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Dr. Robert F. Galindez shares his secrets to success

Galindez couple: Dr. Robert & Mary June

Some believe that life is dependent on fate, yet there are some who are so inspired that they are driven to believe they can make their own destiny. If there are those who enjoy their situation of having all the resources they need, there are also those suffering from lifelong lashes of poverty. There are even people who cannot go to competent schools where they can pursue good education. These are the harsh realities of life. But one strong decision can change everything.

A man who made his decision and has made a difference particularly the reversal of poverty, is Robert F. Galindez, Ph.D. He pioneered the concept of IT-based education service, provider of graduate schools in the Philippines. He is the seventh among twelve in the Galindez family. With the financial challenge his family was going through, he had to attend public elementary school in the seventh class municipality of Looc, Romblon and had to wear hand-me-downs from older siblings.

SIFE Country Consultation on August 2004. L-R Dr. Robert, Thomas Payne - VP for University Relations, SIFE World Headquarters & Dr. Ramon Ricardo Roque - Deputy Secretary General, House of Representative & Chairman of National Board.

He is the son of the late Virgil Galindez, then administrative officer of Looc National High School. Though they were not wealthy, they were blessed with the gift of intellect and were taught the importance of values. Segundina, the mother, imbedded these values in their hearts by staying at home.

“I had to excel to forgo the handovers and get new ones." He said as he started to climb the ladders of success and receive honors in elementary and high school. He then took a competitive exam and became Romblon's lone GSIS scholar at De La Salle-Araneta University Foundations in Manila and finished AB Economics. After which, he proceeded to take his M.A. in Management at the same institution. He also pursued a doctorate degree at the International Academy of Management and Economics in Makati City.

Climbing the Ladder to Success

Learning Center's visit Guimaras with PWV's Graduate School's Dean & SREMC Inc. staff

His passion for learning and education made him principal of several schools in Quezon City. With his education, he became the dean of Romblon College at 23, making him the youngest to hold that kind of position in Southern Tagalog during his time and even in the present.

His brilliance made him one of the most sought-after administrator. He successfully managed the academic and research operations of the schools were he served as Dean and Director. Dr. Galindez also has an extensive teaching experience having taught for 19 years in both undergraduate and graduate business programs in various colleges and universities in the Philippines. It includes St. Paul's University (Iloilo City), University of San Agustin (Iloilo City), International Academy of Management and Economics (I-AME, Makati City), Philippine Christian University (PCU, Manila City), and Manuel S. Enverga University Foundation (Lucena City).

His dream of being an educator did not stop there. His management experiences are equally impressive. He is currently the President and CEO of St. Robert's International Education and Management Center, Inc. (SREMC Inc.) and St. Robert's International Academy (SRIA).

Wacky father & sona, L-R: Dr. Robert, Francis Mari & JohnTrebor

SREMC Inc. provide professionals an easier way to finish their M.A. and doctorate degrees while SRIA is for undergraduates who would want to work abroad. It's geared towards a world-class and God-centered learning. It also offers Diploma courses in Computer Science and Network Administration (CSNA), Hotel, Restaurant and Travel Management (HRTM), Business and Entrepreneurial Management, International Caregiver Course. Dr. Galindez also envisioned it to become the Don Bosco of Iloilo City. It is recognized in countries abroad through Education and Examinations International (EEI). SRIA's office is at Magalona Building, 58 Ledesma Street and 2/F RGB Building, 19 Jalandoni Street, Iloilo City. They can be contacted thru 337-5599 and 509-9238.

While SREMC, is an affiliate of prestigious universities in Manila. The I-AME, PCU and Philippine Women's University (PWU) where he holds positions. He's the Asscociate Director to I-AME, Dean of Extension Programs to PCU and the local Administrator for PWU. SREMC is in Rm.231 2/F Marymart Shopping Mall, Valeria St., Iloilo City.

Having such responsibilities, 24 hours is not enough for Dr. Galindez. He starts working at 6am till 9pm. As a hardworking person he's affiliation are not only in the Philippines but also in numerous universities and organizations abroad.

He's the present President to Student's in Free Enterprise (SIFE) Philippines and has held the position since 2000. His significant involvements on the SIFE programs are also recognized not only in the Philippines but also worldwide. Dr. Jens Mueller, the Management Director of SIFE Asia, commended his participation to the organization.

As president, he established the second-largest worldwide SIFE program in the Philippines, with more than 300 student-teams involved. He is also acknowledged by all SIFE member countries as an effective communicator and is highly respected in the academic community of several thousand SIFE University faculty members around the world.

Other than the position in SIFE, he is currently the Education and Examination International's Chief Representative for the Philippines. It is a specialist organization established to provide education and examination services to students and institutions of higher learning across international boundaries.

Dr. Galindez also serve as the Research Director of Colegio del Sagrado Corazon de Jesus and College Dean Colegio de San Jose in Iloilo City. He holds the same position in Romblon College in Odiongan, Romblon. He was also a principal to AMA Computer Institute University in Project 8, Quezon City.

With these involvements, Dr. Galindez has been with CEO's and president of various world acclaimed companies. He would normally travel to Europe, Asia and the U.S. almost three to four times a year. His hectic schedule would also mean meeting Howard Belton, Chairman CEO of Uniliver Philippines. Or Robert Shipling who holds the highest position of the same company. At times, these meetings are also with Tom Mouser, the Chairman of KMPG. It is a top Auditing and Consulting Center recognized here and abroad, or the President and General Manager of Ristoll Meyers Suibb, Roger Dallas.or Warner Manning of HSBC.

“I could just go directly to the offices of these people without arrangement from their secretaries, because they know me.”

Dr. Galindez's influence over so many people has always been supported by prayers. Though he has filled the gaps in education, pioneering IT-based education services in the Philippines, he remains humble. He is a very responsible father to sons; John Trebor (9) and Francis Mari (8). Both kids are attending Sta. Maria Catholic School-Ateneo de Iloilo. And a good husband to his wife, Mary June Alcon (40). She is the current Executive Vice President for Graduate Schools of SREMC Inc.

As the President and CEO to SRIA, he also initiates the International Benchmarking Tour to Kuala Lumpur this September 22 to 24. This is open to SRIA's faculty, staff and students. The tour's major activity is the academic round table discussion with students and faculty of Olympia University in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. He also believes that this activity is also an answer to its SRIA's commitment to becoming “world-class”.

Inspiring as it is, Dr. Galindez shares to the youth: “Hardwork, passion for education and learning. Education prepares you for the big battle and in terms of expertise there should be passion. Then include hard work and so much prayer.”

There is indeed a better way to live if we make a decision. In Og Mandino's book ‘The Choice', it said: “Man or woman, whatever your state is – you have a better way to live. All you need is to make a choice and act on it.”