With the 1st Talent Development Research Conference on July 27, 2023 swiftly approaching, it’s essential to familiarize ourselves with both the event itself and the woman spearheading its preparations. In order to delve deeper into these aspects, Erwin Bernal from the Publications Committee sat down with Trustee Abegail Tongco for an insightful interview. Below, you’ll find the transcript of their conversation, shedding light on the upcoming conference and the driving force behind it.

Erwin:
Hi, Miss Abby.  I am here as a representative of the Publication and Research Committee to conduct this interview. This is for us as members of the PSTD to know more about our Board of Trustees and also understand your initiative. As well as to get to know you more on a personal level. I have prepared a few questions, actually quite a few.

Happy Independence Day pala. Pero hindi po tayo magpapapigil kahit po ay holiday dahil this is one of our one little ways of you know, being part of nation-building, right? Because PSTD is purely voluntary so we’re really doing our part in this nation building. All right, so Miss Abby, I’ll start off with a question. Can you please describe to us your PSTD journey? And how did you come across PSTD and what made you stay?

Abegail Tongco:
Okay, so thank you, Erwin! Basically, my PSTD journey is similar to many of the members of PSTD I’m sure many would be able to relate attending the Tipanan of PSTD, being a corporate member, listening to the sharing of talent development practitioners, attending conferences. If you can still remember when we attended that national convention in Waterfront, right? Yes, okay. So basically, all throughout the years, I was more like a spectator
It was only last year, when my classmate in a coaching program, PSTD Past President Rommel Ancheta, nominated me for the PSTD Board of Trustees. To be completely honest, close kasi kami in our coaching batch, Cohort 20. So I said yes to basically support PSTP PP Rommel. Lo and behold when I joined and became a member of the Board of Trustees, I was really amazed, knowing that many of the members, the volunteers, the ones who are in the committees are just volunteers. But you can see the passion, you can see their commitment. Nahawa ako doon sa enthusiasm nila, their energy. So, this year is really a highlight of my PSTD journey, Erwin and thank you for being there, for supporting me through this challenge, this mission. Nation-building through promoting talent development initiatives.

Erwin:
Yes, Miss Abby. Actually, I’m also very grateful that the committee has appointed me to conduct this interview because I’m not really a seasoned interviewer, but thank you still because this is one way for me to support also the initiatives of PSTD and with that journey, Ma’am, the enthusiasm, the inspiration that you have found through the activities that you have attended in PSTD and now, being a Board Trustee, what do you think was the most memorable experience that you’ve had, being part of PSTD?

Abegail Tongco:
I can also recall a PSTD national convention when the plenary speaker was Isko Moreno. He was talking about his journey from acting to transitioning to public service. It was really impressive.

My most memorable experience though in being part of PSTD was when I became a moderator in a PSTD national convention. I was very impressed because the speaker, Jerwin Santos, AVP of Aboitiz Power in his talk emphasized the importance of talent development in innovation and digital transformation. Aside from the session I moderated I got to attend other sessions. Half of the roster of speakers were actually international talent development practitioners like William Rothwell whom I only get to encounter before through his books on training and development.

What I noticed is that PSTD organizes events wherein the talks are very relevant, very timely. There is also an element of sustainability, in relation to business, in relation to awareness of the needs of the community. So, napaka-comprehensive, napaka- holistic and I am just amazed to be part of PSTD at this point. There’s the new normal, the pandemic, there are a lot of changes in relation to AI technologies so it’s really very timely to be part of a professional organization so you can keep up with the trends.

Erwin:
I can really tell that it was indeed very memorable for you, ma’am. So, on a personal level, a lot of my committee members would like to know more about you in the personal level and if somebody come up to us and asked us, “do you know Abby?”, if we are to describe you, can you tell us what would be these three adjectives that you think would be appropriate for Miss Abby Tongco?

Abegail Tongco:
Okay, three adjectives to describe me.

I think, number one would be conscientious. So, people would say “Nakapaboring mo naman, Abby. Lahat, pinaplan mo.” So, the good thing is that my team members, they know what to expect because everything is laid out. The steps are there, the systems are in place so they are able to anticipate and they are able to plan. Of course, the negative side of that is that sometimes I have difficulties also when it comes to transitioning, especially if there are occasions wherein you need to move forward without a plan or you don’t really know what to anticipate so my conscientiousness, it’s a good thing sometimes, sometimes it becomes a weakness.

Second adjective would be I’m very, very introverted. So people would be surprised when I tell them this. They would say “Oh! Is that true? You’re just kidding. That must be a joke.” But actually deeply, I am very introverted like when I get exhausted at work I prefer activities wherein I’m alone like reading or meditating or reflecting. So, introversion is also one of the adjectives.

Third, I think, would be passionate, like, when I am pursuing a goal, I give my everything for that particular goal. I tend to be passionate about accomplishing goals and activities, that sometimes, even if it’s challenging, people around me would be saying “It’s very stressful. Ang bigat naman iyan” but with passion, I am able to move forward and try to accomplish my goals in life.

So yun, Erwin, those are my three adjectives.

Erwin:
Thank you, Miss Abby. So, that’s being conscientious, introverted… I myself is quite surprised that you
consider yourself as an introvert, and passionate. Definitely, I totally agree because I’ve seen how you’re very passionate, the way you express yourself, the way you really, you know, talk about things that you know you have subject matter expertise and that’s because you are very passionate. You really dive deep into this topic that you’re passionate about which leads me actually to ask my next question. If you describe yourself as a passionate person, what is it that you are passionate about and what motivates and drives you?

Abegail Tongco:
Basically, what motivates me is the opportunity to make a difference.

For example, what draws me towards PSTD is that in each and every initiative it tries to go deeper into the needs of the talent development practitioners so it tries to really look into how to create breakthroughs, how to share best practices, how to professionalize the talent development profession, so the opportunity to create change is something that really motivates me.

Even as a mother of three kids, always when I try to teach them lessons, when I try to help them through their academic goals, at the back of my mind, I also hope and pray that they will change the world in their own ways, in their own expertise.

When I also do my training programs. When I discuss certain topics, I always try to incorporate values so that my training participants will somehow also strive for goals that are bigger than themselves.

It’s a little exhausting when you are in a role, right? or in a job and all that you’re looking at or all that you’re working for is just money or just to support your family, right?

But when your goals include something that’s higher, that’s greater, that’s bigger than your own personal goals, It somehow makes your life more beautiful, I believe. Somehow, it makes your life more meaningful. Sobrang millennial, noh? But really, it’s how I look at things, how I motivate myself. I look for the deeper purpose for things that are happening around me.

Erwin:
Thank you, Miss Abby, that’s very inspirational. I hope everybody can have that clarity of what they’re passionate about and what motivates them and of course, it’s really inspirational that you’re passionate about making a difference and you know, creating a change specifically as you said on the talent development field and, this change that, you want to impart through your passion and motivation. Where do you see PSTD in the future and what are your aspirations for PSTD on a short-term say, for example, this year?

Abegail Tongco:
Okay, so my aspirations for PSTD in the short term for this year, as the BOT sponsor for the Publications and Research committees is that somehow I hope that there would be an increased awareness of the importance of data analytics, research, looking into best practices, benchmarking that somehow through the efforts of the publication’s committee and the research committee, talent development practitioners would somehow broaden their perspective beyond just, you know, the their own role and their own organization. I hope and pray that through the outputs of the committees, I will be part of creating that particular awareness.
In the long term, I hope that PSTD also will continue to promote data-driven decision making, research-based methods because it’s one thing to share a bit of a best practice, to benchmark, but it’s another thing to do so armed with information, right? Armed with sound and logical tools like research, like predictive analytics. So, I hope that somehow the Philippine Society for Talent Development, will also be along that frame of mind. That it becomes an avenue for thought leaders, to bring about sound methods which fit to the Filipino culture and to professionalize talent development as a practice in the Philippines.

Erwin:
That’s very nice to hear and I’m actually very excited as a member of PSTD and we would like to impart that excitement that I’m feeling right now to those who are just starting out in the career of talent development. So, being in the profession for a significant time what would be your advice to someone who’s just starting in their career in talent development?

Abegail Tongco:
Okay, so for people who are starting out in the talent development practice or field of expertise, one of the things that you can start with is you could set goals about how you would like to see yourself in three years.  And basically, it helps if you’re not alone. Get a coach or a mentor so you are able to expedite the learning curve, rather than you just trying out things, making mistakes, not thinking through the various initiatives and various plans.

It also helps to build a network. When you have a network, it somehow broadens your perspective because the way you think, the way you talk the way you decide, somehow at some point, it’s shaped by the people that you associate with. So, the kind of friends that you talk with, the kind of people that you interact with it, somehow forms even your character. So, being in professional organizations like PSTD, that’s also one way that you could enhance yourself, you are able to see gaps in what you know, in your competency and you’re able to plot out what are the things that you need to look into and learn more about.

So, register and join PSTD now. It’s the right time.

Erwin:
Yes, Miss Abby. This is the right time for those who are aspiring to be talent development practitioners or already in the field and just what you said, ma’am, I myself is a witness to that because it really is a good feeling to be with the kind of people who also have shared passion and vision. So, it’s really inspiring and you grow professionally.

So, now with the existing members, Miss Abby, as a member of the Board of Trustees, what would be your message to the current PSTD members?

Abegail Tongco:
Make full use of your opportunity. You know, sometimes when we join activities, we attend the Tipanan but sometimes we’re multitasking, Kahit naman ako, to be honest. I’m there, attending a session and then I’m checking my emails, checking my chat messages but sayang yung opportunity. One of the things that you can do to make full use or to fully utilize your membership in the PSTD is that when you are there like if it’s a tipanan or it’s a conference, really network and build relationships. Really participate in the talks, in the sessions. These speakers, they were selected not just by whim, they were selected because they know something that could create a breakthrough or it’s something that talent development practitioners should know or be aware of. So, that’s one, networking, build relationships.

Additionally, if you’d like to build and sustain relationships, the best way to do so is to volunteer in the committees because if you are part of the committee, you are also able to volunteer. You get to hone certain skills, you hone certain competencies and along the way, you also develop the kind of friends who will be your lifetime allies and I tell you, they will be very, very helpful in the future. So please do join.

Check out the committees in the PSTD. Like, for example, Erwin and I we are part of the Publication’s committee, so if you like writing, you would like to be a thought leader, please do join us. So, if you like research, you can join research committee. So, these are just two of the many committees of PSTD. So there, Erwin.

Erwin:
Thank you, Miss Abby. I think that’s really a call for others out there who are still on the fence, but, you know, thinking that they’re alone but they are not. You know, PSTD is here and we really invite you to be part of the society Miss. Abby, I have a few questions but these are some slam book questions. I hope it’s okay.

Abegail Tongco:
Yes!

Erwin: 
Parang dire-diretso. What do your friends call you? Your nickname.

Abegail Tongco:
Abby.

Erwin:
MBTI profile.

Abegail Tongco:
INTJ.

Erwin:
A dream job.

Abegail Tongco: 
Astronaut.

Erwin:
Wow. Favorite food.

Abegail Tongco:
Spaghetti.

Erwin:
Hobbies.

Abegail Tongco:
Reading.

Erwin:
Favorite TV shows.

Abegail Tongco: 
Favorite TV show… I don’t really watch TV so much but if I have to choose a show, actually, I just watch TV Patrol. (laughs)

Erwin:
I guess that’s a TV show, noh? Favorite books.

Abegail Tongco:
Favorite book. I particularly love the Dance of Change by Peter Singe. It’s an OD book and there are a lot of tools there.

Erwin:
Any dislikes?

Abegail Tongco:
I dislike people who are lazy.

Erwin:
Any hero or idol?

Abegail Tongco:
Jesus Christ

Erwin:
Any favorite quote.

Abegail Tongco:
“The illiterate of the 21st century are those who cannot learn, unlearn and relearn.”

Erwin: 
Perfect. Very, very apt for PSTD and for all talent development practitioners out there. Miss Abby. Thank you, thank you so much for this interview. I am very inspired and excited of all what you envisioned and what you’re doing and also grateful for your volunteerism, volunteering for the programs of PSTD and I myself is learning a lot. Just in this interview alone, I’m learning a lot already. How much more like if I play a more active role in all the other activities and as you said is to really utilize the tools available to all PSTD members and this is a call to all practitioners out there who are not yet a member to be part of the society. We will welcome you with open arms and we are going to celebrate having you in the society.
Miss Abby, so, any last words that you’d like to share to the members to the, you know, talent development professionals or net yet members up there?

Abegail Tongco:
Okay, so parting message to close this interview would be, I’d like to invite everyone, whether you are a PSTD member or you are still thinking about joining PSTD, please do participate and join the first Research Conference of PSTD. That will be in Discovery Primea Makati on July 27 2023. The research conference would include a talk on research methods for talent development practitioners. We will also be discussing the results of the career management survey that we have recently conducted. Additionally, there will be researches on talent development issues and concerns which would be presented during this particular research conference. So please do join us.

Erwin:
Yes, thank you so much, ma’am. And I look forward seeing you on the first talent development research conference. Thank you so much, once again, and see you in the next activity of PSTD.

Abegail Tongco:
Thank you, Erwin.

This interview shows Abby’s journey from pursuing something that she is passionate about to finding fulfillment in volunteering to take part in PSTD’s programs. Her enthusiasm, commitment and motivation are an inspiration to TD practitioners. She is proof that working on something that aligned to one’s passion truly brings out one’s best. Meet Abby this July 27 in the PSTD Talent Development Research Conference and network with likeminded TD practitioners. Register now to be a PSTD member.