After 17 years working abroad in various HR roles across multinational companies, Arnold Dela Cruz, a seasoned HR practitioner, returned to the Philippines with a goal—to align his international experience with local standards and contribute meaningfully to the country’s HR landscape. The turning point? Becoming a Certified Human Resource Professional (CHRP).
“Becoming CHRP-certified significantly enhanced my professional credibility and reinforced my role as a strategic HR leader,” Arnold told Financial Adviser PH. “It served as formal recognition of the skills and knowledge I had developed over 17 years of international HR experience.”
Arnold’s background spans industries such as oil, gas, and construction, where he took on various roles including Training Coordinator, HR Data Analyst, and HR Business Partner. His decision to pursue CHRP was a strategic move to bridge his global exposure with Philippine HR practices and raise his influence within the industry.
“The certification not only validated my expertise in the Philippine context but also strengthened my ability to influence HR practices at a national level,” he added.
The impact of CHRP certification on Arnold’s career was immediate and far-reaching. It opened doors to new leadership opportunities, enhanced his public speaking engagements, and expanded his reach within the HR community.
“The CHRP certification opened doors for greater leadership responsibilities and allowed me to engage more meaningfully in the local HR community. It positioned me as a credible HR resource person and speaker,” Arnold said. “I’ve since been invited to collaborate on HR programs, lead regional initiatives, and mentor up-and-coming professionals.”
Beyond the external recognition, CHRP also deepened Arnold’s knowledge and boosted his confidence to lead transformational change within organizations.
“CHRP gave me a strong boost in all three areas—confidence, knowledge, and credibility,” he explained. “It deepened my understanding of current best practices in HR aligned with local labor laws and workplace realities, which complemented my international experience.”
As HR continues to evolve with digital transformation, hybrid work, and mental health taking center stage, Arnold believes that certifications like CHRP provide a structured foundation for navigating complex challenges. It gave him the strategic mindset and practical tools to manage daily HR operations with precision and people-first leadership.
“It sharpened my understanding of Philippine labor laws, ethical HR practices, and competency-based frameworks—essential when making high-impact decisions, designing policies, and leading HR transformation initiatives,” Arnold shared.
He regularly applies CHRP principles to his work in talent development, organizational design, and employee relations. Whether advising executives or mentoring young professionals, he draws on the CHRP framework to guide his decisions and uphold ethical standards in people management.
“The certification instilled a more strategic and systems-thinking mindset, which I apply when advising leadership, conducting workforce analysis, and facilitating change initiatives,” he said.
Arnold also credits the CHRP community as an ongoing source of collaboration, inspiration, and learning.
“Being part of a network of certified professionals gave me access to shared resources, updated HR trends, and thought leadership in the industry,” he said. “It also fostered a sense of camaraderie and continuous learning, as we challenge and inspire each other to elevate the standards of the HR profession.”
Looking back, Arnold sees CHRP not just as a certification, but a catalyst that helped him align purpose with leadership.
“CHRP was aligned with my goal of becoming a credible voice in HR development,” he reflected. “It helped me lead with more impact—not just within my organization, but across the profession.”
His advice to other HR practitioners? “I highly recommend the CHRP certification to any HR professional who wants to elevate their practice and be recognized as a competent, ethical, and strategic leader. It equips you with the tools and perspective needed to make a lasting impact.”
