My PMI PH Story: How Volunteering Became a True Gift
- Ramon Navarro
- 1 day ago
- 3 min read
Some gifts in life don’t arrive wrapped or celebrated. They come quietly, through people who guide you, through communities that welcome you in, and through moments that reveal who you can become. My PMI Philippines journey is one of those gifts. I didn’t expect it to shape my purpose, my career, or my leadership as deeply as it did, but it has stayed with me ever since.
How It All Started
My story began in 2012 when my first mentor and program sponsor, Chito Torres, introduced me to the Chapter. At that time, I simply wanted to learn from experienced practitioners and grow in my project management career. But as soon as I became involved, I realized that PMI PH was more than a learning platform. It was a community driven by purpose. That shared mission pulled me in. What started as an observation gradually became a contribution, and eventually, a commitment.
Volunteering has given me more than I could have anticipated, and that is why I passionately advocate for it to every new member I meet. Your own rewarding experience is waiting for you, but you have to take that first step. — Ramon Navarro III, PMP
Finding My Place Through Something I Already Loved
My first volunteer role wasn’t technical. It was personal. I served as photographer and videographer for our Knowledge Sharing Sessions and fellowship events. Using something I already loved doing allowed me to contribute meaningfully right away.
What truly made those early days memorable was the culture. The Board of Trustees and volunteers made me feel valued regardless of how small my contribution was. That warmth made me feel at home.
A Moment That Showed Me the Heart of PMI
A defining moment came after Typhoon Yolanda in November 2013. The PMI PH leaders made a swift and bold move to pivot the planned June 2014 National Project Management Symposium into a Disaster Response Symposium. Held in August 2014, it brought together international partners to help equip government agencies with disaster recovery management.
As a new volunteer, seeing how quickly we mobilized made a lasting impact on me. It showed me that our work isn’t just about professional development. It’s about stepping up when the country needs us most.
Stepping Into Leadership
My biggest turning point came in 2016 when I was asked to lead the Sponsorship Committee for the National Symposium on Project Management. It was a significant responsibility, and with guidance from fellow volunteers, especially Charlie Valerio, we successfully delivered what the event required.
That experience gave me confidence that I could contribute at a strategic level. Later, taking responsibilities in Data Privacy allowed me to support the Chapter’s operations behind the scenes. It wasn’t glamorous work, but it mattered. It protected our members, ensured compliance, and shaped my understanding of what it takes to run a volunteer organization well.
The Gift I Didn’t Expect: How PMI Shaped My Career
Looking back, volunteering didn’t just help me grow. It changed the trajectory of my career. One of the biggest unexpected benefits was the people I worked with. Some of the volunteers I collaborated with eventually became my bosses in the corporate world. That level of trust and shared experience accelerated my growth and helped me transition from project manager to someone capable of driving large-scale transformation programs. On a personal level, I have found that the discipline of project management isn’t just for work. It has deeply improved how I navigate my personal life and view the world.
If You’re Thinking About Volunteering in PMI PH
My advice is simple. Just try it. Your own rewarding experience is waiting for you, but you have to take that first step. Good things happen when you get involved in PMI, not just in terms of career growth, but in the lifelong friendships you build with fellow practitioners along the way. Volunteering doesn’t always feel life-changing at first. But with every task, every collaboration, every moment of showing up, you uncover something deeper: confidence, purpose, community, and friendships that stay with you long after the work ends. And often, the most meaningful gifts are the ones we uncover, not the ones we expect.
About the Author
Ramon “Mon” Navarro III, PMP is the Head of IT Program and Project Delivery at Aboitiz Power Corporation. He thrives on solving complex problems, mentoring future practitioners, and championing project management as a life skill.
A lifelong adventurer, Mon enjoys freediving, has recently taken up running, and spends his free time exploring how GenAI can be applied in practical project management. On weekends, he is also an avid Formula 1 fan, cheering for Max Verstappen.
