The Filipino Human Resources Practitioners Association – UAE or FiLHR celebrated its 15th anniversary last Saturday at Dusit Thani Dubai. Here are the historical accounts from the FilHR website (https://filhr.org/):
“In November 2009, Sheryll Bacay approached some Filipino HR professionals in the UAE to form an innovative group that may positively influence the field of Human Resources in the country. In February 2010, the first meeting took place, and a team of five members was formed. Formal meetings then followed with a clear agenda of developing the organization’s vision and mission. The first version of the Association came to life as the Filipino HR Community UAE.
Two months later, in April 2010, seven new members joined and formed a new core group of twelve members who framed the initial vision and mission of the organization and drummed up a membership campaign. All twelve members of this new core group are recognized as the ‘Founders’ of the newly renamed FILHR. In the following assembly, in May 2010, over 20 new members joined the Association, while the core group spearheaded follow up meetings to draft the organization’s By-laws.
On June 25, 2010, during the general assembly attended by 44 members, the organization’s By-laws were ratified, for which the first set of Executive Committee was elected.”
Fast forward to June 28, 2025, this was the reflection of Sheryll in her opening remarks:
“Fifteen years ago, we embarked on a journey to make a meaningful difference in the HR landscape. Today, as we stand together, we celebrate not just the years, but the remarkable achievements, mutual growth, and lasting relationships that have shaped our path.
At the heart of FilHR’s success is its role in co-creation—the powerful synergy between individuals and organizations working together to produce high-caliber Filipino professionals. Through mentorship, knowledge-sharing, and strategic partnerships, FilHR has cultivated a thriving community where talent is nurtured, expertise is elevated, and leadership is strengthened. We have witnessed firsthand how collaboration fuels innovation, refines skills, and empowers professionals to make a lasting impact in the organizations and communities we serve.
Each of you has played an integral role in FilHR’s success. Your dedication, passion, and belief in our mission have fueled our growth, inspired innovation, and enriched our collective spirit. As we mark this special occasion, we honor the past, embrace the present, and look toward the future with amplified vision and purpose.
Thank you for being a cornerstone of FilHR’s legacy. Your contributions, big and small, have shaped FilHR into a beacon of excellence, resilience, and progressive leadership. Because of you, FilHR is not just an organization—it is a thriving community, a force for positive change, and a testament to what we can achieve when we come together with purpose and vision.”
Current president, Rino De Guzman, said they have a total of 1,200 members of which 85% are in HR roles and the remaining 15% are transitioning from Admin to HR roles. The activities of the association are managed by 150 active members. He added that they have trained and supported over a thousand individuals through FilHR’s programs and events
It is a fact that most private companies in the UAE – locally formed, regional conglomerates and multinationals – have Filipinos in their HR departments. This goes to show that Filipino HR practitioners have a considerable influence in the global community.
“Together, we’ve built a foundation rooted in shared values, mutual respect, and purpose. We empowered one another to grow, to rise, and to lead not just in our companies, but in our lives. We excel, not only because we are capable, but because we lift each other higher, every single day,” Rino expressed in his closing address. “We are never alone in this journey. Behind every HR professional here is the voice of thousands of mentors, colleagues, and friends who shaped us, stood by us, and believed in us.”
One more historical fact: FilHR was the lead organization of the Filipino Community when Alan Bacason was chosen as chairman in September 2011 of the alliance of various organizations in Dubai and the Northern Emirates which mounted the yearend Bayanihan Festival in December of the same year and the Philippine Independence Day celebrations in June 2012.
My wife and I have been involved in the first five-year journey of the association. We even conducted a Media Training for the officers and members in May 2011 and had some officers as guests in our radio talk show on Dubai Eye 103.8 FM which we managed every other Tuesday night from October 2010 to February 2013. The talk show was called Filipino Excellence in the Middle East. Till now some of them remain good friends like Sheryll, Jessie Quintilla, Cathy Rivera, Josephine de la Paz, and Arlene Pulido, among others.
Before the Gala Night, we had a second gathering of the informal group I initiated last May called Global Filipino Excellence. Sheryll, who is part of the group, was kind enough to host us during the networking activity with the sponsors which was held at noontime. We welcomed Cleo Eleazar, Ellaine Siruelo and Bethoven Filomeno to the group. With us were husband and wife tandem Arish and Melon Perez and Cristina Calaguian. Check this link about the first gathering – https://theglobalfilipinomagazine.com/a-new-chapter-of-the-filipino-community-in-the-uae-is-unfolding/
After having our dinner at the FilHR event, my wife and I proceeded to the UAP Dubai Design Awards held at Bluewaters Dubai. It was organized by the United Architects of the Philippines or UAP Dubai Chapter which brought together outstanding architects and design professionals in celebrating design excellence across various disciplines. The invitation came from fellow Global Filipino Excellence Christian Vasquez through Jan Michael Peramide, who is the outgoing chapter president. We arrived past 8 and was welcomed by Christian and good friend Eric Fajut. In 2023, we attended the same awards event held in June at the Sofitel Dubai, The Obelisk. I wrote about it – https://theglobalfilipinomagazine.com/if-not-for-dubai-i-would-not-be-where-i-am-today/
These are the new set of officers of UAP Dubai Chapter: President Christian Vasquez, business development executive at National Engineering Bureau; VP Programs Marvin Alipio, 3D Experience Designer at Spiro; VP Operations Arvin Quides, Managing Partner at Sketchlife Design; Secretary Jess Cyril Siton, Senior Architect, 3D Visualizer at National Engineering Bureau; Treasurer Estelita Villadelrey, Sr. Architect at National Engineering Bureau; and Auditor Ana Marie Jean Dizon, Project Execution Lead at XBD Collective.
Just like Filipino HR professionals, Filipino architects, draftsmen and interior designers in the UAE are mostly working with global companies. Some of them have even worked on iconic structures which are known globally.
I will end this column with a line from the valedictory address of Jan Michael: “Let’s keep building, keep dreaming, and keep proving to the world that the Filipino architect is unstoppable.” And I would add the Filipino HR practitioner is unstoppable, too.
Note: The columnist is a 24-year resident of Dubai and is currently working as Head of Corporate Communications of a global energy logistics company. He is a former Filipino Community Leader and is now active with a global Catholic movement promoting the renewal of Christian family life. He can be reached at artlosbanos@gmail.com
