Eden Manalo Uchayan, CHRP, is a distinguished HR and executive operations leader with over 17 years of multinational experience across contracting, manufacturing, insurance, and real estate industries. Currently based in the United Arab Emirates, she serves as Executive Secretary and HR Talent Search Lead at the Almulla Group of Trading Companies & Establishments, where she seamlessly bridges executive support and strategic HR functions. Her dual role involves providing high-level assistance to the CEO and Chairman while leading talent acquisition, employee engagement, and organizational reporting initiatives.
Eden’s expertise extends beyond traditional HR, encompassing real estate valuation, global procurement coordination, and insurance portfolio management for seven companies under the Almulla Group. She has successfully led projects involving market analysis of commercial properties, KPI dashboard development, and compliance with medical insurance regulations. “True HR leadership requires both strategic vision and operational precision—it’s about connecting people initiatives to business outcomes,” she emphasizes. With a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from the University of Batangas and certifications in SAP One Business and Recruitment Fundamentals, Eden combines technical proficiency with a people-first approach to drive organizational success.
The CHRP Certification: A Career-Defining Achievement
How She Discovered the CHRP Program
Eden first learned about the Certified Human Resource Professional (CHRP) program during her undergraduate studies at the University of Batangas. Observing several professors pursuing the certification planted an early seed of professional aspiration. “Seeing respected academics validate their expertise through CHRP made me realize this was more than just a credential—it represented professional mastery,” she recalls. This early exposure stayed with her throughout her career journey across multiple countries and industries.
Why She Pursued CHRP Certification
The decision to pursue CHRP certification was driven by both professional ambition and practical career considerations. “Beyond being a significant credential in itself, I recognized CHRP as a key qualification for my dream position with a major airline,” Eden explains. The certification represented a strategic investment in her career mobility, offering both immediate credibility and long-term growth potential. More importantly, it aligned with her personal philosophy of continuous professional development and commitment to HR excellence.
How CHRP Transformed Her Professional Trajectory
Earning her CHRP certification created a profound psychological and professional shift in Eden’s career. “There’s an undeniable confidence that comes with formal professional recognition,” she reflects. This validation has empowered her to take on greater challenges and responsibilities with assurance. The certification has served as both a career accelerator and a personal motivator, pushing her to continuously enhance her HR practice.
In practical terms, CHRP certification has opened numerous professional doors while enhancing Eden’s daily HR operations. “The credential has given me greater confidence in talent acquisition strategies and employee relations,” she notes. It has also strengthened her ability to align HR initiatives with executive business objectives—a crucial aspect of her dual leadership role. Most significantly, the certification has reinforced her commitment to ethical, strategic HR practices that create value across all levels of an organization
“CHRP didn’t just change how others see me—it changed how I see myself as an HR professional,” Eden affirms. Today, she leverages this certification to drive impactful people strategies while mentoring emerging HR talent, proving that professional credentials can transform both careers and organizational outcomes.