From Passion to Profession of Maridel Rachel Comaya, CHRP

Maridel Rachel Comaya, CHRP, is a seasoned human resources leader whose career is defined by strategic growth, multidisciplinary expertise, and a steadfast commitment to organizational success. Anchored by her Certified Human Resource Professional (CHRP) designation, she has consistently demonstrated mastery of HR principles and ethical practices while expanding her influence across multiple operational areas.

Since 2017, she has served as Human Resources and Admin Manager, overseeing a broad scope of functions that include Human Resources, Administration, Facility and Safety, Environmental, IT, and Purchasing. Her leadership journey further broadened when she assumed the role of Customer Relations Manager, showcasing her versatility and ability to add strategic value beyond traditional HR boundaries.

Her professional trajectory reflects not only her leadership but also her adaptability to emerging governance and compliance needs. In 2022, she was appointed as Data Privacy Officer, and in 2024, she took on the responsibility of Energy Manager, highlighting her proficiency in managing organizational efficiency and compliance.

Committed to lifelong learning, she is currently pursuing a Human Resource Management course at the University of Asia and the Pacific in 2025. Her expertise has also been recognized externally, as evidenced by her invitation to serve as Guest Speaker at the Colegio de San Juan de Letran’s commencement exercises, affirming her influence as a thought leader in the field.

Discovering CHRP Philippines

“As an HR professional, I constantly look for opportunities to enhance my knowledge and skills. I have been actively searching for various training programs that would strengthen my competencies in areas such as organizational development, talent management, labor relations, and leadership. I also make it a point to stay updated through conventions and professional gatherings, where I have learned about new training initiatives and emerging trends in the HR field.

Continuous learning is essential in HR, especially since our role is evolving beyond administrative tasks into a more strategic partnership with the business. By attending specialized training, I can gain deeper insights into best practices, sharpen my ability to design impactful people programs, and stay ahead of workforce trends such as digital transformation, employee experience, and diversity and inclusion.

More importantly, investing in professional development allows me to bring back valuable knowledge to the organization, ensuring that HR strategies remain relevant, competitive, and aligned with business goals.”

Deciding to Pursue CHRP Certification

“The decision to pursue the Certified Human Resource Professional (CHRP) certification came to me during a moment of reflection about my team. As I reviewed the credentials of my staff, some being licensed Psychometricians, Engineers, and Nurses, I realized that I was surrounded by highly qualified and accomplished professionals.

It made me appreciate the strength of the team I was leading, but it also challenged me to think about how I could further strengthen my own professional profile. That moment inspired me to invest in myself and build credentials that would not only validate my HR expertise but also elevate my credibility as a leader.

Choosing the CHRP certification was a deliberate step because it is recognized as a standard of excellence in the HR profession.

It represents both competence and commitment to continuous development, which I believe are essential qualities for an HR leader. For me, obtaining CHRP is not just about earning a title, it is about demonstrating to my team and the organization that I am equally committed to growth, professionalism, and the pursuit of excellence.

Just as my staff brings their own specialized knowledge into our workplace, I wanted to bring in a stronger foundation of HR expertise that would help me lead effectively, influence strategically, and contribute meaningfully to organizational success.”

How CHRP Helped Her Career

“Earning the certification has made me more confident in my chosen field. It gave me not only the technical knowledge but also the credibility to provide guidance and support to others. What I find most fulfilling is being consulted by fellow HR managers from different industries, as it affirms the value of my expertise and the trust placed in me as a professional resource.”

“Yes, after earning my certification, I received offers from different companies, both within the same industry and from offshore organizations. This experience reinforced the value of professional development, as it showed me how the CHRP designation not only builds competence and credibility but also enhances career opportunities. Being recognized by various employers affirmed that the certification is a strong benchmark of HR excellence and opened doors that may not have been available otherwise.”

How the Certification Helped Her Role

“The CHRP Certification has opened a wide range of opportunities for me, both in terms of learning and career advancement. It has given me access to valuable knowledge, tools, and best practices that enhanced my effectiveness as an HR professional. More importantly, it has strengthened my credibility and confidence in contributing to organizational strategies, people development, and workplace culture. One of the key reasons I decided to pursue CHRP, and actively participate in HR forums and conventions, was my commitment to continuous growth.

The certification and the professional networks I have built along the way exposed me to emerging trends, innovative practices, and diverse perspectives from other HR leaders. These experiences opened my eyes to the importance of continuous improvement and lifelong learning in order to remain effective in a rapidly evolving workplace.

As an HR Manager, I recognize that our role extends beyond administrative tasks, we are partners in shaping the future of the organization.

The CHRP journey has inspired me to stay updated, adaptable, and proactive in developing not only myself but also the people and teams I lead. For me, it is both a professional milestone and a reminder that growth is an ongoing process.”

“Yes, I would definitely recommend the CHRP certification to other HR practitioners. The program not only enhances technical knowledge of HR functions but also strengthens the strategic mindset needed to align people initiatives with business goals. It provides a strong foundation in areas such as organizational development, labor relations, talent management, and employee engagement, which are all essential in today’s dynamic workplace.

What makes CHRP particularly valuable is that it builds both credibility and confidence. It demonstrates a commitment to continuous learning and professional excellence, qualities that are increasingly important as HR evolves into a more strategic leadership role. For me, it also created opportunities to expand my professional network, gain exposure to best practices, and stay updated on emerging trends.

In short, I would recommend CHRP because it is not just a credential, but a career investment. It equips HR professionals to be more effective in their roles, opens doors for career growth, and empowers them to make a greater impact in their organizations.”