Medelyn Bornalis Ison holds the esteemed dual credentials of Certified Human Resource Associate (CHRA®) and Certified Human Resource Professional (CHRP®), designations that signify her comprehensive expertise across all levels of human resource management. In her capacity as HR Manager for Compass Experience Labs Philippines Inc., she applies CHRA® and CHRP®-aligned standards to lead end-to-end HR operations with a strong focus on compliance, culture, and strategic people leadership.
How Did You Discover CHRP Philippines
“I first came across the Certified Human Resource Professional (CHRP) program while browsing my Facebook account, and I remember feeling a mix of curiosity and excitement to learn more about the HR field. At first, I didn’t fully believe it because there are many phishing pages about HR online, and I thought this might be the same. However, after doing some research, I realized, “Ah, this is really LEGIT!” I even shared it with colleagues who were also interested. To be honest, there was something about the program that immediately resonated with me — the idea of formally growing my knowledge and being recognized as a professional in a field I was learning to love, though sometimes with a love-and-hate relationship. In that moment, I felt a spark of possibility, as if this path could challenge me beyond what I thought I could do, sharpen my skills, and allow me to truly take ownership of my growth as an HR professional.”
What Made You Decide to Pursue CHRP Certification
“I decided to pursue CHRP certification because I believed it would not only enhance my knowledge of HR practices but also help me grow as a professional and refine the skills I use every day. At that time, I was fully determined to deepen my understanding of human resources, hone my abilities, and challenge myself to reach a higher level of competence — all of which have shaped who I am as an HR professional today.”
Did a Mentor, Colleague, or Experience Push You Toward Getting Certified
“While no single mentor or colleague pushed me directly, I was inspired by observing HR leaders and professionals I admired, many of whom held certifications and advanced expertise showcased on the official CHRP website. Seeing them achieve this milestone fueled my own aspiration to follow a similar path — I told myself, “I will be there someday! Hindi naman masamang mangarap.” These individuals became examples that motivated me to take full ownership of my career development and pursue the certification as a personal goal, driven by my commitment to growth, learning, and excellence in HR.”
Was There a Specific Career Goal You Were Aiming For at the Time
“At that time, my career goal was to strengthen my HR foundation and position myself for more strategic roles within the organization. I wanted to contribute not just operationally, but also strategically — creating meaningful impact in people management, workplace culture, and organizational development. Pursuing CHRP certification was a deliberate step toward achieving that vision and equipping myself with the skills and credibility needed to grow further.”
How CHRP-Certified Changed or Improved Your Career in HR
“Being CHRP-certified has had a transformative impact on my career in HR. It not only validated the knowledge and skills I had developed through experience but also gave me a structured framework to approach HR challenges more strategically. The certification helped me elevate my perspective from operational HR tasks to thinking more strategically about people management, workplace culture, and organizational development.”
Opportunities That Opened Up After Your Certification
“Yes, the CHRP certification opened doors to more significant responsibilities and opportunities within my organization. It allowed me to take on projects that involve strategic HR planning, talent development, and employee engagement initiatives. Beyond my organization, it also increased my credibility in professional networks, making it easier to connect with other HR leaders and experts in the field.”
Impact on Confidence, Knowledge, or Credibility in the Workplace
“CHRP certification has greatly boosted my confidence in my HR knowledge and decision-making. Knowing that I have met rigorous standards of competence gives me assurance when handling complex HR issues or advising leadership on policies and strategies. It also enhanced my credibility with colleagues, employees, and management, reinforcing that my recommendations and actions are backed by recognized expertise.”
How the CHRP Community or Network Supported Your Professional Development
“Being part of the CHRP community has been invaluable for my professional growth. Engaging with fellow certified HR professionals, sharing experiences, and learning from their challenges and successes has expanded my perspective and helped me stay updated on best practices and trends. The network has provided mentorship, collaboration opportunities, and a sense of belonging in a community that shares the same commitment to HR excellence.”