KINABUKASAN SOCIETY

Towards Unity and Service

Profile of the Grand Magistrate

Early on his high school days, he already knew he wanted to become an engineer. The motivation and encouragement comes from his late father whose profession is also in the field of engineering. Charged with this inspiration and early vison in mind, his mathematical ability was greatly enhanced; and not surprisingly enough that nobody in his class has ever beat him in any subject that has something to do with numerics.

Constantino Huit Cordial, Jr., the well loved son and pride of the people in the coastal village of Daraga, one of the respectable barangay of Caramoan, Camarines sur, has a life story of humble beginning and an inspiring message of success that are worth emulating.

Education

"Onyu" as the townfolks fondly call him, began to regularly cross the sea on a small motor boat when he started to attend his elementary grades at Caramoan Central School in Poblacion and continue to endure the weekend sailing to finish secondary grades at the United High School in 1980.

Then he went on to pursue his dream by enrolling at the University of Nueva Caceres in Naga City. This time going to the City is yet another body of water to traverse that takes at least another 2-1/2 hour trip by an inefficient motor boat at that time.

With great enthusiasm, he enrolled the regular subjects plus an overload of any available and allowable advanced subjects; and as if pulling down the time, he never missed to attend summer classes. So in 1984, he earned the Degree of Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering within a record time of 4 years instead of the regular 5 years engineering course curriculum.

Licensed Civil and Jr. Geodetic Engineer

He took and passed the Professional Regulation Commission board examination to become a full pledged Civil Engineer in 1984, with a general point average of 90.20% which is just a hairline margin of clinch the 10th place. It is also interesting to note that in this exam, he got 98% grade in his favorite subject, mathematics.

Immediately after Civil engineering exams, he took the opportunity of undergoing the Jr. Geodetic Board Examinations and as expected, he passed with flying colors and made a remarkable record of 100% rating in mathematics

Job Hunting

At this time, he is already fully equipped with the tools of knowledge and impressive credentials. What remains to be done is to go on job hunting in the competitive employment world in Metro Manila. But landing a job in those turbulent times is worth a miracle! 1985 ushered in the day of the Street Parliamentarians that culminates in the 1986 EDSA People Power revolution. The Philippine economy thereby slowed down - such that there are no new investments or business expansion programs to be able to open new opportunities for fresh graduates.

Humble Life Experience

It is also at this time he dreadfully felt the creeping serious financial burden he has to carry being a young family man; and quite apprehensive of the additional budget requirements during and after the delivery of their first child. With no other option left, he went out on the streets of Boni in Mandaluyong, pushing a cart and vending foods in the neighborhood and passers-by. In other times, he engaged in hard labor construction work with his brother Gene, who is getting small contracts as a sub-contractor at that time. Onyu knows very well living a life in poverty and this gave him a real lesson in life to be strong, patient and persevering. The experience also left a distinct mark in his heart to be more compassionate with the less fortunate and the downtrodden elements in our society. Nonetheless, he believes in the wisdom of thanksgiving in words and in deeds for all the blessings that are coming his ways.

Professional Career

A good break came in a way of Onyu when he was finally taken in as Cadet Engineer at Metal Forming Corporation. He started as an estimator, then rose to become an Assistant Manager for Sales & Services. His sheer talent and hard work earned him the trust and confidence of his company who assigns him in the most important projects and recognized him as the foremost troubleshooter in the field. He ended his 10 years of sterling service at Metal Forming Corporation as Special Project Manager, then pursued his own business interest under the same trade he knows best.

Priority Employment for Caramoanons

His expertise on steel structure erection and roofing installations gained him in a short period of time a long list of satisfied big clients such as Procter and Gamble Phils., Concepcion Industries and National Power Corporation to name a few. With his flourishing business in construction works, there is also a growing job opportunities he is able to provide to his town mates in Daraga and nearby coastal villages. On the average, his workforce consists of at least 120 workers, and at peak time he would employ as much as 300 people with the foremost consideration of giving the job opportunity to Caramoanons. This is in line with the dictum he adopted "CARAMOANON FIRST".

Rest and Recreation

At home, he loves to sing out on the videoke system to relax, but not quite because he is still equipped with various communication gadgets which often interrupts his pleasure. Onyu was so busy ever since that he found holding parties in his home a good means to break work pressures. He also loves to go on an out of town family rest & recreation along with the respective families of participating KSEAN members. This is how Onyu is keeping his cool confidence and balance.

Real Person

CONSTANTINO H. CORDIAL , JR. is living up to his name. He is CONSTANTLY holding on to his dream of helping his beloved town mates and remain CORDIAL and fair in all his dealings.