Ronald Marasigan De Castro actively mentors young Filipinos, encouraging them to pursue global leadership roles and proving that nationality is an asset, not a limitation. “To any young Filipino who feels hopeless right now, remember this: your situation today does not define your future.”
His experience reflects the shared story of countless Overseas Filipino Workers: proving that competence transcends nationality. In Dubai, he faced subtle biases and skepticism. “I was promoted to a role where some colleagues questioned whether a Filipino could perform at the required level… I had to navigate subtle biases and skepticism, which amplified the pressure,” he shared.
Today, success for De Castro is measured not just by career milestones but by what he has given his family. “Before, I worried whether my siblings could finish school; now, I have supported their education and provided my own children with stability and opportunities I never had,” he said.
The TFT Watchlist Award became a launchpad for his career. After receiving it, his career accelerated further, enabling him to lead negotiations for high-value contracts and expand into new markets. “It served as both recognition of my track record and a reminder of the responsibility that comes with being entrusted to deliver results on a larger scale,” he noted.
His journey from a home of humble means to global recognition is proof that Filipino talent knows no borders. His trajectory, he emphasizes, was about choosing the hard path and walking through it. “What I didn’t have before—security, influence, and the ability to uplift others—defines my success today.”
His journey began after a crushing blow: his father’s death in 2005. “It was the aftermath of losing him which drove me to move out of the country and find a better way to support the family’s financial needs,” he explained. He dedicates the award to his mother and wife, who have been his anchors.
De Castro believes in the strength of Filipinos. “Believe in your worth as a Filipino; we are resilient, creative, and capable of thriving anywhere,” he advised.
