Tags: Joji Ilagan Bian Lifestyle Blog Lifestyle Blogger Lifestyle Blogger in Manila Philippines Meg Hernandez Meghann Hernandez Metro Mom Mommy blogger Mommy blogger in Manila Philippines motherhood
Wife, mother, entrepreneur, educator — just few of the many titles that define Joji Ilagan Bian. Not to forget, she is also the newly-inaugurated Honorary Consul for Bangladesh in Davao City. Next to her many achievements in the academe and at home, what’s also remarkable is her ability to inspire positive and motivate the youth.
“I think what impressed the Ambassador to offer me a post is my track record in education and business, as well as my advocacy and strong commitment to support micro entrepreneurs and women empowerment,” Joji shares.
With Ambassador Asad Alam Siam. Photo courtesy of Joji Ilagan – Bian.
“When people ask me what inspires me, I tell them that I am inspired by my own story. I’ve experienced social, political and economic changes in my country that have had a formative effect on my development as a Filipino citizen, educator and entrepreneur.”
Woman in academe
“My journey as an educator began at a time when no one believed that a technical-vocational school would flourish or be a good business for that matter. I took the risk. My vision was to establish a technical vocational school whose main goal would be to train young people who could not afford a college education to get a career and be financially independent as soon as possible.”
With the Faculty Staff of Joji Ilagan International Schools, together also with Dr. David Baker, a Hospitality Educator. Photo courtesy of Joji Ilagan – Bian.
“Innovation in the 80s was not really the buzzword that it is today. Davao City, located in the southern part of the Philippines, was just coming out of a very difficult economic and political situation and this created a favorable space for small struggling businesses to grow. There was this prevailing perception at that time that those who enroll at technical vocational schools were those who do not have the mental ability needed to survive in higher education or were too poor to go to college. For some, technical-vocational was akin to being thrown into a life of manual labor. I thought otherwise. I wanted to raise the level of dignity and respect for technical-vocational graduates because there was a lack of skilled human resources necessary to support the growing business community. That was the start of the road I chose to travel, and since then, I never looked back.”
“That was it. Once the dream came to life, there was no stopping it from growing and thriving. What started with one small classroom in an old beat up building, became six government accredited international schools that offer senior high school education to tertiary level degrees, diploma courses, and national competency level skills certificates. Three decades later these became the Joji Ilagan International schools network composed of five (5) international schools. I was the first one to bring to Davao a true international school with global partners and offering transnational education; thus providing opportunities for young Dabawenyos to get excellent education right in our hometown.”
With the Tourism Students of Joji Ilagan College of Business and Tourism. Photo courtesy of Joji Ilagan – Bian
“In spite of the growth in the network I have remained true to my original dream: keeping the schools small, exclusive, and learner-centered so that we can focus on giving our students the values they need to be successful. The combination of skills, personality, and values has become attributes our graduates are known for and they are sought after in the industry even before they graduate. This recognition spurs me further because it validates that my brand of education and training is changing lives in a positive way. Looking back at the road I have traveled, I realize that this is what keeps me going. I find it immensely fulfilling to be part of the lives of our students, to be able to play a role in the realization of their full potential.”
A leader with a heart
While Joji’s name is synonymous to success and leadership, she also reminds us that there is grace and value in learning from your own failures.
“When I look back at my own failures, I also examine what I have accomplished so far. These have helped me define my direction in earning a decent and honest living while being passionate about issues on social justice, corporate governance, community development and poverty alleviation at the same time. I often assure myself that if I have surpassed the challenges which confronted me in the past, I would still persevere to travel in the same path in the present. Indeed, hindsight is the perfect vision.”
Family Photo (Left to Right). Eldest Daughter Dyan and son-in-law Mike, Grandchildren Koji and Summer, Youngest Daughter Nicole who’s CEO of all JIB schools, husband George, son Mike and daughter in law Careen, grandchildren Xandy and Carrie. Photo courtesy of Joji Ilagan – Bian.
“I want to be remembered as a leader who listens with an open heart and is capable of empathizing. I want to be remembered as the woman who has touched many lives, especially that of the youth, and helped transform her community for the better. I would feel fulfilled as a leader who has influenced the lives of people with the nugget of wisdom that I have imparted to them.
“I believe that what distinguishes me as a leader and as a consummate businesswoman is my sincerity. My guiding principle in life is to do what is right. Only then can I be a blessing to others and truly enjoy my God’s blessings in return. My integrity is non-negotiable.”
Dream BIG
The modern times is the most challenging era for the academe, as Joji says, because of globalization and the rise of the use of social media. Classrooms have become the gateway to the world.
Looking at the future, Joji shares a message to future educators and the youth.
With her team in one of the JIB schools. Photo courtesy of Joji Ilagan – Bian.
“The traditional board- and lecture mode of delivery is no longer relevant and effective. Knowledge is now available in the fingertips of our students and everything at real time. The academe must rise above all of this and be able to be very creative and innovative in their academic methodologies.”
“In all the years that I have been leading people, I have learned that if you want to succeed in something, it’s all or nothing. There were no half-measures for me. That has been the basis for whatever success I have reached. Think in terms of what is possible. I always get people to work for me knowing that nothing is impossible. There is always a way of doing things if you believe in it. So for me, there is never a NO. In business, even if it looks impossible at first glance, I know it can always be done. It is only a matter of finding ways overcoming obstacles by remaining focused and believing you are on the right track. That is why I do not like people who say ‘That’s not possible.’ If you have not started, if you have not even moved a muscle, how can you say it’s not possible?”
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Story published on my Metro Mom column in Edge Davao newspaper.
