After completing my MSc at ODID, I started several consultancy engagements with different UN agencies in the Philippines and Asia revolving around the area of migration, specifically human mobility and social entrepreneurship as well as return migration and reintegration. I led a group of consultants where we conducted research and subsequently developed a regional knowledge product on social entrepreneurship on human mobility in urban settings among young people in Asia under UNDP and Citi Foundation’s Youth Co:Lab initiative. At IOM Philippines, I led the development of a new handbook for reintegration programming (design, implementation, monitoring and evaluation) in the Philippines under their Joint Programme Bridging Recruitment to Reintegration in Migration Governance. And most recently, I conducted research and prepared a report for UN Women Philippines on gender-responsive and sustainable migrant worker reintegration in the Bangsamoro Administrative Region of Muslim Mindanao.

After a year of doing consultancies, I decided to find a more stable position at the UN and fortunately got an offer from UNDP for a Programme Management Associate post in the headquarters in New York.

As a Programme Management Associate under the Global Programme on Nature for Development of UNDP, I provide programme management support for the delivery of activities under their Equator Initiative project to shine a spotlight on the success of local and indigenous groups that contribute to sustainable development at the grassroots level. Working for a global programme, I closely work with an international team located in different parts of the world.

My tasks vary on a daily basis. I communicate with partners and stakeholders, contribute to the development of knowledge products, facilitate connections between our main stakeholders (Indigenous peoples and local communities) and other partners to promote nature-based solutions for sustainable development, manage the selection process identifying winners for the prestigious Equator Prize, support in-person and digital events in New York and elsewhere, and provide logistical support to Indigenous people and local communities for them to effectively participate in national, regional and global policy events as well as in global conservation and development conferences and capacity-building events.

The interdisciplinary character of ODID primarily pushed me to pursue the MSc in Migration Studies. The programme goes beyond the orientation of international development practice in looking at migration through the lens of economics and development by drawing from innovative theoretical and methodological perspectives of other disciplines, such as anthropology and political science. In addition, the programme boasts a renowned set of faculty and scholars and a diverse cohort of students from all over the world, which enriches discussion during lectures and seminars.

The seminar system, similar to the tutorial system offered to Oxford undergraduates (just larger), is another plus point. They were intimate and focused. Seminars allowed us to dive deep into the topics we covered in the lectures. It allowed me to pick on the brains of my cohort mates and learn about their views, experiences and the tools they use to analyse social phenomena. It is a refreshing way to challenge each other by critically analysing not just the readings and the concepts that we are covering for a specific lecture but also our own epistemic and ontological positions. The diversity of the cohort (combination of practitioners and aspiring academics) also allowed us to bridge the gap and tension between theory and practice during the seminars.

My education at Oxford helped sharpen my analytical thinking, research and writing skills. It also challenged my on-the-ground and practice-based knowledge of migration and armed me with other disciplinary lenses, such as anthropology. This helped me stand out in practice (world of work) given the strong and heavy orientation on mainstream approaches and the disciplines of economics and development.

I value the esteemed faculty members and diverse student body. ODID is a melting pot where you can meet academics and professionals from across the world specializing in various areas of international development. Each and every member of ODID brings a unique perspective hinged on their personal and professional experiences.

I served as Vice President of the Oxford Philippines Society from 2021 to 2022. As Vice President, I supported OPS in fostering awareness and appreciation of The Philippines within the University; helped in creating a support network for students with ancestry from the Philippines and those who seek a better understanding of The Philippines and; assisted in providing a platform for the discussion and understanding of, but not limited to, economic, social, cultural, political, and environmental issues related to the Philippines.      

Plan and prepare for your time in Oxford more efficiently. There are just too many opportunities and activities around Oxford! There are activities organised by the MSc programme, ODID, SAME and COMPAS, as well as talks organised by other Oxford departments, colleges and the Oxford Union. There are lots of museums and parks you can access for free plus the opportunity to attend formal hall in the different colleges of Oxford! Then there are more than 400 clubs and societies based on diverse interests. You will definitely find a community where you belong. But it is tough to maximise all these activities and opportunities given the rigour of the programme. Breaks in between terms will likely be used to revise and prepare for exams. Hence, pausing and taking advantage of the non-academic activities in Oxford will help one cope with stress and fatigue. So make sure to sharpen your organisation and time management skills and have them ready for a year of an arduous and exciting journey!