Anna Mae Yu Lamentillo was born to Ilonggo parents — Manuel Lamentillo and Elnora Yu.

Anna Mae shares a close bond with her sibling, April Lamentillo, as they navigated life's early stages together.

A testament to her early academic prowess, she was accelerated from Nursery to Prep at Creative Playschool.

In 2003, Anna Mae graduated from Manresa School's elementary level with second honors, earning accolades as Best in Arts and Best in Sports.

In 2007, Anna Mae graduated from Manresa School with an honorable mention and was awarded Best in Araling Panlipunan.

In 2012, Anna Mae was elected as a Councillor of the University Student Council at the University of the Philippines Los Baños, where she led the committee on culture and the arts.

She collaborated with renowned artist Manix Abrera in 2012 to create tumbler designs featuring the whale shark of Sorsogon, aimed at promoting environmental sustainability on campus.

On April 28, 2012, Anna Mae graduated from the University of the Philippines Los Baños with a BS in Development Communication, specializing in Development Journalism, at Freedom Park.

Captured in her official graduation photo, Anna Mae proudly wears the Sablay, the university's academic costume since 2000. The Sablay, adorned with ukkil and geometric patterns, symbolizes Filipino nationalism and respect for indigenous culture. It replaces the traditional cap and toga, featuring the university's acronym in baybayin-inspired script, emphasizing the value of education and cultural heritage.

Anna Mae’s academic journey culminated with distinctions including Cum Laude, the Faculty Medal for Academic Excellence, and achieving the Highest General Weighted Average among Development Journalism majors.

Anna Mae Yu Lamentillo honored as one of the Ten Outstanding Students of Calabarzon by the Ten Outstanding Students of the Philippines at Bahay ni Rizal in May 2012.

Anna Mae Yu Lamentillo embarked on her career as a multimedia producer at GMA News Online, where she honed her skills in news production. During her student years, she served as a stringer, actively covering news events across the Calabarzon area.

In October 2012, Anna Mae Yu Lamentillo joined the office of Senator Loren Legarda, where she contributed her expertise as legislative and communications staff, bridging policy and public engagement.

In October 2012, Anna Mae Yu Lamentillo joined the office of Senator Loren Legarda, where she contributed her expertise as legislative and communications staff, bridging policy and public engagement.

In December 2013, Anna Mae Yu Lamentillo transitioned from government work to the United Nations Development Program, where she played a crucial role in the response efforts for Typhoon Haiyan, locally known as Super Typhoon Yolanda—one of the most powerful tropical cyclones ever recorded, which claimed the lives of at least 6,300 individuals.

Following the devastation of Typhoon Haiyan (locally known as Yolanda), the UNDP has launched comprehensive recovery efforts in the Philippines, focusing on debris management, restoring livelihoods, strengthening local institutions, and enhancing disaster risk reduction to foster resilient and sustainable rebuilding.

Anna Mae Yu Lamentillo transitioned from the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), where she continued her dedicated work in agricultural recovery, playing a vital role in the post-typhoon restoration efforts across affected communities.

In December 2014, Anna Mae Yu Lamentillo was distinguished as the Natatanging Iskolar Para sa Bayan by the University of the Philippines Los Baños, celebrated at the Makiling Ballroom for her exceptional contributions and service.

In April 2015, Anna Mae Yu Lamentillo left her role at the United Nations to join the office of then Las Piñas Representative Mark Villar. This transition marked her return to government service, coinciding with her decision to pursue law school.

Anna Mae Yu Lamentillo made a special appearance in the 2015 Philippine television drama series "Beautiful Strangers," broadcast by GMA Network. She joined the cast portraying the role of a Clerk of Court, in a series directed by Albert Langitan and starring Heart Evangelista and Lovi Poe.

In July 2016, Anna Mae Yu Lamentillo joined the Department of Public Works and Highways following the appointment of then Las Piñas Representative Mark Villar as Secretary, marking the beginning of her significant contributions to national infrastructure.

As the appointed Chairperson of the Build Build Build Committee since December 19, 2016, Anna Mae has been instrumental in the program’s success, which created 6.5 million jobs over five years.

Together with the 6.5 million-strong Build Build Build team, under the leadership of Secretary Mark Villar, she oversaw the completion of 29,264 km of roads, 5,950 bridges, five new rail routes, and a pioneering subway project, significantly enhancing the nation's connectivity and economic growth.

In 2017, Anna Mae Yu Lamentillo participated in Mega Magazine's #MEGAForAll campaign, showcasing her commitment to gender equality. On Independence Day, she joined others in breaking barriers, advocating for freedom of self, and standing confidently in one's truth.

In June 2017, Anna Mae Yu Lamentillo enhanced her leadership skills by completing the Emerging Leaders Programme at the Harvard Kennedy School.

Furthering her expertise, she completed the Infrastructure in a Market Economy program in July 2017, also at Harvard Kennedy School.

Anna Mae made her debut in opinion journalism with her first column, "Night Owl," published in October 2017 in the opinion section of the Manila Bulletin. The article, titled "My father taught me waiting for 21 years was worth it," delves into personal insights and lessons learned from her father.

Anna Mae Yu Lamentillo, honored to be selected for the prestigious US-Asean Women Leaders Academy in 2018, representing the Philippines among leaders from Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Singapore, Thailand, Timor-Leste, and Vietnam.

Anna Mae Yu Lamentillo shines on the cover of Business Mirror, heralding the 'Build, Build, Build' initiative as a millennial on a mission.

Anna Mae Yu Lamentillo receives an Executive Certificate in Economic Development from Harvard Kennedy School on June 2, 2018.

Anna Mae Yu Lamentillo graces the cover of BluPrint Magazine's 2018 special issue, recognized as one of 50+ ASEAN movers and shakers for her impactful contributions.

Anna Mae Yu Lamentillo was selected to participate in the US Department of State's International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP) from September 4 to 21, 2018. The program, focused on "Indo-Pacific Strategy: Infrastructure Development in the Indo-Pacific Region," provided her with a platform to contribute to vital discussions on regional infrastructure and strategy development.

Anna Mae Yu Lamentillo presented the Build Build Build Program at the 6th ASEAN Connectivity Forum on November 27, 2018, at the Grand Hall of KCCI, Seoul, Korea.

The "Build, Build, Build" initiative marked a transformative shift from car-centric to intermodal transportation, integrating pedestrian pathways and cycling infrastructure into urban development. This holistic approach has been formalized as a new standard in the DPWH Manual, promoting a more sustainable and accessible transportation environment.

Anna Mae Yu Lamentillo, recognized as one of the 18 Game Changers by Lifestyle Asia in 2019, for her pivotal role as the chairperson of the "Build, Build, Build" committee under the Department of Public Works and Highways, driving significant infrastructure development across the Philippines.

Anna Mae is featured in BluPrint's Under 38 list, celebrating the creative pursuits of the younger generation.

Anna Mae Lamentillo shares the cover of PeopleAsia with PAGCOR Chairman Andrea Domingo, Chaye Cabal-Revilla, Senator Pia Cayetano, Dr. Rebecca Singson, Ginbee Go, and Che Uy, celebrating their recognition as Stargate People Asia’s 2019 Women of Style and Substance awardees.

On August 7, 2019, alongside Tony Lambino, she conducted economic briefings to highlight the infrastructure achievements of the Build Build Build team, demonstrating transparency and progress.

Anna Mae Yu Lamentillo honored with the Women of Style and Substance award by Stargate PeopleAsia at City of Dreams on September 7, 2019.

On November 30, 2019, Anna Mae Yu Lamentillo received the Veritas Medal from the Harvard Kennedy School Alumni Association - Philippines Chapter at New World Hotel.

Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, Anna Mae Yu Lamentillo successfully graduated with a Juris Doctor degree from the University of the Philippines Diliman in an online ceremony on July 26, 2020.

Anna Mae Yu Lamentillo was prominently featured on the cover of Alike's 2020 reset issue, which aimed to reset life after the COVID-19 lockdown, highlighting her accomplishments in the Build Build Build program, including the construction of 653 COVID-19 facilities, such as isolation units and modular hospitals, during the pandemic.

Anna Mae Yu Lamentillo, one of 50 Filipino alumni featured in the "Faces of Exchange," participated in the prestigious International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP) of the US State Department. Over its 80-year history, more than 225,000 individuals have been part of this esteemed program.

The ceremony was presided over by Army Chief Andres Centino, and attended by DPWH Secretary Mark Villar, BGen John Dominic Pulido, and Col. Francis Sibal.

Build, Build, Build panel head Anna Mae Yu Lamentillo becomes an Army reserve 1st lieutenant during a commissioning ceremony on June 7, 2021.

Night Owl, a book authored by Anna Mae Yu Lamentillo, was created on October 14, 2021, and published by Manila Bulletin Publishing Corporation.

The book was written in English and dedicated to the 6.5 million Build Build Build team. 

Anna Mae Yu Lamentillo graces the cover of Alike magazine, showcasing her achievements under the Build Build Build program.

Since the age of 7, Anna Mae has been passionate about chess, a skill she learned from her father.

On March 25, 2022, Anna Mae Yu Lamentillo took her oath as an honorary member of the Philippine National Police Academy Class of 2006, also known as Bagsay Lahi.

Department of Information and Communications Technology Undersecretary and Young Southeast Asian Leaders Initiative alumna Anna Mae Yu Lamentillo meets with Second Gentleman Douglas Emhoff during his visit to the Philippines. Emhoff, who led the Presidential Delegation to the inauguration of His Excellency Ferdinand Romualdez Marcos, Jr. as President of the Republic of the Philippines on June 30, 2022, engaged in discussions to foster stronger ties and mutual cooperation between the United States and the Philippines.

In August 2022, she was taken in by the administration of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” R. Marcos Jr. as Assistant Secretary of the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT).

After graduating with a Juris Doctor degree online during the COVID-19 pandemic, Anna Mae Yu Lamentillo marked her physical graduation at the University of the Philippines Diliman in August 2022.

On August 31, 2022, Anna Mae Yu Lamentillo spoke about the Luzon Spine Expressway Masterplan at the Philippine Real Estate Conference held at Shangri-La Fort in Taguig.

Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) Assistant Secretary Anna Mae Yu Lamentillo has been promoted by Malacañang to undersecretary of the department.

Anna Mae Yu Lamentillo was officially designated as the spokesperson for the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT).

Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) Undersecretary Anna Mae Lamentillo turns over a copy of the Night Owl book to Her Royal Highness Tuanku Hajjah Haminah of Malaysia during a courtesy call. 

DICT spokesperson and Undersecretary Anna Mae Yu Lamentillo met with Singapore Ambassador to the Philippines Gerard Ho Wei Hong on Monday to discuss further areas of cooperation and the implementation of a recently signed memorandum of understanding (MOU) aimed at advancing digital cooperation between the two countries.

Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) Undersecretary for Public Affairs and Foreign Relations, Anna Mae Yu Lamentillo, discussed with Thai Ambassador Tull Traisorat the possible areas of cooperation in information and communications technology between the Philippines and Thailand.

Undersecretary Anna Mae Yu Lamentillo of the Department of Information and Communications Technology and Ambassador Michel Parys of the Kingdom of Belgium meet to discuss and strengthen digital cooperation between the Philippines and Belgium. The meeting underscores both countries' commitment to enhancing technological advancements and collaborative efforts in the digital space.

Auxiliary Commodore Anna Mae Yu Lamentillo’s official portrait, captured following her induction by PCG Commandant Admiral Artemio Abu on January 2, 2023, at the PCG National Headquarters in Port Area, Manila.

PCG Commandant Admiral Artemio Abu inducted Lamentillo as Auxiliary Commodore of the PCGA Executive Squadron on Monday, Jan. 2, at the PCG National Headquarters in Port Area, Manila.

In February 2023, the Philippines took on the responsibility of chairing the ASEAN Digital Senior Officials Meeting (ADGSOM) and Digital Ministers Meeting (ADGMIN). The Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) hosted the third ADGSOM and ADGMIN on Boracay Island, with Anna Mae Yu Lamentillo serving as the Head of Delegation (HOD) for the Philippines.

The Meeting commended China for joint activities in digital economy and security, welcomed continued ASEAN-China collaboration in 2023, and noted the 2023 Digital Work Plan and Action Plan for Digital Economy Cooperation.

Anna Mae Yu Lamentillo was recognized as one of the People to Watch by Rising Tigers at an event held at the Manila Hotel on February 10, 2023.

Lamentillo was honored for her efforts in expanding internet connectivity to rural areas.

Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) Undersecretary Anna Mae Yu Lamentillo receives the Heroes’ Notable Female Government Leader of the Year award at Asia’s Modern Hero Awards 2023, held at Okada Manila on February 17, 2023. Recognized for her leadership and contributions to public service, Lamentillo dedicates the award to fellow public servants and citizens working towards national growth and development.

Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) Undersecretary Anna Mae Yu Lamentillo highlighted the Philippine government’s initiatives to address the digital divide and digital gender gap during one of the meetings of the 67th Session of the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW67) at the United Nations Headquarters in New York, USA.

At the high-level side event "Empowering Women Micro-Entrepreneurs in the Digital Economy" during the 67th Session of the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW67), DICT Undersecretary Anna Mae Yu Lamentillo emphasized the importance of bridging the digital gender divide to support women micro-entrepreneurs, while celebrating the collaborative efforts of the Government of The Philippines, ITU, International Trade Centre, GSMA, Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, and BBVA Foundation in organizing the event.

During the "Empowering Women Micro-Entrepreneurs in the Digital Economy" side event at the 67th Session of the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW67), DICT Undersecretary Anna Mae Yu Lamentillo emphasized the importance of addressing the digital gender divide to empower women micro-entrepreneurs and highlighted how digital technologies can foster business formalization and growth.

Lamentillo co-chairs the Philippine Delegation to the 67th Session of the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW67) at the United Nations Headquarters in New York, USA.

Anna Mae Lamentillo moderates a pivotal UN CSW side event on Cybersafe against Fake News, alongside key figures including Philippine Mission to the United Nations in New York Ambassador Antonio Lagdameo, Australian Government's Ambassador for Gender Equality Stephanie Campbell, among others. 

Manila Bulletin Publishing Corporation launched 'Night Owl' by Anna Mae Yu Lamentillo at the Presidential Suite of the Manila Hotel on March 14, 2023, with Manila Bulletin President Emilio Yap III and Senator Mark Villar in attendance.

The launch of 'Night Owl' by Anna Mae Yu Lamentillo was graced by notable figures including Former President Rodrigo Duterte, Senator Bong Go, Department of Transportation Secretary Art Tugade, Senator Francis Tolentino, Former Secretary Delfin Lorenzana, Monetary Board Member Anita Aquino, and Elnora Lamentillo.

The Filipino Edition of 'Night Owl' was launched by Manila Bulletin Publishing Corporation on March 21, 2023.

Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) Undersecretary Anna Mae Yu Lamentillo has officially joined the Presidential Security Group (PSG) after completing the VIP Protection Executive Training (VIPPET) at the PSG Training School.

Lamentillo, holding the rank of Commodore in the Philippine Coast Guard Auxiliary (PCGA), graduated from VIPPET as part of Class 02-2023, Batch Protego, in a ceremony led by PSG Commander Brigadier General Ramon P. Zagala on March 21, 2023.

Anna Mae Yu Lamentillo was awarded as one of the Inspiring Young Filipinos at the Lazada Fun Run at Pasay City by Mayor Imelda Calixto Rubiano and Lazada Philippines CEO Carlos Barrera.

Anna Mae Yu Lamentillo registered as an author with the National Book Development Board on August 31, 2023.

The Bisaya Edition of 'Night Owl: A Nationbuilder’s Manual’ was launched by Manila Bulletin Publishing Corporation on September 24, 2023.

The Ilokano Edition of 'Night Owl: A Nationbuilder’s Manual’ was officially released by Manila Bulletin Publishing Corporation on September 24, 2023.

Anna Mae Yu Lamentillo embarked on an 18-month study leave to pursue an MSc in Cities at the London School of Economics.

Anna Mae Yu Lamentillo Honored as 'Rising Star' by Wedu in October 2023.

Anna Mae Yu Lamentillo was given the Adopted Lakan Award by the Philippine National Police Academy Alumni Association Inc. (PNPAAAI) during its 44th Grand Alumni Homecoming on March 8, 2024 which was also International Women’s Day.

Former Information and Communications Technology undersecretary Anna Mae Yu Lamentillo has been honored with a nomination for the Volunteer of the Year Award by the London School of Economics (LSE).

On June 21, 2024, she completed her classes at LSE and will now focus on her consultancy project reimagining Metro Manila as a network of 15-minute cities.