What if your work impacts not only the communities of today but also the future? This was the very question Jomi De Guzman faced when he was at the crossroads of further studies. A general manager for Ayala Land’s tourism estate development in Sicogon Island, in the province of Iloilo, Jomi’s work focuses on the management of mixed-use estate developments. Such communities enhance the quality of life for all stakeholders.
It was while contemplating between a deep dive into business studies or a different field of concentration that would still complement his job that Jomi realized that “Disaster risk and crisis management are practices that are not discussed as often as the business side and yet, these are very critical aspects of what I do.”
With the next step in pursuing his passion now clear, Jomi enrolled in the Executive Master in Disaster Risk and Crisis Management (EMDRCM) program under the Stephen Zuellig School of Development Management (SZSDM). Aimed towards disaster and crisis professionals, this leadership and management program is the first of its kind in the world. It teaches students to develop, implement, and measure interventions as well as integrate multisectoral and interdisciplinary aspects of disaster risk and crisis management. These program goals turned out to be the perfect fit for Jomi.
“How many professionals in the real estate industry integrate disaster and crisis management in their respective developments? As a developing country, how many of our communities have been repeatedly hit by disasters and suffered the consequences? As we develop big communities, we impact thousands, even millions, of lives. EMDRCM fills a big gap in our industry. I realized the program will provide more meaning and purpose to what I do as a developer of communities.”
EMDRCM guided Jomi into taking his work further. From building communities focused on sustainability, the program helped transform his purpose towards resiliency. Every project he oversees means thousands more will benefit from these resilient communities, and ultimately, the nation.
“It is important to see beyond the economics and appreciate the bigger picture. It is important to ask ourselves questions. What is the purpose of the skills and talents we possess? What are the responsibilities that come with it? How are we contributing to the good of our society—to resiliency, to nation-building? We may not possess the same degree of influence to society, but what is important is we all work and contribute within our own capacity, that we become part of the solution instead of the problem.”
Be one of the next disaster risk crisis managers and resilience leaders through EMDRCM. The 18-month part-time immersive program hones leadership qualities and governance skills. Graduates are transformed into resilient disaster and climate leaders who are more than capable of facing the challenges of a world that is increasingly becoming more volatile, uncertain, complex, and ambiguous.
Make a difference.
Lead. Inspire. Transform.
