MANILA, Philippines – At just 10 years old, Chad Anthony B. Villela was selling vegetables in Pio del Pilar, Makati, to help his family make ends meet, never imagining that he would one day earn six PRC licenses through decades of perseverance and lifelong learning.
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| From selling vegetables at age 10 to earning 6 PRC licenses, Chad Anthony B. Villela shows that it's never too late to pursue new dreams. |
In an exclusive interview with The Summit Express, Villela reflected on the journey that transformed a young vegetable vendor into an engineer, public servant, and lifelong learner driven by a passion to serve others.
"I began selling vegetables at ten years old, and that experience strengthened my determination to study and work toward a better future," he recalled.
His life changed after becoming a scholar at Don Bosco Technical Institute-Makati, where his passion for engineering first took root.
He later earned a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from Mapúa Institute of Technology in 1997 before passing the Civil Engineer Licensure Examination.
Over the years, he also became a Registered Master Plumber and Geodetic Engineer, building a strong foundation for a career that would eventually span both the Philippines and the international stage.
A Japanese company's technical training opened the door to nearly two decades of work in Kenya, Nigeria, Qatar, Singapore, Australia, India, and Malaysia, where he honed his skills while adapting to different cultures and industries.
When he returned to the Philippines in 2022, Villela joined the Office of the City Engineer of Santa Rosa, Laguna, where his work in land development, engineering surveys, roads, waterways, drainage systems, and infrastructure planning inspired him to keep learning.
Rather than slowing down, he returned to the classroom while serving in government, earning a Bachelor of Science in Real Estate Management from the Lyceum of Alabang before passing the Real Estate Broker and Real Estate Appraiser licensure examinations in 2024.
Determined to broaden his impact on sustainable development, he went on to complete a master's degree major in Environmental Planning, a journey that culminated in passing the May 2026 Environmental Planners Licensure Examination.
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| Engr. Chad Anthony B. Villela takes his oath as a licensed Environmental Planner in July 2026, marking his sixth PRC professional license. |
That achievement earned Villela his sixth PRC professional license, a milestone he reached just before turning 50 after decades of continuous learning and perseverance.
“It reflected decades of perseverance—from selling vegetables as a child to working internationally, returning to public service, and continuing my education,” he said.
Behind every milestone, Villela says, stood a family that quietly shared every sacrifice and celebrated every victory.
He credits his wife, Cherry Ann Laya-Villela, and their son, Cyhan Aaviel Villela, for giving him the love, patience, and encouragement to keep pursuing new dreams through every stage of life.
Today, Villela is pursuing a Doctor of Philosophy in Development Administration to deepen his knowledge of governance, sustainable development, and public-sector leadership.
"Learning does not stop because of age; it keeps the flame of purpose alive and prepares us to serve others more meaningfully," he said.
For aspiring professionals and future board examinees, his advice remains simple and timeless.
"Do not measure your readiness solely by your age, academic history, or present circumstances," he said.
"Begin with a clear purpose, prepare systematically, and remain consistent even when progress seems slow."
From a young boy selling vegetables in Makati to a respected engineer, public servant, and six-time PRC professional, Villela's life stands as a testament to the power of education, perseverance, and purpose.
His journey reminds us that no dream has an expiration date, and that the greatest achievements often belong to those who never stop learning.
— The Summit Express
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