BEAM Newsletter

Making a dent: Interview with BEAM’s 2008 Employee of the Year

One of the highlights during BEAM’s year-end program last December 11-12, 2008 was the announcement of the winner for the much-coveted Employee of the Year Award. Outstanding BEAM staff were nominated and a panel of judges reviewed the performance of the nominees for the past 12 months and its impact on the success of the whole project.

For 2008, BEAM IT manager Red Rola was adjudged Employee of the Year.  He was interviewed for this issue and although very self-conscious, candidly answered questions thrown at him. Without a laptop in front of him, Red shares his feelings and learning as this year’s best employee.

1. How did you find out that you were chosen as Employee of the Year?

I was at the Hong Kong Airport with my family when I found out. It was almost midnight and we were waiting for our flight’s boarding call. I opened my laptop and received an email from Rose Green, congratulating me for winning the award.

2. How did you feel?

It was mixed emotions. I was very happy and excited. I was also shocked. I never thought I will even be nominated. So for the entire three-hour flight from Hong Kong to Manila, I was wide awake! (laughs)

3. What do you think was your edge from the other nominees why you bagged the award?

It is not a question of who worked the hardest since I know everyone works hard in the Project. I guess I was just fortunate that my involvement was not only in IT but I cut across all components and broaden my involvement in planning, systems, monitoring and implementation. I constantly look for opportunities or areas where IT can help or assist.

4. How did you begin your career with BEAM?

It was in April 2002 when I was contracted to be a part-time data analyst to identify areas for Access programs. I was supposed to go to Brunei for a job opportunity but I can’t say no to my former boss Sony Chin who was then the Community Development Specialist. Then I was offered the IT Officer position and I established the BEAM website. Everything started from there.

5. Your undergraduate course was Economics. How did you survive being the IT manager when you took up a different discipline in college?

As a manager, I think it is my responsibility to ensure that resources are well-managed, that’s what I learned in Economics. You might not know everything but the real challenge is how to make things work. That is also the reason why we have IT specialists in the team because they are the ones who have the academic training. But I am a self-taught IT person. I read books and most of my learning come from application.

6. You have been with BEAM for almost seven years now, what made you stay this long?

Well, I guess it is because of my bias to children. I believe in the Project’s goals. BEAM is constantly evolving; I like the fact that my job is not stagnant. It gave me opportunities to grow and try new things.

7. What did you learn from BEAM?

My biggest learning in the project are patience and perseverance. As young people, we are usually impatient and want instant results. When I worked with BEAM I learned to look at the capacity of other people to absorb things. A common idea is the bureaucracy is hopeless. But being in BEAM and working directly with DepEd, met dedicated employees who work very hard, dedicated and are open to improve things.

8. What are you most proud of?

Hmmm… I have lots! First, I am proud of the IT team, they are the backbone of what I do. If I am not working with a good team, the goals that we have set will not be met. I’m also proud of the HRI System that DepEd has adopted nationally. A lot of people benefited from this system; this was a product of dedication of BEAM’s IT team and DepEd.

9. Do you have other interests apart from work?

I explore computer systems.

10. No, apart from work so it means anything not related to IT.

(laughs) I play with my daughter, I enjoy bringing my nephews and nieces to places, I watch shows at National Geographic and Discovery channels.

11. Finally, how much money is in your wallet?

(opens wallet and laughs) I only have Php60.00. I have just bought milk for my daughter! (laughs)