Latest news with #UniversityofthePhilippinesOpenUniversity
Gulf News
29-04-2025
- Business
- Gulf News
Purpose over profit: How a Filipina entrepreneur in Dubai is redefining success through social impact
Dubai: In a bustling city renowned for its skyscrapers, luxury, and relentless ambition, one Filipina entrepreneur is quietly building something far more powerful than a business —she's building hope. From her beginnings in the Philippines as a licensed stockbroker to becoming the managing director of Dagaz HR Consultancy in the UAE, Cristina Calaguian's journey isn't just about career growth—it's about transformation. What started as a quest for stability and success has evolved into a mission to create meaningful change. Along the way, Calaguian discovered that true fulfillment lies not in the number of contracts signed, but in the lives uplifted—students working their way through school, families breathing a little easier, and communities finding renewed purpose. This is the story of a woman who turned every challenge into a stepping stone and every opportunity into a platform for good. Her journey is not just inspiring—it's a call to action. From humble beginnings to impact leader Calaguian graduated with a BA in Economics from the University of Santo Tomas, and now in her final term pursuing a Master of Public Management at the University of the Philippines Open University, she's always believed in the power of education—and evolution. Her early years were marked by a successful 13-year run as a licensed stockbroker in the Philippines. But when she moved to the UAE in 2003, the shift was seismic. From financial consultant to immigration adviser, to business development in advertising, she was constantly adapting. Then came 2011—a pivotal year. 'I started Dagaz HR Consultancy to help people of determination find work and provide career management training, but at first, it was just a business,' she reflects. 'Then, somewhere along the way, something shifted. I started craving something more meaningful.' That moment of clarity marked a turning point, transforming her mission from pure profit to a deeper purpose. A passion rooted in the Philippines Calaguian's drive to help others began long before she moved to the UAE. "Being a single mom wasn't easy—there were moments of delayed tuition fees and late allowances. It was embarrassing, but we always found humor in it. I'd tell my kids, 'Life's like a comedy sitcom; don't take it too seriously.'" However, it was in 2011, when she attended the Ateneo Leadership and Social Entrepreneurship program, that her perspective truly shifted. 'It opened my eyes to the power of social entrepreneurship—not just making money, but making a real difference.' What began as simple volunteer work in the program soon grew into a powerful mission. "I realised I wanted to create a business model with social impact, one that could help our society." That seed of purpose, planted during her time volunteering, has since blossomed into a life-changing advocacy—a mission that's now transforming lives and building a brighter future for others. A breakthrough for students: Creating income and hope Four years ago, a conversation with two digital nomad entrepreneurs from the UK and US sparked a game-changing idea: what if Filipino students could work part-time online to fund their education? What started with just five students has now grown to over 80, with some even securing full-time roles after graduation. But the impact goes beyond just financial support. When they finally met some of these students last year, the stories were nothing short of inspiring. Children of Filipino Overseas Workers (OFWs), farmers, nannies, and single parents shared their gratitude. One student said, 'Thank you for giving me hope,' while another proudly shared how she paid for both her own and her brother's tuition. The heartfelt thanks from parents were a powerful reminder that this initiative is changing lives, one student at a time. Mastering the balance: Businesswoman, mother, mentor How does Calaguian balance family, business, and school while leading a purpose-driven company? The answer, she says, lies in mastering boundaries. 'I don't work on weekends,' she shares, 'I completely disconnect—no emails, no messages, unless it's an emergency, and even then, my family will call me directly.' Calaguian focuses on what matters most: meeting people, managing her priorities, making time for self-care. She's learned to delegate tasks and concentrate on what she does best, which drives her business forward. With a clear and realistic schedule, she ensures her professional life doesn't overshadow her personal well-being. Yoga, meditation, beach walks, and reading are her ways of staying grounded. And perhaps most importantly, Calaguian has embraced the power of saying "No"—a practice that allows her to focus on what truly aligns with her values and goals. Breaking stereotypes, one win at a time Calaguian faced unique challenges as a Filipina entrepreneur in the UAE. 'People expected me to work in service roles, not as a business owner,' she recalls. 'I had to prove myself twice as hard to earn respect.' But instead of backing down, she turned these obstacles into opportunities for growth. Calaguian learned to speak louder than bias, remain consistent, and reshape her own narrative. Starting a business brought moments of self-doubt and isolation, but she pushed through with unwavering courage. 'Setbacks aren't failures—they're lessons,' she says. 'Building confidence takes time, and each small victory along the way adds to that strength. Surround yourself with the right network, and celebrate every win—it's all part of the journey to success.' Big dreams, bold steps Calaguian's professional goals are nothing short of ambitious. She's determined to not only sustain her growing business but scale it—helping even more students and families along the way. 'By the end of the year, we aim to support 150 students. That's 150 families we're empowering,' she shares with passion. Her vision is clear: to gain more business support for her mission and provide meaningful mentorship to the students who depend on it. On a personal note, her dream is refreshingly simple: 'More quality time with my family,' she says. 'Life's too short to miss the moments that matter.' For Calaguian, maintaining her physical and mental health isn't just a priority—it's the foundation that allows her to share her talents and make an even greater impact on the world around her. To future entrepreneurs: Your story is your superpower Calaguian's message to aspiring changemakers—especially women and overseas Filipinos—is as powerful as it is inspiring: 'Start now. Don't wait for perfect,' she urges. 'Use your story as fuel and take action. Action brings clarity, while overthinking only creates doubts and worries. Test your ideas, even if they're small. Every step forward will guide you to your next big move.' She reminds us that everyone has a story to tell, and it's our unique experiences that can drive change. 'Let empathy be your compass,' she says. 'Listen to what your community needs, solve real problems, and deliver with honesty.' But it's not just about vision—it's about connection. 'Build a strong, supportive network. Surround yourself with people who will help you grow and challenge you to go further. Success isn't a solo journey. The right connections will open doors you never imagined.' Calaguian's mantra is simple yet profound: 'Work from your heart, not just for profit. Good things happen to good people. Always be kind, grateful, and generous with your time and energy. That's how you make a lasting impact.' Her story is a powerful reminder that success isn't measured by wealth but by the lives you touch. From humble beginnings to becoming a beacon of hope for countless students, she proves that when purpose drives your actions, the impact is far-reaching. Calaguian's journey encourages all entrepreneurs to embrace their unique stories and use them as a platform for change. By focusing on community, empathy, and action, she shows that the greatest achievements are the ones that uplift others.
Arab News
05-03-2025
- Business
- Arab News
New Philippine degree recognition to boost job prospects for Filipinos in UAE
MANILA: The Philippine government on Wednesday welcomed the UAE's recognition of University of the Philippines Open University degrees as paving the way for better job opportunities and career advancement for Filipinos in the Gulf state. UPOU, a public research university located south of Metro Manila, has been recognized for equivalency by the UAE's Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research. 'Equivalency is a big help for Filipino professionals working abroad. That allows them to practice their trade and get the same recognition that they enjoy here in the Philippines,' Dante Francis Ang II, secretary of the Commission on Filipinos Overseas, said in an interview with the Philippine News Agency. His office will be reaching out to Filipinos based in the UAE and encouraging them to get a degree or take further studies, he said. UPOU operates as part of the Philippines' national university, the University of the Philippines. It said that the 'landmark accreditation' is expected to pave the way for overseas Filipino workers, or OFWs, in the UAE to leverage their UPOU degrees for career advancement and employment opportunities. 'Prior to the said accreditation, OFWs with UPOU degrees reportedly faced challenges in career advancement since their graduate programs were not recognized by the UAE,' UPOU said. UP President Angelo Jimenez said that the recognition will likely strengthen the Philippines' macroeconomic stability 'by increasing overseas remittances and reducing the final strain on welfare services extended to OFWs,' as it would enable them to earn higher salaries. 'This development will have a profound impact on the professional and economic mobility of our OFWs, enabling them to transition from high-risk, low-paying jobs to safer, more stable and higher-income positions,' Jimenez said. Out of more than 2 million overseas Filipino workers, whose remittance inflows account for about 9 percent of their country's gross domestic product, about 700,000 live in the UAE — the second-largest employer of Philippine expats after Saudi Arabia.
