Councillor Myla Arceno Biography
Myla grew up in Pulupandan, Negros Occidental, a town where everyone knows everyone! She had a happy childhood and was blessed with a good education.
She came to Stevenage from the Philippines in October 2003 with her 5-year-old son, John Benedict, to join her husband, Joseph, recruited by the East and North Herts NHS Trust from the Philippines. She arrived in Stevenage in January of that year. Her daughter, Mary Sophia, was born on her birthday in 2005.
For the past 20 years, Myla has worked in various areas of Physiotherapy in Lister and QE2 hospitals and now focuses on her area of expertise as a Cardiac rehab specialist physiotherapist. She will continue to work in Cardiac Rehab Clinic and exercise classes during her Mayoral year. She is a member of the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy Trade Union.
Myla was elected as a Councillor for the Martins Wood Ward in 2021. She has served on various committees - Audit, Planning and Development, Overview and Scrutiny, Community Select, General Purpose and Licensing.
Myla has a postgraduate unit in Masters in Public Administration and Masters in Education. She graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Physical Therapy in 1995 with full academic scholarships. She was Valedictorian and School President in High School, Salutatorian and President in Elementary School.
She has worked as a Physical Therapist since passing the Philippines National Board Exams in 1995, and a Lecturer in Anatomy, Zoology and Physical Therapy subjects in Colleges in the Philippines.
Myla is a co-founder of the Stevenage Filipino-British Community and Barrio Fiesta in Hertfordshire. She is an active European Network of Filipino Diaspora member and was on the Board of Trustees for 2 years. She recently stepped down as the Managing Director of the Philippine Theatre UK but continues to support this voluntary group. She is a freelance writer in One Philippines Newsmagazine and the UK Bureau Editor for Roots and the Wings Online magazine. She is a catechist, Eucharistic Minister and one of the Mass readers in St Joseph’s Church. She was co-chairperson in St Vincent de Paul School's Parents School Association.
Myla received an award as one of the most Influential Filipina Women around the world in November 2022 in Lisbon and an outstanding Filipino award in March 2023 in Rome. She is also proud of her Clinical Educator Award from the University of Hertfordshire.
Myla enjoys keeping fit, Zumba, Piyo and dancing. Myla and her family love to travel and explore. They have been fortunate to visit many countries and cities. Each country has been a great learning experience, but Stevenage is home to Myla and her family.
Myla is looking forward to a fantastic year as Mayor. She cannot wait to build strong links with charitable, civic, community, cultural, faiths and denominations, military, schools, social and voluntary groups and to acknowledge, celebrate and support diversity in the Town.
Myla will be supporting four Charities:
Douglas Drive Senior Citizens Association - Douglas Drive is a Day Centre for Senior Citizens from Stevenage and surrounding villages. Our aim is to enrich the social lives of Senior Citizens and help to prevent isolation by meeting people in similar situations. At present we provide 3 Day Care groups, these include two sessions of general day-care and one session specifically for Stroke Survivors and also people living with Parkinson’s Disease, MS and similar conditions. Activities suitable for each group are organised and delivered by our activities coordinator assisted by our volunteers.
Hertswise - Hertswise is an innovative countywide service designed to support people living with dementia, low-level memory loss or mild cognitive impairment as well as their loved ones and carers. Our teams aim to ensure that people of all ages, living anywhere in Hertfordshire, are able to easily access information and advice, activities and support regardless of whether they have (or want) a diagnosis.
The Red Shed - provides garden activities and experiences to benefit people living with Dementia, their carers and their families.
Stevenage World Forum for Ethnic Communities - to address the needs and aspirations of the minority ethnic communities of Stevenage and surrounding areas to support and assist in achieving their goals. To improve the quality of life, education, social, economic and cultural life of the Borough.