Finding one’s purpose can be a long and winding journey, but for Robin Panganiban Vergara, it was a journey that led to transformation—not just for himself, but for countless children with special needs. At 34, Robin stands as the Medical Director and Behavior Analyst of ABLE UK, while also being the founder of The Behaviour Essentials FZE LLC in Dubai.
Discovering a life-changing path
Robin’s journey began in the Philippines, where he completed a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. Soon after graduation, he worked briefly as a private nurse but quickly found himself drawn to a different path—behavior therapy. In 2012, he moved to the UAE at just 21 years old, starting his career as a behavior therapist for children with autism and other neurodevelopmental conditions. “I was exposed to a lot of my family members who are OFWs and their stories… it opened up my imagination with the endless possibilities I could achieve if I chose to work abroad,” he shared with TGFM.
That decision proved to be a turning point. Robin’s dedication and skill in behavior therapy quickly led him to Advanced Behavioural Learning Environment (ABLE UK), where he started as the head of the Behavior Analysis Department. Over the next eight years, his career evolved—first as a Clinical Manager and now as the Medical Director. His role involves overseeing clinical programs, conducting consultations, and providing training for professionals.
Building a legacy of service and education
Beyond his role at ABLE UK, Robin’s commitment to his field grew even stronger. In 2023, he established The Behaviour Essentials FZE LLC, an educational consultancy offering Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) courses to practicing health professionals worldwide. His initiative aims to make ABA education accessible, especially for Filipino professionals who may struggle with costly and scarce resources.
Robin’s passion extends beyond his business ventures. He actively supports The Ausome Family Journey, a community of Filipino families with members diagnosed with autism. Through this initiative, he provides free professional training to parents and helps make therapy more affordable for those in need. He also mentors aspiring behavior analysts, particularly those in the Philippines.
Embracing challenges, creating change
Like many OFWs, Robin’s journey was not without struggles. He recalls facing compensation inconsistencies, cultural challenges, and even questioning his career choice in his early years. But resilience became his constant companion. “Expect challenges and don’t be surprised. What is important is to never forget your main reason why you moved abroad,” he advises.
Today, Robin envisions expanding his impact even further. He dreams of establishing an intervention facility in the Philippines, where children with autism and developmental conditions can receive quality care. He also hopes to advocate for the inclusion of behavior analysis in Philippine universities, raising awareness and building a new generation of professionals in his field.
For Robin, the fulfillment of his work is not just in titles or achievements—it is in the lives changed. “There are days when tears just suddenly flow from your eyes because of the changes that we get to witness,” he reflects.
