In 1982, I enrolled at UE Caloocan during a period when the university faced significant challenges. At the time, facilities were neglected, and faculty morale was low due to management issues. Juggling evening classes with work as a laborer, then transitioning to roles as a janitor and messenger, survival was my primary focus. Despite the hardships of living away from family in shared warehouse accommodations with fellow construction workers, I considered myself fortunate to have completed my college education, graduating in 1986 from the prestigious accounting honors class under the tutelage of Prof. Teresita Nadurata.
Armed with a degree in Accounting, I saw a career advancement within the same company where I had worked diligently. By 1991, I took the leap into full-time accountancy, establishing my small auditing firm, which remains my primary source of livelihood to this day.
In 2008, a reunion with Professor Mila Balboa, one of my accounting professors, led me to an unexpected yet pivotal role. What began as a simple alumni gathering evolved into an election of officers for a UE Caloocan Alumni Association. Taking on the role of President from 2009 to 2019, I spearheaded a decade of impactful initiatives.
During my tenure, the UE Caloocan Alumni Association became a registered entity with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), laying the groundwork for a legacy of service and engagement. From organizing Alumni Homecoming events to pioneering the inaugural UE Caloocan Graduation Ball, alongside community-focused endeavors like medical missions and tree planting, our association flourished.
My journey from a struggling student to an influential alumni leader reflects not only personal resilience but also a deep commitment to giving back to the institution that shaped my trajectory.
As I reflect on these experiences, I am reminded of the power of perseverance and the enduring impact of community involvement in nurturing the next generation of leaders.
