LPU Davao Featured Employee of the Month: Ms. Frenchmel Cadayona
As everyone always says, “experience is the best teacher” but for me “evaluated experiences are”.
— Pring Cadayona.
Ms. Frenchmel Velasquez – Cadayona ” Pring” was born on February 27, 1992 and was raised in a small town in Panabo City, Davao del Norte. She was the second among the three children of Mrs. Florence T. Velasquez and Mr. Melchor J. Velasquez (+). Her older sister, Rachelle is currently managing her newly opened business the “Nonex Minimart”. Her younger brother, Meljun who graduated recently with flying colors, is currently in another foreign country pursuing his dreams.
Growing up in a big family is always the main inspiration of Ms. Pring to really pursue all her wishes and turning all her dreams into reality. She is the type of person who always wanted her family to be intact, and experience the family outings, praise and worships, holidays and “laags” to be as memorable as it can be. Her primary and secondary education is always at the peak through graduating with honors and receiving awards most particularly with leadership. She was an active member of the student’s organization and was a consistent class president during her elementary days and an SK councilor during here high school days.
College life was not easy by then, for Ms. Pring needs to travel every day vice-versa from Panabo City going to Davao City. It was not an easy task, given the risks and challenges of not being on time at school. She needs to step up and do her best in order to maintain her scholarship in college. During her fourth year, despite not maintaining her Dean’s lister achievement for consecutive years, Ms. Pring received an “Academic Achiever Award” for being top of her class and for showing dedication on her studies.
After graduating to college with a degree program of BSIT, she was recommended by her Dean to share her knowledge to the future students of their institution. She discerns that this will be a great challenge for her because this will be her first time to teach and she lacks experience in educating students. It was year 2012 when she began teaching computer subjects to different programs, and slowly loving the idea of being in school at all time and share her expertise to inquisitive students who are fascinated with computers. It was also during this year were going digital is slowly being the new norm in the Philippines. May of 2013, when she made one of the best decisions in her life of serving the public through working in a government. She works as a staff in the “Promotions Unit” of Davao City Tourism Operations Office (DCTOO) and after several months of working hard, she was then appointed as the Promotions Unit Head and began handling big city events and even assisted VIP’s and local government officials. “The most memorable and challenging period of being in the tourism industry was when I am the only employee in my office who passed the assessment for being a Liaison Officer that will serve foreign dignitaries, and Prime Ministers in ASEAN’50, year 2017 that was held in the Philippines.” According to Ms. Pring being in the government industry particularly in the tourism is her impulse in serving the people.
“5 years in the tourism sector, understanding cultural-based tourism, knowing the diverse culture of Davao Region, handling and organizing city events like Kadayawan, making new connections and building rapport through joining different city organization and events is what made me who I am today in my career. I am always thankful for all of those experiences because It framed be to be the best version of myself.”
Fast forward, year 2018 when shot got on boarded to LPU Davao.
“I’m currently in my 4th year here in LPU Davao, I got married here to the love of my life, Mr. Dominic Junos Cadayona and looking forward to also have children while still working in this institution. Looking back to how it all started makes me realized that I am blessed with the family I have right now in this foundation. The kind of organization that will support you when things go wrong, and the right kind of colleagues which I consider families that will help you grow and learn from the previous mistakes, misunderstanding and challenges that strengthen your connection. And lastly, the kind of leadership that will encourage you for endless opportunities and possibilities in nurturing your career.” “I am truly thankful and blessed to be part of this growing institution and I cannot wait to share all these wonderful experiences to all my future children”
“To all our Trailblazer batch of LPU Davao, congratulations in advance for your graduation in 2023, praying for a successful career ahead. To all our students, Lyceans! Daghang Salamat for choosing LPU Davao — a school that I always pray to be blessed by the Lord Almighty so it can last for generations to come and can continue serving all the future students here in Mindanao.
Lastly, always remember that at the end of the day all we need is optimism and strength. Trusting that it will eventually be better and strength to hold on till it ensures.
Students… PS: kindly also ponder to my favorite quote: “IT IS BETTER NOT TO EXPECT BUT TO HOPE, FOR IN EXPECTING WE MEET DISAPPOINTMENTS, WHEREAS IN HOPING WE INVITE SURPRISES AND MIRACLES.”