the approval processes for medications such as Augmentin and Primaxin, ensuring their safety and efficacy for public use .FDA Access Data+1FDA Access Data+1FDA Access Data
Dr. Katague's contributions to the FDA were not only technical but also cultural, as he played a pivotal role in promoting diversity and inclusion within the agency. His leadership and dedication left a lasting impact on the FDA's mission to ensure the safety and efficacy of drug products.Marinduque - My Island Tropical Paradise
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