FOR MANY YEARS, my professional identity was shaped by the corporate consultancy world. As a consultant in the private sector, I achieved success, gained expertise, and enjoyed the prestige of urban professional life. Yet throughout my corporate career, even as I worked part-time as a lecturer in Metro Manila universities and engaged in government projects as an Environmental and Urban Planner, I felt an unmistakable calling—a deeper purpose waiting to be answered.
The Awakening: A Purpose Beyond Profit. In June 2015, I made a pivotal decision that would transform not only my career but my entire sense of purpose: I transitioned to a state university in my province as a full-time educator. This was not a lateral move made lightly. Before committing to this significant life change, I engaged in serious reflection, honestly weighing the substantial pros and cons of leaving urban life to return to my rural roots. I had grown accustomed to city living with all its opportunities and challenges. Yet despite professional success, I felt a profound void that no corporate achievement could fill. Three compelling factors guided my decision toward higher education and public service.
First: A Mission to Inspire My People (Kasimanwa). My primary motivation transcended career advancement or institutional prestige. I realized that my knowledge, expertise, and passion for civil and environmental engineering were needed most urgently in my own hometown—where talented young minds were hungry to learn from someone who understood both their aspirations and their context. I wanted to return to my roots and share not just knowledge, but inspiration and mentorship with my own people. This wasn’t about escaping the corporate world; it was about answering a call to serve where the need was greatest.
Second: Family and Deeper Connections. The relentless demands of city life had created distance from my aging parents and siblings. The long travels and demanding schedule made visiting home nearly impossible. At a certain point in life, we recognize that no salary, no title, and no professional achievement can replace the irreplaceable gift of proximity to family. I wanted to be present for my parents in their later years, to strengthen bonds with my siblings, and to contribute to their wellbeing. This wasn’t weakness or retreat—it was clarity about what truly matters.
Third: Accepting the Trade-Offs with Grace. The decision did require sacrifice. I accepted a two-step demotion in salary rank. Many would have questioned this move. Yet I harbored no regrets. My primary goal was never compensation or status—it was to serve my people (kasimanwa). I evaluated every dimension of this transition: the university’s culture and leadership, its academic programs, future opportunities, and institutional vision. I was profoundly grateful that my sister-in-law persistently encouraged me and helped me envision success in this new environment. When faced with choosing between a vacant municipal position and joining the state university, I chose the institution where I could create broader impact.
The Challenge of Transition. The practical reality of this transition was not simple. After years of urban living, where I supported younger siblings and their children and paid for our household needs, leaving required careful planning. I needed to gradually relocate hundreds of books, professional materials, clothing, and travel memorabilia while maintaining my apartment temporarily as a shelter during continued work-related visits to Manila. The emotional adjustment was equally profound. Urban convenience, professional networks, and the rhythm of city life had become my normal. Yet I discovered something unexpected: my personality, diverse overseas experiences, and authentic commitment to service made the transition smoother than anticipated. Trust and confidence from university administrators, colleagues, and students came naturally because there was no pretension—only genuine dedication to our shared mission.
A Decade Later: Fulfilling the Mission. A decade has passed since that transformative decision. I stand profoundly proud of the educator, administrator, and leader I have become. What began as a career transition evolved into a comprehensive life purpose. My journey has culminated in my appointment as President of my alma mater—Technological University of the Philippines—an honor that represents full circle completion of a mission that began with a simple truth: I wanted to serve my people.
The Intersection of Leadership and Purpose. This career transition taught me an essential truth about leadership: authentic leadership emerges when professional expertise aligns with genuine purpose. I did not leave the corporate world because I was running from something. I moved toward something far more powerful—a calling to invest in the next generation of engineers and leaders who will shape my province’s future. Today, as I lead this institution, every decision I make is informed by this foundational understanding. I lead not from a desire for power or prestige, but from deep commitment to educational excellence and community service. My journey from corporate consultant to university president is not a contradiction—it is a natural progression toward my true calling.
A Message to Those Considering Their Own Transformation. If you sense a calling toward greater purpose, if your expertise feels needed elsewhere, if family and community beckon you homeward—listen to that voice. The transition may be difficult. The financial considerations may seem daunting. The comfort of the familiar may tempt you to stay. But when you align your career with your deepest values and your true mission, work transcends mere employment.
It becomes service. It becomes legacy. It becomes the fulfillment of a purpose that was waiting for you all along. Serving with purpose is not a career choice—it is a life transformation.
KAPAG NALAMAN MO RIN…
HONESTLY, I don’t read much of inspirational or autobiography type of books. The last book I have read (and this was recommended by a good friend) was the funny but heart-warming story of Trevor Noah – a South African comedian who tells his personal life while growing-up during the time of Apartheid in South Africa.
The book is a personal account of Dr. Alma Bella Madrazo (my former boss/colleague) when she suffered a hemorrhagic stroke*** sometime in 2011 that brought her to a state of coma (deep unconsciousness) for more than a week.
My world is getting smaller every day 