The Filipina traits of resilience, perseverance, and excellence shone on the world stage once again as Elisa Maglaque-Arcega bags the EA of the Year Middle East 2019 award at the recently held global Executive PA Awards that took place at the Dolton House Hyde Park in Australia.
In an exclusive interview with The Filipino Times, the Filipina engineer who hails from San Miguel, Calumpit, Bulacan shares her ups and downs as an OFW for 14 years in the UAE and how she managed to juggle herself on being a wife, a mom of three, the incumbent governor of the Institute of Electronics Engineers of the Philippines (IECEP) UAE Chapter, and her role as an Executive Management Coordinator at Abu Dhabi Vocational Education and Training Institute (ADVETI).
Finalist selections
With that much-needed push of confidence from her colleagues, Maglaque-Arcega mustered up the courage to submit requirements and hope for the best. “I had to present my whole professional profile to them with evidences and supporting documents,” said Maglaque-Arcega.
Following a few weeks of rigorous shortlisting, the Bulaceña learned about the good news that she was shortlisted along with two other finalists – one from Oman, and the other, from Turkey.
She shares that what she did was ‘a leap of faith’ especially when she learned about the profiles of her fellow candidates. However, she also shared her thoughts about her winning advantage that she proudly carried with her on stage.
“I think there are three (3) things that set me apart: My working relationship with my management and colleagues; my reliability and flexibility; and my background as a technical person. Being a trained engineer helped me a lot in my current position. I bring along with me logical thinking and problem-solving skills which comes in handy with my line of work,” said Maglaque-Arcega.
Working beyond the call of duty
As she works directly under His Excellency Dr. Abdulrahman Al Hammadi, ADVETI Managing Director, she shares that her work doesn’t end with administrative support, but with the passion and strategic, forward thinking that she brings to the table: “I was entrusted to manage small- and large-scale projects and events. Some of these projects run across the whole UAE. My job doesn’t end with administrative support, it involves a more comprehensive understanding of the company and being able to contribute to the company’s strategic and operational goals.
All things considered, Maglaque-Arcega makes sure that whenever and wherever she works, she brings with her an aura of positivity as she works closely with her colleagues. “No matter the situation may be, I ensure that I am there to at least make each day a bit easier for them and I always assist them with a great amount of enthusiasm and positivity.
Achieving your future, today
Maglaque-Arcega hopes that her fellow OFWs slowly build up the confidence and the mental state to develop skills that will make them soar towards greater heights in their career. “We shouldn’t just work hard and wait for things to eventually happen. If we want to achieve something, then claim it now. I firmly believe that in order to be the person you want to be, you must first believe that you are that person. If you want to be a manager, then be a manager now. Don’t wait for that job title to be given to you. Work, act, think and feel like a manager, no matter what your position may be,” said Maglaque-Arcega.
She also wishes to remind fellow Filipino workers to be mindful of their colleagues and make sure that they treat everyone with kindness: “Be kind and honest. Keep your integrity intact. Don’t be corrupt or corrupted. It is fine to dream big, but not at the expense of another person. Give credit to where it’s due and be grounded.”
As a final note, Maglaque-Arcega stressed on the importance of having faith in yourself, your loved ones, and your God: “It will be your shield and armor in every battle you will face. No matter how strong you may think you are, there will come a time that you will fall on your knees, and the only thing that’s left for you to do is to look up and pray.”
