From Passion to Profession of Ligaya G. Buenaventura, CHRP®

Ligaya G. Buenaventura, CHRP® is a distinguished local government executive and human resources leader with a proven record in public sector HR management and governance. As City Administrator and City HRMO of the City Government of Lamitan, Basilan, she oversees city operations while spearheading HR transformation—integrating people strategy with broader administrative functions.

She was a key architect of Lamitan’s City Citizens’ Charter, strengthening ARTA compliance and elevating frontline service delivery. Under her leadership, the city achieved the PRIME-HRM Bronze Award at the national level—the first in the BARMM region—and secured seven SGLG awards, underscoring her ability to translate HR reforms into measurable institutional excellence and community impact.

Certification (CHRP®)

How did you first come across the CHRP® program in the Philippines?

“I first learned about CHRP® through CSC-aligned initiatives and professional networks. As Lamitan pursued PRIME-HRM, I realized that leading effectively also meant strengthening myself professionally.”

What made you decide to pursue CHRP® certification?

“For me, it wasn’t about adding letters to my name. It was about credibility, accountability, and proving that government HR can be as professional as any other. I wanted to set the example that continuous learning and certification matter.”

How has being CHRP-certified changed your HR career?

“It gave me confidence to make decisions anchored on standards and best practices. It opened opportunities, expanded my responsibilities, and strengthened my credibility. Stakeholders trusted our HR office more, which positioned me to lead transformation more boldly.”

What impact did CHRP® have on your confidence, knowledge, or credibility?

“It validated my experience and introduced new frameworks I could apply right away—from policy design to sensitive case handling. I gained the assurance that my decisions rest on sound HR principles, not just intuition.”

Would you recommend CHRP® to other HR practitioners? Why?

“Absolutely. Not just for the credential, but for the perspective, discipline, and credibility it brings. In government, where HR is often seen as administrative, CHRP® elevates the profession—it’s about building people, strengthening institutions, and serving the public better.”

Your message about HR and your CHRP® journey:

“HR is about people. When we invest in people, we build stronger institutions—and stronger institutions create better communities. That’s the legacy I want to leave.”