Starting the Day Right: A Routine of Purpose

At 28, Kristinne Ardel Bendo, more commonly known as Ardel, has already made significant strides in her role as HR and Admin Manager of the Contracting Group. Each day, she begins with a cup of coffee to kick start her busy schedule, which includes catching up on pending emails, updating her team, attending meetings with various departments, and addressing a myriad of HR and administrative concerns.

A Calling Rooted in Education and Experience

Ardel's journey into HR was deeply influenced by her educational background and personal experiences. A graduate of the University of the Philippines Visayas Tacloban College with a Bachelor of Arts in Social Sciences Major in Political Science, Ardel was taught the value of serving the people. This principle has been a guiding force in her career, compelling her to choose a profession that directly impacts members. Her earliest fascination with HR emerged from her exposure to labor cases and her appearances before the Labor Arbiter at the National Labor Relations Commission (NLRC). These experiences not only heightened her appreciation for labor law and employee rights but also inspired her to pursue a Juris Doctor degree at PUP.

Fostering Growth Through Inclusive Leadership

Ardel’s commitment to her team’s growth and development is evident in her approach to leadership. She implements cross-functional training, allowing her team to experience all facets of HR. This not only broadens their skill sets but also fosters a culture of open communication. Ardel ensures her team has a platform to voice their opinions and recommendations, thereby creating a safe and inclusive work environment. She emphasizes accountability and is open to accepting and learning from her own mistakes. As the assistant group head of the Contracting Group, Arvi, relates that Ardel is an empathetic leader who prioritizes her team and the cooperative above herself. She is an insightful listener to all concerns.

Embracing the Cooperative Spirit

When Ardel first encountered the concept of a cooperative, she was primarily struck by its mission to help the marginalized sector by providing job opportunities. Now, as a member of a cooperative, she deeply appreciates its member-centered approach. Every decision is made with the members' best interests at heart, resulting in a sustainable impact on their lives, especially those provided with job opportunities. This member-focused ethos is something Ardel finds unparalleled compared to other organizations.

Her colleagues attest to the positive work environment she cultivates. "She leads by example," a team member notes. "Her promptness in the office sets a standard for her members to follow. She's fast to respond, approachable, and humble. You can often see her hanging out with the team, and she gives her best to ensure her team members are connected with each other. Her determination and perseverance are inspiring; she won’t stop until the problem is solved or the targets are reached."

A Culture of Innovation and Professional Development

Ardel's dedication to professional development is evident in the countless opportunities she provides for her team. The culture of openness she fosters allows for innovation and improvement beyond rigid processes and rules. Her work makes the environment less stressful and more conducive to growth.

A testimony from Sir Lexbee Nones, Head and Chief Engineer – Construction and Contracting Group, "After being with Ardel for almost two years, I see in her the following values which I believe will make her a true leader: Competence – not just doing your best, but also competing with yourself to be a better you; Empathy – understands and cares about the feelings of others while making tough decisions efficiently and confidently; Resilience – can handle setbacks and move forward, keeping in mind the learnings of the past; Coaching and mentoring – Not afraid to share and teach her subordinates." 

A Message to the Younger Generation

For the younger generation, Ardel has a compelling message: "There is a lot to learn and experience here in the cooperative. The organization is so diverse that there are many opportunities it has to offer. The cooperative is a good training ground for professional and personal growth."

A Journey of Dedication and Inspiration

Ardel's journey began in 2016 as an MS Trainee under the Member Supervisor Development Program of the Cooperative. Today, her leadership and dedication continue to inspire her team and contribute significantly to the cooperative's mission of empowering its members.