BEING young means holding the world in your hands and having the courage to chase your dreams.
Michelle Aguilar-Ong has done just that, making the most of her youth and talents.
At 41, Aguilar-Ong is one of the youngest presidents of a higher educational institution in the Philippines, leading Mabalacat City College (MCC) in Pampanga.
In just a few years, she has transformed MCC into the first community college in the country, establishing it as a benchmark for other institutions.
A trailblazer since her early career in the Academy of Performing Arts, Aguilar-Ong has consistently introduced innovations to benefit the education sector. Under her leadership at MCC, she reformed the curriculum to enhance workforce development and launched programs and policies that champion gender equity, inclusivity, accessibility and sustainable development.
Aguilar-Ong is credited with initiating MCC Pro Plus, a pioneering program that equips students with both soft and technical skills, preparing them for careers in the business process outsourcing industry.
The college, in partnership with the city government, also received a commendation from the Commission on Human Rights for its "Juana-at-Work" policy, which offers flexible work schedules and assistance to women. Additionally, MCC opened a boutique where graduating students can exchange gently used clothing for food items.
Aguilar-Ong acknowledges the contributions of her team in crafting these bold, creative approaches to providing quality education and training for the Mabalacat community.
The opportunity to lead MCC came to Aguilar-Ong while she was still the executive director of a government-owned corporation.
"I knew the condition of the school because I used to work in the local government," she said.
"It was a typical public school: green and yellow buildings, a few plants, chipped paint, old equipment, wooden chairs and graffiti — what everyone imagines when they think of public schools. I resigned from being an executive director and accepted the role of president."
Her first mission was to demonstrate that Filipino students can have the best public schools. As a behaviorist, she believes that a better environment leads to better outcomes. "Believe it or not, my first project was rehabilitating the comfort rooms. I truly believe you can judge an institution by its bathrooms. Then came the library, faculty rooms and offices. It started with giving everyone a professional space to work in, and then student-focused programs followed."
Although being an educator wasn't her first dream, Aguilar-Ong embraced the role.
"To be honest, I never wanted to be a teacher. My aunts and uncles, who are professors and deans, always had piles of paperwork and thick glasses. But maybe fate had this in store for me, so why not? Life is an adventure, after all, and it's meant to be filled with good deeds."
Despite leading over 300 staff, including part-time instructors, Aguilar-Ong maintains a small personal team — two secretaries and a cleaner who also serves as her driver. Her leadership style is one of empowerment.
"It's never been my style to create a separate team under my control to do the jobs of senior executives. I work with them, even though I can be pushy sometimes because I know they can accomplish great things. I have the best team."
Aguilar-Ong's leadership style is flexible, adjusting to the situation.
"Authoritative is my go-to because it's the most effective for transformation, but pacesetting and affiliative styles work, too, depending on the people and circumstances."
When asked if her age has ever been a barrier, she responded confidently: "Age has never been an issue. I made a promise before entering government service that whatever responsibility God gives me, no matter how small, I will strive to make it an example of the Philippines I dream of. I choose to work with people who share my ideals, and age has nothing to do with it. The ages of our VPs range from 35 to 62, and age has never been a point of contention. The best idea always wins, and sometimes it's not even mine."
Her youth has brought fresh energy to MCC, but Aguilar-Ong humbly notes that the title of president is just a name.
"In a community college, we're social workers and community developers — that's how our team sees ourselves."
Reflecting on her journey, Aguilar-Ong recalls many sleepless nights since she wasn't from the academe.
Her exposure to academic work was limited to her previous role as a visiting lecturer. She pored over books and studied colleges worldwide, searching for the perfect model to suit Mabalacat's unique community profile. The answer lay in the community college model, which she adapted and improved upon to make MCC better.
Her efforts didn't go unnoticed. Aguilar-Ong was nominated for a scholarship by the US Department of State for the Community College Administrator's Program at Florida State University. After returning, she fully embraced the community college framework.
MCC is now the only local college included in both the World University Rankings for Innovation and the Times Higher Education Impact Rankings 2024. The community college also received the "Outstanding Technological or Digital Innovation of the Year" award at the Times Higher Education Awards Asia 2024 and was included in the World Scientist and University Rankings 2023 Top 200.
The Commission on Higher Education has also cited MCC for its internationalization programs.
Aguilar-Ong emphasized the importance of understanding the mission.
"The mission isn't just education; it's the community. Develop a team that believes in that mission, and they'll become experts while doing the job. Your attitude toward your position matters. I don't cling to titles, so I'm not afraid to make changes."
Ways forward
Looking ahead, Aguilar-Ong and her team plan to launch more certificate and diploma courses, including pathways to other colleges and universities, providing flexibility for students to join the workforce, continue their degrees or pursue higher education elsewhere. This will offer greater opportunities for community members, regardless of age or life circumstances.
"My vision is for a larger, aesthetically pleasing, fully equipped campus because Filipino students deserve the best," Aguilar-Ong said. She added that not all students are created equal — some need extra help to succeed.
As a young trailblazer, Aguilar-Ong encourages her team to work hard and celebrate their accomplishments.
She values quality time with family, even if it's virtual, and meaningful conversations.
Whenever things get tough, Aguilar-Ong reminds herself: "Until it's done."
She remains committed to her mission, knowing that one day, it will be accomplished.
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QUICK QUESTIONSWHAT IS YOUR BIGGEST FEAR?
To never see my family again.
WHAT REALLY MAKES YOU ANRGY?
Betrayal.
WHAT MOTIVATES YOU TO WORK HARD?
That we can do something better for the country.
WHAT MOTIVATES YOU TO LAUGH THE MOST?
My children, I want to live long for them and see my grandchildren, so I laugh a lot to make my heart healthier. Whenever my family gets together and jokes around with each other. Best time!
WHAT DID YOU WANT TO BE WHEN YOU WERE SMALL?
I wanted to be a medical doctor.
WHAT WOULD YOU DO IF YOU WON THE LOTTO?
Keep it for retirement.
IF YOU COULD SHARE A MEAL WITH AN INDIVIDUAL LIVING OR DEAD, WHO WOULD THEY BE?
Princess Diana or Ruth Bader Ginsburg.
WHAT IS THE MOST DARING THING YOU HAVE EVER DONE?
Putting someone on a loudspeaker to prove that someone in the room is lying.
WHAT WAS THE LAST BOOK YOU READ?
"Etterath" by Shiloh Ong. Proud mom here.
WHICH CELEBRITY WOULD YOU LIKE TO MEET FOR A CUP OF COFFEE?
Hugh Grant, because he used to be my high school crush.
WHAT IS THE ONE THING YOU WILL NEVER DO AGAIN?
I'll never do this again: putting someone on a loudspeaker to prove that someone in the room is lying. I was young and impatient then.
WHERE WILL YOU SEE YOURSELF IN 10 YEARS?
Maybe I'll go back to corporate work, or perhaps I'll try something totally new and different. I've never been known to stay in one place for long, so you never know. After all, to learn, you've got to move.