Starly B. Cala-or, the 30-year-old Compliance Head of Managed Services Group-Nationwide at Asiapro Cooperative, exemplifies the essence of dedication, leadership, and a deep commitment to the cooperative values. Since joining Asiapro on July 8, 2016, Starly has made significant strides in his career, demonstrating an unwavering commitment to integrity, proactive risk management, and interdepartmental collaboration. His journey is not just a testament to personal perseverance but also a beacon of inspiration for those aspiring to make a meaningful impact within a cooperative setting.

Early Days and Career Progression

Starly's professional journey with Asiapro began as a Recruitment and Assessment Specialist under the Member Development Group. Despite facing initial rejections, his determination to join a cooperative—driven by the belief that people within such a setting are truly valued, recognized, and heard—kept him persistent. A year later, he transitioned to the role of Compliance Facilitator/Cooperative Secretary, and subsequently, he took on roles as Talent Acquisition Officer, Compliance Officer, and Chief Labor Relations Officer. Each of these roles allowed him to hone his skills and build confidence in various areas, including general labor standards compliance, occupational safety and health compliance, adherence to regulatory requirements, and employee relations and discipline.

A Typical Day as Compliance Head

Starly's typical day begins with a cup of coffee, organizing his to-do lists, and checking and responding to emails. He then holds a quick team briefing to discuss and plan the team’s priorities and attend to any urgent compliance tasks. His responsibilities include contract review and negotiations, identifying and discussing potential areas of compliance vulnerability and risks with the operations team, addressing compliance and legal-related concerns, attending DOLE and NLRC hearings, attending DOLE inspections, and attending interdepartmental and client meetings. His comprehensive approach ensures that compliance and legal matters are managed efficiently and effectively, fostering a culture of integrity and accountability within the organization.

Leadership and Mentorship

Starly's leadership style is characterized by leading by example, promoting balance and impartiality, recognizing individual contributions, and being value-driven. He consistently models the behavior and work ethics he expects from his team, maintaining professionalism and striving to set a high standard. He ensures that all team members are involved and treated fairly, recognizing their individual efforts, which not only boosts morale but also motivates the team to maintain high performance.

"Sir Starly is very considerate as a superior and is very open to suggestions. He is easy to talk to about ideas, and we find it comfortable to share our opinions and thoughts about our work with him. He knows how to capitalize on the strengths of each team member and how to address areas for improvement. He delegates work properly to make sure everyone develops a sense of accountability. He encourages us not to limit ourselves by staying in our comfort zone, helping us develop our skills and knowledge, especially in terms of Compliance," says John Harold Villaruel, Compliance Officer of MSG Nationwide.

According to Regina Bernandino, Cluster Head of MSG Nationwide, "Starly demonstrates exceptional organizational skills and takes great pride in his work. He ensures that he gathers all necessary data before making commitments or providing answers." This meticulous approach is a cornerstone of his leadership style, fostering a culture of accuracy and reliability within his team.

Commitment to Integrity and Problem Solving

Starly's dedication to integrity and proactive risk management is evident in his approach to compliance. He focuses on educating the Operations Team about the repercussions of non-compliance rather than simply teaching them how to comply. This strategy instills a culture of awareness, responsibility, and proactive risk management within the organization, enhancing their compliance posture, operational efficiency, and client-coop relationships.

Angelique Divinagracia, Group Head of MSG Nationwide, mentions, "Starly’s extensive experience with MSG has equipped him with the potential to excel as a lawyer. His leadership abilities have proven him to be a mentor to both his subordinates and colleagues, particularly in labor relations."

Empowering Frontliners and Enhancing Service Delivery

As Compliance Head, Starly spearheaded an initiative to elevate the organization's service delivery in compliance and legal matters, ensuring that client concerns were promptly and effectively addressed. He implemented an operations and client-centric approach, leading the implementation of enhanced policies that met regulatory requirements and aligned with best practices of the client and the cooperative. He also organized learning sessions and workshops for the Operations Team to enhance their understanding of compliance regulations and address client concerns.

Randy Rustro, Business Unit Head of MSG Nationwide, adds, "At work, Starly is strict and hands-on when he needs to be. He never ignores erroneous practices but makes sure to address them properly. He emphasizes compliance while being considerate to the needs of the Operations team. He is a leader that we can always rely upon and happily work with."

A Message to Aspiring Cooperative Members

For the younger generation considering joining a cooperative, Starly encourages them to take the leap. He believes the cooperative model provides endless opportunities for personal and professional growth, emphasizing the chance to be part of something bigger than oneself, where contributions directly impact and positively influence the lives of many.

To those already part of the cooperative, he advises, "Continue to embrace and live the spirit of 'members helping members.' Your contributions and dedication matter. Seize every opportunity to learn, grow, and make a positive influence."

Starly B. Cala-or's journey with Asiapro Cooperative is a testament to the power of persistence, dedication, and a commitment to integrity. His leadership and contributions have not only enhanced the cooperative's compliance posture but also fostered a culture of proactive risk management and interdepartmental collaboration. His story is an inspiration to all, demonstrating that with determination and a commitment to one's values, significant and impactful career milestones are achievable.