RODEL BUENA DOCOT

I am a Registered Civil Engineer, ASEAN Engineer, APEC Engineer, Specialist for Project Management and Construction Engineering (PMCE), and Registered Master Plumber.

In Philippines: I began my career as civil engineer as a project-in-charge for finishing in Abreeza Mall, Ayala Center in Davao City. Then as a project-in-charge for structural in "The Avenue Residences" condominium project at Quezon City. I worked for General Color Development Inc., from May 2010 to May 2011 then at Cedar Konstruk Designer & Builders Inc. from May 2011 to May 2015.

In the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia:My first job was as project cost engineer in project management and construction. This was in 2015. Since then, I've been working as Project Cost Engineer and concurrent Quality Control Engineer under the Engineering Division of the Technical Support Department in King Fahd Military Medical Complex (KFMMC) in Dharhan.

The King Fahd Military Medical Hospital, KFMMC is one of the most magnificent medical institutions in the eastern province of Saudi Arabia. It is a government hospital accredited in JCI, CBAHI, HIMMS and CAP with almost 500 beds capacity that caters all government employees.

I consider construction of hospital buildings and its facilities as his significant achievement because it is very different compared to building construction and residential projects which I am familiar of, not to mention the appurtenances, specifications and all the requirements.

Family and education: I am now 37 years old. Born to a farming couple in Bato town in Camarines Sur, I have seven siblings. Four of them are Regor, a businessman; Regie, an electrical engineer; Chistine, a municipal agriculturist engineer; and, Ronnie, a mechanical engineer, they enjoy their chosen profession. My other three siblings Joy-Ann, Leslie Mae and Rommel are still in school.

I had graduated from Cristo Rey Elementary School in 1999 and finished his secondary education at The Sisters of Mary School Boystown in 2004. I had obtained a degree in Civil Engineering from Camarines Sur Polytechnic College in 2009.

In 2016, I married to Ma. Tinaedith P. Cabanos, a staff nurse. We have one child, Von Hendrick Isaiah who was born in October 2020.

Lessons learned: I am a dynamic leader with more than ten years of experience guiding and motivating cross-functional teams in civil, structural, architectural design specific areas.

I am a highly creative individual with strong technical expertise and with proven track record of identifying and implementing process improvements to delivered committed projects within the timeframe. Thus, three year of challenging works as an overall engineer-in-charge for construction (from civil to finishing works) plus seven years of intense and exciting experience in structural design and construction.

Earning for a living together with the career achievement is actually two difficult activities to be doing at the same time. While supporting my family financial needs I aim to continue studying through undergraduate studies but unluckily these does not work out. But for me it is not the end with another opportunity comes I instantly grab it like registering in ASEAN and APEC registry.

To his fellow migrants, these are his lines of advice: Value your hard earned money. Spend it wisely and keep some of it then start business as soon as possible so that you will not spend the rest of your life working away from your family.

What makes me stay is the financial stability that I can get to finance my property like housing loan and other expenses. Here in abroad, I fulfil my dreams and live a comfortable life and travel with my family sometimes and enjoy.

Success: For me, doing a voluntary service to my fellow OFWs without asking in return is a fulfillment and success that I can consider.

I was elected four times as a Board of Director in Philippine Institute of Civil Engineers-Eastern Province, Saudi Arabia. He was named Chairman of Membership in 2023, Chairman of Publication and Information in 2020 & 2021, Honors and Awards in 2018.

I holds membership in ASEAN Federation of Engineering Organization (AFEO), Federation of Professional and Expatriates-Association of Chiefs of Police of the Philippines (FPEX-ACCPI), Philippine Institute of Quantity Surveyor (PICQS) and National Master Plumber Association of the PHILIPPINE, Saudi Arabia (NAMPAP-SA).

I have learned that champions aren't just born; champions can be made when they embrace and commit to life-changing positive habits. According to Lewis Howes, it is the positive habits that make me and everyone a champion in their own endeavor.