For Mark Anthony Galono, becoming a Certified Human Resource Professional (CHRP) didn’t just enhance his resume—it changed his entire direction.
Before certification, Mark was working as an HR Generalist in a construction firm. He managed recruitment, employee relations, and disciplinary procedures—but he felt something was missing.
“I had practical experience, but I knew I needed deeper structure and credibility, especially if I wanted to grow into a strategic role,” Mark told Financial Adviser PH.
He discovered the CHRP program through the Philippine HR Group on Facebook, where he often engaged with posts from respected HR professionals. What drew him in wasn’t just the title—it was the way those professionals led with clarity, empathy, and credibility.
“Watching how they spoke and handled workplace issues made me think—‘That’s the kind of HR leader I want to become.’”
Encouraged by mentors and his own desire to grow, Mark pursued CHRP as a personal investment. And it quickly changed how he approached his work.
“It gave me the confidence to speak up in meetings, propose balanced solutions, and be seen as a strategic partner, not just an admin,” he said.
The biggest shift came when he was offered a teaching role to handle Organization and Management at the Makati Science Technological Institute of the Philippines, starting in August 2024.
“I never imagined I’d end up teaching,” he said. “But after CHRP, the opportunity just made sense. It felt like a natural extension of what I’d learned.”
Now, as an HR Officer, Mark consults with leadership, references labor laws with confidence, and applies best practices to both employee welfare and company strategy.
“CHRP taught me how to handle issues with empathy and structure. It helped me move from gut-feel decisions to grounded, professional judgment,” he said.
The certification also transformed how others viewed him.
“There’s a different level of respect now—not just from managers, but from employees too. They know I’m here to support them, but also to uphold standards,” he shared.
For Mark, the message is clear: “One certification can do more than validate your skills—it can change how you lead, how you’re seen, and where your career can go.”
