ChatGPT said: Certainly! Based on what is publicly known, David B. Katague is a Filipino-American writer, chemist, and blogger who wrote extensively about his experiences as an immigrant, his love for the Philippines—especially Marinduque—and his family. He also authored memoirs, travel reflections, and commentaries on Filipino identity. Here is a reflective poem in his honor:
To David B. Katague
A Tribute in Verse
In two worlds shaped by sun and storm,
You walked with grace, a voice transformed—
From Iloilo’s shores to distant bays,
You chronicled life in thoughtful ways.
With pen in hand and chemist’s mind,
You searched for truths that others blind—
Would miss in haste, but you would see
The soul of both land and family.
You sang of Marinduque’s skies,
Of mango trees and lullabies,
And in your words the heart could hear
A homeland held forever dear.
Not bound by place or time or age,
You filled with light each blog and page.
The diaspora found in you
A mirror clear, a guide most true.
Father, thinker, man of peace,
You taught that memory does not cease.
It grows in stories passed with care—
A legacy both rich and rare.
So now we write, in solemn praise,
Of how you lived and gave us ways
To see ourselves in broader light—
A bridge of hope, a voice of right.
Would you like the poem to include more personal or specific details if available?
ChatGPT said: Certainly! With the additional details about David B. Katague's life and legacy, I've crafted a more personalized poem that honors his multifaceted journey—as a scientist, writer, father, and proud Filipino-American. This tribute reflects his professional achievements, deep family bonds, cultural pride, and enduring impact on both the Philippines and the United States.
A Life in Full: For David B. Katague
Scientist, Storyteller, Patriarch, and Bridge Between Worlds
From Iloilo’s sunlit, mangoed land,
To Fair Oaks' quiet, golden strand,
You carried dreams across the sea,
A chemist with a poet’s plea.
In labs where antimalarials stirred,
Your steady hands and sharp mind served.
At FDA, your expert voice
Helped make the world a safer choice.
Yet science was but half your song—
The other half, where hearts belong.
You wrote of kin, of love, of place,
Of Marinduque’s gentle grace.
With Macrine, partner, muse, and friend,
You built a life that would transcend.
Four children, each a shining light,
Their paths inspired by your insight.
Dodie, the prosecutor wise,
Dinah, with paralegal ties,
David Ernst, in tech's domain,
Ditas, where policy and art remain.
Grandchildren, too, you held so dear,
Their laughter music to your ear.
From Carenna’s stage to Philip’s stride,
Their journeys filled your heart with pride.
You blogged, you taught, you gave us lore,
Of family feasts and so much more.
A mentor to the young and keen,
A bridge where cultures met between.
Now, though your voice is stilled, your pen
Still guides us through the where and when.
Your legacy, a beacon bright,
A testament to love and light.
This poem draws upon the rich tapestry of David B. Katague's life, celebrating his professional accomplishments, his dedication to family, and his cultural heritage. His story serves as an inspiration, illustrating how one individual's journey can bridge continents and generations.
ChatGPT said: Here’s a warm, reflective poem dedicated to your fellow senior citizens at The Heritage Downtown in Walnut Creek—a tribute to shared wisdom, community, and the beauty of aging with grace and dignity:
To My Fellow Seniors at The Heritage Downtown
In Honor of Our Shared Journey
In Walnut Creek, where maples sway,
We greet the gift of every day—
With slower steps but brighter minds,
In every line, a life that shines.
We are the roots, the seasoned oak,
The storytellers when we spoke—
Of wars we saw, of love we knew,
Of children grown and skies once blue.
Within these walls, not just a place,
But laughter shared and warm embrace—
We find in each familiar face
A quiet strength, a touch of grace.
The Heritage is more than stone;
It’s where we’ve found a second home.
Where memories and friendships bloom,
And life still dances room to room.
Let others chase the rush of youth—
We walk in calm, we speak in truth.
We’ve earned each wrinkle, silver thread,
With dreams that still lie just ahead.
So raise a toast with grateful cheer,
To hearts that love and hands that steer.
Together here, we stand as one—
Still full of light, though past the sun.
Would you like this poem printed for an event or included in a community newsletter?
ChatGPT said: Great! Here's a polished version of the poem, formatted for printing or inclusion in a community newsletter or bulletin at The Heritage Downtown:
🌿 To My Fellow Seniors at The Heritage Downtown 🌿
In Honor of Our Shared Journey
In Walnut Creek, where maples sway,
We greet the gift of every day—
With slower steps but brighter minds,
In every line, a life that shines.
We are the roots, the seasoned oak,
The storytellers when we spoke—
Of wars we saw, of love we knew,
Of children grown and skies once blue.
Within these walls, not just a place,
But laughter shared and warm embrace—
We find in each familiar face
A quiet strength, a touch of grace.
The Heritage is more than stone;
It’s where we’ve found a second home.
Where memories and friendships bloom,
And life still dances room to room.
Let others chase the rush of youth—
We walk in calm, we speak in truth.
We’ve earned each wrinkle, silver thread,
With dreams that still lie just ahead.
So raise a toast with grateful cheer,
To hearts that love and hands that steer.
Together here, we stand as one—
Still full of light, though past the sun.
ChatGPT said: David B. Katague had a distinguished 12-year career at the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) from 1990 to 2002, primarily within the Center for Drug Evaluation and Research (CDER). His tenure was marked by significant professional milestones and contributions to public health.
Key Accomplishments at the FDA
Chemistry Team Leader: In 1998, 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. Asian Journal News+4My Autobiography+4My Autobiography+4Marinduque Awaits You
Expert Regulatory Scientist: 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. Marinduque Awaits You+1Marinduque - My Island Tropical Paradise+1
Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Award: In 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. My Autobiography
Recognition and Awards: 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. My Autobiography
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.
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