Governance

Darlene Magnolia Ricasa Antonino-Custodio was born on December 26, 1973, in California, United States. She completed her high school education at O.B. Montessori in Manila in 1992 and earned a Bachelor of Science in business management from De La Salle University in 1996. She later pursued a Master’s Degree in Culinary Arts at the prestigious Le Cordon Bleu in London, England.

A former public servant, Antonino-Custodio served as Mayor of General Santos City from 2010 to 2013 and as Representative of South Cotabato’s 1st District from 2007 to 2010. She was affiliated with the NPC-AIM party and held the position of House Deputy Minority Leader during the 13th Congress of the Philippines.

Coming from a prominent political family, she is the daughter of Adelbert and Luwalhati R. Antonino, who both served in key political roles in General Santos and South Cotabato. She is also the granddaughter of former Senators Gaudencio and Magnolia Antonino, and a descendant of an American great-grandfather on her maternal side.

Darlene Antonino-Custodio resides in New Manila, Quezon City. She is married to businessman Benjamin Custodio, and they have two children: Aaron Vincent and Karina Anika. She is a Board of Trustee since July 30, 2010.