Joash A. De La Cruz, CHRP®, is a seasoned human resource leader with over seven years of senior-level experience driving enterprise-wide people strategies across compensation and benefits, talent acquisition, employee relations, and leadership development. Currently serving as HR Services Director at Catanduanes Doctors Hospital, Inc., he has been instrumental in formulating and implementing key organizational frameworks, including the hospital’s Salary Standardization plan, Organizational Structure, Employee Handbook, and Performance Management System.
Certification
First Encounter with the CHRP Program in the Philippines
“I first learned about the Certified Human Resource Professional (CHRP) program during my college days when my professor, Ma’am Jonah Dee T. Tugano, encouraged me to pursue this certification. She emphasized how it would strengthen my knowledge, credibility, and ability to make a meaningful impact as an HR professional. Her guidance at an early stage inspired me to take deliberate steps toward professional growth and excellence in the field of Human Resources.”
Decision to Pursue CHRP Certification
“I decided to pursue the CHRP certification because I wanted to formalize and strengthen my expertise in Human Resources. While I had already developed practical experience and a deep passion for HR, I recognized that certification would enhance my professional credibility, provide structured knowledge, and equip me with the tools to contribute more strategically to organizations.
It was also a commitment to lifelong learning and excellence, aligning my skills and insights with recognized standards in the HR profession, so I could better serve both employees and the organizations I support.”
Influence of Mentors, Colleagues, or Experience
“No, I pursued the CHRP certification on my own initiative. It was a personal decision driven by my commitment to professional growth and excellence in Human Resources. I recognized early on that formal certification would not only strengthen my knowledge and credibility but also equip me to make a more meaningful and strategic impact within the organizations I serve.”
Career Goal at the Time
“No, there wasn’t a specific career goal I was aiming for at the time. Pursuing the CHRP certification was driven by my desire for professional growth, mastery of the HR field, and to become globally competitive. I wanted to deepen my knowledge, enhance my credibility, and equip myself with the skills to contribute more effectively to both employees and organizations, simply because I valued excellence and continuous learning in Human Resources.”
Career Growth After Becoming CHRP-Certified
“Being CHRP-certified has significantly strengthened my career in Human Resources by enhancing my professional credibility, broadening my knowledge, and enabling me to contribute more strategically to the organizations I serve. The certification provided a structured framework that deepened my understanding of HR best practices, governance, and leadership, allowing me to approach challenges with greater confidence and insight.
It has also opened opportunities to take on more strategic responsibilities, lead initiatives with impact, and mentor others in their HR journeys. Ultimately, CHRP certification has not only validated my expertise but has also empowered me to elevate the role of HR as a key driver of organizational success.”
Opportunities Enabled by the Certification
“Yes, obtaining my CHRP certification opened up numerous opportunities. It granted me access to exclusive training programs from IFPM, which further enhanced my expertise and professional network. Beyond training, the certification also solidified my credibility and readiness, allowing me to assume the role of full-fledged Head of HR, where I could lead initiatives, shape organizational culture, and make a strategic impact.”
Confidence, Knowledge, and Credibility Impact
“The CHRP certification has had a profound impact on my confidence, knowledge, and credibility in the workplace. It strengthened my technical expertise and understanding of HR best practices, giving me the assurance to make strategic decisions and provide sound guidance to both management and employees.
At the same time, it enhanced my professional credibility, allowing me to be recognized as a competent and trusted HR leader. Knowing that I met a nationally and professionally recognized standard of excellence has empowered me to take on greater responsibilities, lead initiatives with authority, and mentor others in their HR journey.”
Community and Network Support
“The CHRP community and network have been invaluable in supporting my professional development. Through exclusive trainings, knowledge-sharing sessions, and connections with fellow HR professionals, I have gained insights, best practices, and perspectives that I wouldn’t have encountered otherwise.
Being part of this network also fosters a sense of belonging and continuous learning, where I can exchange ideas, seek advice, and stay updated on evolving HR trends. The community has not only enriched my knowledge but also reinforced my commitment to excellence, collaboration, and leadership in the field of Human Resources.”
Role-Level Benefits of CHRP
“The CHRP certification has helped me in several concrete ways. It enhanced my knowledge of HR best practices and governance, enabling me to approach complex employee and organizational challenges with confidence. It also strengthened my credibility with management and colleagues, affirming my capability to lead the HR function effectively.
Additionally, the certification opened doors to exclusive trainings and professional development opportunities, which further sharpened my skills. Ultimately, CHRP equipped me to assume strategic responsibilities, oversee HR operations comprehensively, and make meaningful contributions to both employee growth and organizational success.”
Shift in Strategic and Daily HR Approach
“Absolutely. The CHRP certification has significantly influenced both my approach to strategic HR work and my day-to-day operations. Strategically, it has provided me with a stronger framework for decision-making, allowing me to align HR initiatives with organizational goals, develop effective policies, and contribute to leadership discussions with confidence.
On a daily basis, it has enhanced my practical skills in employee relations, performance management, and team development, enabling me to handle challenges more effectively while maintaining fairness and empathy. Overall, CHRP has allowed me to bridge the strategic and operational aspects of HR, ensuring that both people and organizational objectives are supported.”
Applying CHRP Principles in Practice
“I apply CHRP principles and knowledge in multiple ways in my current role. Strategically, I use best practices in governance, performance management, and talent development to align HR initiatives with organizational goals. On a daily basis, these principles guide me in handling employee relations, addressing grievances, conducting performance evaluations, and facilitating training programs.
Beyond the workplace, CHRP has empowered me to share HR knowledge with a wider audience. With the core knowledge gained from the certification, I launched my page, HR Joash, where I create detailed and practical HR content that is easy to understand and apply. This platform allows me to educate, engage, and inspire professionals while reinforcing the practical value of HR principles in everyday work life.”
Recommendation to Other HR Practitioners
“Absolutely, I would highly recommend the CHRP certification to other HR practitioners. In fact, I have already introduced at least one colleague who is now a CHRP holder. Whenever I have speaking engagements with HR students at our university, I consistently encourage them to pursue CHRP certification, emphasizing that it is a crucial step toward becoming globally competitive in the HR field.
The certification not only strengthens knowledge and credibility but also opens doors to professional development opportunities, strategic roles, and a network of HR professionals committed to excellence. For anyone serious about advancing their HR career, CHRP is a valuable and transformative credential.”