The greatest turning points often begin as accidents. For one Filipino educator, a short vacation meant only for sightseeing unexpectedly opened the door to a life and career he never planned. His name is Dr. Rommel Pelayo, and that unplanned detour in 2012—one month after arriving in the UAE as a tourist—became the first step toward the leadership role he holds today as Principal of The Philippine School Dubai.
When he first set foot in the UAE, Dr. Pelayo had no intention of leaving his established career in Manila. At the time, he was already serving as Vice Principal at Aquinas School in San Juan and teaching graduate students at the National Teachers College. His academic path was solid: a Bachelor’s degree in Biology, a Master’s in Science Education, and a Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership. Leadership roles came naturally, and his early work in the Philippines centered on curriculum development, instructional leadership, and raising academic standards in basic education institutions.
But something shifted during that first visit abroad. The UAE’s pace, diversity, and promise stirred something in him. What was meant to be a break from routine turned into a quiet inner push. Within weeks, he decided to take the leap. “Though initially hesitant,” the narrative goes, that short trip changed everything—enough that he returned home, packed his bags, and came back to start anew.
His official journey abroad began at Al Hesn School in 2012 as an Academic Leader. From there, he spent a decade in Al Itqan American School, growing steadily from Curriculum Developer to Academic Operations Manager, and eventually Vice Principal. Later, he joined Emirates American School as its Vice Principal, working with a predominantly Emirati student population.
Today, in addition to leading The Philippine School Dubai, he remains connected to the Philippines through teaching—serving as a part-time professor in the Graduate Studies program at Romblon State University. It is a schedule only someone deeply committed to education could sustain.
Finding purpose in the classroom and beyond
Long before the job titles, the degrees, and the leadership positions, there was one simple moment that sparked it all. In high school, a classmate praised how clearly he explained a lesson during a reporting activity. It was just a comment, but it planted the seed. Still, he pushed it aside when he entered college, choosing BS Biology at the Philippine Normal University and not quite convinced that teaching was his destiny.
Life, however, had other ideas. In his search for work, he applied as a Science Teacher at Angelicum College in Quezon City. That’s where everything finally made sense. Teaching, to him, felt natural—energizing even. He discovered satisfaction in planning lessons, shaping understanding, and guiding students through concepts they once found difficult. The classroom became his anchor.
Over the years, that passion evolved. He found himself equally inspired not just by students but by fellow educators. As he moved into leadership roles, the opportunity to mentor teachers, build systems, and influence school culture became deeply fulfilling. What started as an unexpected profession became his lifelong purpose.
This love for learning extended to research, a field that continues to define him. Earlier in his career, he taught as a Research Professor at the National Teachers College, and that experience set the tone for his approach to school leadership. To this day, he is invited to speak on various educational topics—at institutions like Amity University, the American University of Sharjah, and international conferences organized by Cognia, the global school accreditation body. His expertise has also brought him into governance roles, serving on the governing boards of Al Itqan American School and Al Amaal English School in Sharjah.
People often talk about the personal rewards of working abroad: financial stability, career opportunities, or a fresh start. For Dr. Pelayo, the impact was far more profound. “Working abroad has given me more than a career—it has transformed my perspective on life,” he shares with TGFM.
He thought he knew much about education when he arrived in the UAE with a doctorate in hand. But exposure to international standards, diverse learning needs, and multicultural school environments humbled him. “It was only then that I realized how little I truly knew,” he admits. That awakening reshaped his approach—reminding him that leadership requires constant curiosity, humility, and openness to growth.
The early years were not easy. He recalls a morning during his first year, driving to school with tears on his face. He was grappling with three simultaneous pressures: motivating students, meeting the high expectations of parents and the community, and resolving internal conflicts among staff. Leadership in a multicultural setting demanded more than competence—it required emotional resilience, cultural humility, and patience.
But he endured. Through mentorship, collaboration, and reflection, he transformed those difficulties into strengths. What once overwhelmed him became the foundation of his leadership philosophy: empathy, clear standards, strong processes, and a belief that growth is always possible. Those hard-earned lessons now guide how he leads The Philippine School Dubai.
Building a Filipino school that thrives globally
Looking ahead, Dr. Pelayo holds a clear vision for The Philippine School Dubai. His advocacy centers on one firm belief: Filipino schools abroad can excel on the global stage. He envisions TPS as a community committed to academic growth, innovation, and cultural pride.
His goal is to maximize resources, empower teachers, and elevate the school year after year. For him, improvement is not a slogan—it is a responsibility. He aims for TPS to become an institution the community is proud of, proving that Filipino schools can uphold global standards while preserving identity.
His advice carries the wisdom of someone who has seen both triumph and struggle. “Take each step with patience, embracing every opportunity that comes your way—yet always think strategically, with both the present and the future in mind.” He stresses the importance of relationships: “Cherish and appreciate the people who support you along the journey; never cut ties.”
And above all, he offers a simple principle from which he has never wavered: “Be good, and do good.” Kindness, he believes, will always find its way back—“in ways far greater than you can ever imagine.”
