Meet Affiliate Member Joanna Rose Telles Laddaran
We caught up with Joanna Rose Telles Laddaran to find out what the life of a BCI Affiliate member and University Extension Specialist involves…
Location: Philippines
My Career Background
I work as a University Extension Specialist at the University of the Philippines Institute for Small-Scale Industries (UP ISSI). I have also completed the APEC Train-the-Trainer Workshop on Promoting SME Business Continuity Plans, and the APEC Strengthening Government’s Role in Promoting BCP to Mitigate against the Impact of Disasters.
“As part of BCI, we can help increase awareness of the importance of resilience not only in businesses but also in the community at large.”
What I Do Now
I am involved in research and extension services aimed at developing the micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in the Philippines. I also serve as a lecturer and coach for UP ISSI’s Business Continuity Planning Training Programs designed to develop a culture of preparedness among MSMEs in the Philippines. My research on MSME Disaster Vulnerability and Resilience describes business disruption experiences, and the extent of BCP practice and awareness amongst MSMEs
A Typical Day at Work
08:00 Check e-mails, review the previous day’s to-do list.
08:30 Browse BCI website and other sites related to business continuity and entrepreneurship.
09:00 Research on MSME Disaster Vulnerability and Resilience.
12:00 Lunch.
13:00 Continue research on MSME Disaster Vulnerability and Resilience.
14:00 Participate in division meeting and training course curriculum review.
15:00 Improve UP ISSI’s BCP training modules.
17:00 Check e-mails, update to-do list for the next day.
Favourite Parts of My Job
Interacting with MSMEs, hearing about their stories of starting and growing their business, and learning from their experiences.
“She was well prepared and realized that aside from gaining profit, she has a responsibility to open her store in order to serve the community that needs her products and services.”
Most Memorable Incident
Recently, I learned that one of our BCP training graduates was able to use the knowledge she had gained from the training. During the last typhoon that hit her area, instead of her usual practice of closing her mini-grocery store, she could continue operating her business. She was well prepared and realized that aside from gaining profit, she has a responsibility to open her store in order to serve the community that needs her products and services.
My Goals for the Future
To become a certified Business Continuity professional. I want to develop a holistic Community Enterprise Preparedness Program in partnership with relevant government and private agencies, which incorporates the principles of BCP, family and community preparedness planning
Words of Advice for Other Business Continuity Practitioners?
We all play a significant role in promoting business resilience and community preparedness. As part of BCI, we can help increase awareness of the importance of resilience not only in businesses but also in the community at large.
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