The trajectory of a technology professional is often measured by the systems they build, but the true measure of impact lies in the knowledge they transfer to the next generation of innovators. My professional background, spanning more than twenty years, is rooted in a unique duality: the hands-on technical rigor of a Computer Engineer and the strategic vision of an Academic Leader. Since the early 2000s, I have operated at the intersection of industry and academia, serving not just as a developer of software, but as a developer of people. My tenure in IT Education and Leadership is defined by a commitment to technical excellence, pedagogical innovation, and the mentorship of aspiring IT professionals.
The Foundations of Technical Instruction (2003–2008)
My formal entry into the world of IT education began at Southernside Montessori School, where I served as a Computer Teacher and Technician for nearly five years. This role was pivotal as it required me to manage the total lifecycle of an educational IT environment. I was responsible for the repair and maintenance of the computer laboratory—ensuring that the hardware (monitors, printers, and power supplies) and networking infrastructure were robust enough to support hundreds of students daily.
Beyond the hardware, I designed and delivered a curriculum that introduced students to the core tenets of computing. My approach was never purely theoretical; drawing from my vocational degree in Computer Engineering Technology from the Technological University of the Philippines (TUP) – Taguig, I integrated hands-on troubleshooting into the classroom. I believed then, as I do now, that a true IT professional must understand the “soul of the machine.” This period was also when I began my Masters Degree in Educational Management at the Saint Francis of Assisi College System, a pursuit that allowed me to view the classroom through a lens of institutional leadership and strategic planning.
Academic Leadership and Advanced Instruction (2008–2010)
In June 2008, I transitioned to a high-impact role at the Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Muntinlupa (PLMun). As a Computer Instructor and Thesis Adviser, I was tasked with shaping the minds of senior-level Information Technology students. This era of my career was characterized by the complexity of the subjects I taught, which included:
- Artificial Intelligence (AI): Long before the current boom in LLMs, I was lecturing on the logic, heuristics, and algorithmic foundations of AI.
- Visual Basic and Database Management: I taught students how to build functional business applications, emphasizing the importance of clean code and relational database integrity using MySQL and Postgres.
- Logic Design and System Analysis: I guided students through the rigorous process of mapping out system architectures, teaching them to think like engineers before they ever touched a keyboard.
My leadership extended beyond the syllabus. I served as a Student Council Adviser, a role that required high-level emotional intelligence, conflict resolution, and organizational management. By guiding student leaders, I was able to foster a culture of professional responsibility and civic engagement within the university. Furthermore, as a Thesis Adviser, I mentored dozens of students through the grueling process of original research and system development. Many of the systems designed under my supervision—ranging from payroll systems to automated inventory trackers—were built using the same professional standards I applied in my private consultancy.
Bridging Industry and Academia at Lyceum of Alabang
My commitment to higher education continued at the Lyceum of Alabang, where I served as an IT Instructor. Here, I focused on the practical application of technology in the modern workforce. I taught subjects such as Web Development (PHP/HTML/CSS) and Advanced Database Systems. My goal was to ensure that my students were not just “degree holders,” but “job-ready professionals.”
During this time, I was also actively involved in the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) as a Board of Election Inspector (BEI) and Technical Support and IT. This was a significant leadership responsibility where I applied my technical expertise to the national stage, ensuring the integrity of automated voting systems. This experience reinforced the vital link between IT leadership and public trust, a lesson I have carried throughout my corporate career.
The “Jenorated” Methodology: Leadership Through Innovation
In my current roles, specifically as a Web Developer and Online Support Specialist at Uratex Philippines Inc. and as a Digital Marketing Consultant, my background in education remains my greatest leadership asset. Leadership in IT is not just about giving orders; it is about providing the technical documentation, training, and strategic clarity that allow a team to succeed.
I have pioneered what I call the “Jenorated” approach—a methodology that blends my pedagogical background with cutting-edge Generative AI. By building and managing applications that utilize OpenAI, Google Gemini, and Grok APIs, I am essentially creating new “digital teachers.” These AI-driven tools serve as the first line of support and education for users, providing intelligent reasoning and automated assistance that reflects the structured logic of a classroom environment.
Strategic Consultancy and Global Mentorship
As an IT Consultant, I have provided leadership and technical direction for international and local entities, including Music Sensation Guam and En Real Expert Travel Inc. In these partnerships, I don’t just “build a site”; I act as a CTO-on-demand. I lead stakeholders through the process of digital transformation, teaching them how to manage their SEO, how to interpret Google Analytics, and how to maintain their e-commerce ecosystems on Shopify and WordPress. This is a form of leadership through empowerment—giving clients the tools and the knowledge to take ownership of their digital destiny.
The Future of IT Leadership: AI and Human Intelligence
Looking forward, my vision for IT Leadership is centered on the ethical and effective integration of Artificial Intelligence. Having taught the theoretical foundations of AI in 2008, I am now leading the practical application of it in 2024. My leadership philosophy is built on three pillars:
- Continuous Learning: As a professional who has moved from COBOL and Visual Basic to Liquid and Gemini API, I lead by example in the pursuit of lifelong education.
- Systems Thinking: My background in System Analysis and Design ensures that I view every leadership challenge as a component of a larger architecture.
- Human-Centric Technology: Whether I am advising a thesis student or a corporate executive, I maintain that technology must serve the user, not the other way around.
Summary of Educational and Leadership Contributions
- Academic Impact: 10+ years of classroom instruction across Primary, Secondary, and Tertiary levels.
- Curriculum Development: Authored and delivered courses in Artificial Intelligence, Web Development, and Database Management.
- Institutional Leadership: Served as Student Council Adviser, Thesis Adviser, and Board of Election Inspector (IT Specialist).
- Technical Mentorship: Over two decades of training junior developers and business owners in the nuances of Full-Stack development and Digital Marketing.
My career in IT Education and Leadership is not a separate chapter from my work as a developer; it is the thread that holds it all together. Every line of code I write is informed by the logic I taught in the classroom, and every marketing strategy I deploy is built on the communication skills I honed as a mentor. I remain dedicated to the idea that the highest form of technical proficiency is the ability to teach it to others.