Cassandra Sta. Maria-Camonggol, CHRP®, is a versatile human resources and administration professional with a career spanning the non-profit, corporate, and public service sectors. Her certification as a Certified Human Resource Professional (CHRP®) underscores her comprehensive expertise in all facets of HR, which she has adeptly applied in roles such as Human Resources Business Partner and Administration Manager.
In these capacities, she has specialized in organizational development, designing rulebooks and learning materials, and managing the end-to-end employee life cycle, demonstrating a strong ability to align HR functions with strategic business goals.
Her professional journey showcases a unique blend of HR mastery and operational leadership. Currently serving as a Foreign Tourism Officer for the Department of Tourism, she performs administrative and marketing functions, highlighting her adaptability and skill in stakeholder management.
This role, combined with her prior experience managing the core operations for a non-profit foundation—where she oversaw HR, finance, logistics, and capacity-building programs—demonstrates her capacity to drive efficiency and development in diverse and cross-cultural environments.
Certification: CHRP® Experience
How did you first come across the Certified Human Resource Professional (CHRP®) program in the Philippines?
“I first came across the Certified Human Resource Professional (CHRP®) program in the Philippines while searching online for certifications that could help me transition into the corporate side of HR. Coming from a non-profit HR background, I realized that my experience, while meaningful, wasn’t as competitive in terms of structured systems and processes.
I wanted a credential that would strengthen my technical knowledge and give me a solid foundation in corporate HR practices — that’s when I discovered the CHRP® program.”
What made you decide to pursue CHRP® certification?
“After reaching the final interview for an HR Manager role at a solar company in Makati, I realized that my non-profit HR background wasn’t enough to break into the corporate setting. That experience made me see that aside from experience, I also needed solid credentials — which led me to pursue the CHRP® certification.”
How CHRP® Helped Your Career
How has being CHRP-certified changed or improved your career in HR?
“Earning my CHRP® opened new doors for me — it helped me land a role as an HR Manager in a cybersecurity company in Makati.”
How the Certification Helped Your Career
In what specific ways has the CHRP® certification helped you in your role?
“It made me more confident in my deliverables — I feel that I’m not just practicing HR, but doing so with the credibility of being certified and having gone through formal training.”
Did it make a difference in your approach to strategic HR work or daily HR operations?
“Yes, it really changed my perspective — I no longer rely on feelings alone when making decisions. I’ve learned to approach situations more rationally and objectively, which is a big shift from my background in my previous environment.”
How do you apply the CHRP® principles or knowledge in your current job?
“I apply CHRP® principles by being more objective when handling issues and concerns, especially with employees. It’s helped me communicate directly and confidently, without the fear of misrepresenting myself.”
Would you recommend the CHRP certification to other HR practitioners? Why?
“Yes, I would definitely recommend the CHRP certification. Based on my own journey navigating different industries, earning my CHRP has helped me a lot in advancing my HR career and opening new opportunities.”