A woman’s lesson plan
FEW people in the business community can claim to have done much for Filipino teachers in the same way that PLDT-Smart’s Chaye Cabal-Revilla had. Besides, it is no ordinary feat to stand tall and serve as the backbone of an advocacy that honors and empowers them.
Now on its 11th year is GabayGuro, the company’s education advocacy and flagship program that Cabal-Revilla heads with utmost pride and passion. Naturally she has become its face and voice, offering a welcoming smile to everyone jumping in to contribute to the cause, and has a lot to share herself about teachers being heroes.
GabayGuro Chairman Chaye Cabal-Revillla shares her big heart for the empowerment of Filipino teachers
“My grandmother was a teacher in Leyte, where I am from. I grew up sitting in at her classes,” said the family woman who has been working for PLDT-Smart for nearly two decades now.
For something she is doing practically “on the side,” as she has a full-time job, the continued success of GabayGuro is a testament to Cabal-Revilla’s clear vision and unflinching devotion to give back to the so-called second parents of the Filipino youth.
A special teachers’ tribute event, dubbed “Grand Gathering,” recently took place at the Mall of Asia Arena, highlighted by performances from big stars like Sharon Cuneta and ex-husband Gabby Concepcion, power couple OgieAlcasid and Regine Velasquez, and concert king Martin Nievera. The occasion — exclusive and free for teachers — also raffled off prizes — smartphones and other gadgets, home appliances, livelihood packages, vehicles, and a brand new house and lot — to them.
Partly because of her advocacy work, Cabal-Revilla recently received the Woman Super-Achiever award at the 5th World Women Leadership Congress in Mumbai, India. Five years ago, she was recognized as one of the country’s The Outstanding Young Men awardees.
Always wanting to share the credit with her team, she said: “We do GabayGuro for the love of the teachers. We are volunteering from the bottom of our hearts and we all have the same passion and drive to elevate education in our country.”
“The annual gathering is our big ‘Thank You’ to all our beloved teachers [who dedicated]their lives to the invaluable role of educating our children,” she added.
Since it was established in 2007, GabayGuro has banked on seven pillars or areas where it can directly help: scholarships, trainings, livelihood programs, broadbanding and computerization, innovations, and tribute. So far, it has donated more than 40 classrooms throughout the country and provided scholarship grants through its 47 partner-schools. Over 500 of these scholars have passed the licensure examination for teachers.
Through the years, regular training programs conducted by GabayGuro have benefited around 40,000 educators.
The training includes personality development, English proficiency, leadership, creativity, and emotional intelligence.
Herself cherishing fond memories of her teachers when she was still studying in Cebu, Cabal-Revilla argued in reference to the strong footing of the advocacy so linked to her name, “You can’t say no to a good cause such as this. Teachers are our partners in nation-building through education. We look forward to continuing our mission.”
Interestingly, this corporate leader, who was accelerated to third grade, met her future husband Strike through a GabayGuro activity in 2009, when he was mayor of Bacoor, Cavite. They now have two children, Rob and Chayesli.
Her titles at work quickly reflect she’s a no-nonsense type: PLDT’s senior vice president and group controller and Smart Communication’s chief financial officer. Three years ago, she was recognized as the only female and Filipino CFO of the Year by a CFO Innovations firm in Singapore.
“As an executive, my job is to bring out the best in people. I have to be open and approachable [in order]to encourage my people to contribute enough to attaining a certain goal,” Cabal-Revilla said.
GabayGuro has been recognized by prestigious bodies like Gawad Tanglaw, Anvil Awards, Philippine Quill Awards, and the Philippine Association of National Advertisers Awards. The organization is also spearheading “Teacherfest” celebrations, such as those held in Bataan and Bulacan provinces and Butuan City. Ilocos and Cebu provinces and Davao City are next in line.
Looks like more gatherings of and for teachers await GabayGuro and the woman behind its success story.
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