BECOMING a top official leading a government office in the whole region of Davao was never the main goal of this woman who rose from the ranks.
Maricar Casquejo, Commission on Higher Education (Ched) Davao regional director, narrated that her mantra in life is “doing your best in everything you do.”
“Even if you’re in the lowest position, do everything at your best and do not expect for recognition because your true boss is God,” Casquejo said.
Born in President Roxas, North Cotabato, Casquejo finished her baccalaureate degree in Davao City at the University of the Immaculate Conception in March 1996.
She took up two masteral courses in different institutions in Davao City.
First, she finished her Master in Business Administration at the University of Southeastern Philippines where she received the Outstanding Thesis Award in March 1999 and then her Master in Information Management at the University of the Immaculate Conception in March 2005.
She also received the Dean’s Citation for Exemplary Research Paper given by the USEP-School of Governance and Management (SGM) on April 7, 2005.
Casquejo also finished her doctorate degree in Development Research and Administration in October of 2004 at the Usep-SGM.
But aside from her educational attainment, her works have also spoken so much as she has received many accolades and recognitions, topping off with the Recognition for Exceptional Performance as Technical Supervisor given by the Ched Central Office on May 19, 2010.
She was also bestowed the Outstanding Engineering Alumna by the University of the Immaculate Conception (UIC) in February of 2007.
But apart from the recognitions she has received, Casquejo emphasized that it was just a bonus that her efforts are being recognized.
“Do your best as a means to glorify God and everything else will follow. All the dots in your life will be connected. You will just be surprised that your promotion is fast-tracked, and you will meet people who will be instrumental in your promotion because they believe in you,” she said.
She added that a promotion is just a result of one’s faithful and sincere service, doing one’s best, and going beyond what is expected of him.
“At the end of the day, bear in mind not the promotion but how you glorified God in your own little way,” she said.
Before becoming the regional director of Ched Davao region, she had worked as a training section head/ technical staff at the UIC’s computer center for three years, from 1996 to 1999.
She also chaired the MBA Program of the Usep’s Graduate School as well as a senior lecturer.
At present, she also holds the position of Education Supervisor II on Information Technology Education and Graduate Education Programs at Ched Davao region aside from being the Director IV.
She also served as Director IV of the same office in Caraga Region for almost five years, from April 1, 2014 to January 10, 2019.
Casquejo is married to Commission on Elections Commissioner lawyer Marlon S. Casquejo.