CEBU, Philippines — Donaldo “Dondon” C. Hontiveros gets an added value to his “DH25” as, after 25 years, his determination and hard work are doing him wonders again. This time, a college degree.
Hontiveros, the number 1 councilor in Cebu City, recalled in an interview with The Freeman that playing in the big league, the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) no less, had always been his dream as a kid.
Aside from enjoying the game, Hontiveros aimed to be a PBA player as a means to help his family.
Though a “late bloomer” in basketball, Hontiveros could only get up to intramurals during his first year in college at the University of San Jose-Recoletos.
While in USJ-R, he took up Electronics Communication Engineering as it was something relatable to him at that time being with Don Bosco Technological Center (DBTC) back in high school.
When he transferred to the University of Cebu, Hontiveros shifted to Electrical Engineering as it was the closest course he could get from his previous school.
Eventually, Hontiveros was given the chance to showcase his wares as a varsity at UC and later on as a professional playing with the Metropolitan Basketball Association (MBA) in 1998 and then the PBA starting in 2000.
When he was already based in Manila, Hontiveros tried to continue his studies at the University of the East, but eventually decided to forego his plan as his major subjects are on a campus located in Caloocan and he isn’t familiar with the area.
“Lisod kaayo..first year nako sa Manila, wala koy idea how to get there,” recalls Hontiveros.
Hontiveros’ basketball career blossomed, getting him several championship crowns in the PBA under different teams and personal accolades, as well as making it to one of the best batches of the Gilas Pilipinas, the country’s national team in basketball.
Basketball eventually gave his family a more comfortable life, that finishing college didn’t cross his mind again. Even when he decided to enter politics, Hontiveros said he did not feel underestimated being a college dropout.
However, his being the chairman of the committee on Education in the City Council as well as with the scholarship program of the city government, somehow, inspired him to return to college.
Hontiveros learned of the Expanded Tertiary Education Equivalency and Accreditation Program (ETEEAP) while doing the Alaska Power Camp at USJ-R and from his ate and a cousin.
Under ETEEAP, working professionals with five or more years of work experience, but who were either unable to finish their college education or were completely unable to step into college for different reasons can earn a bachelor’s degree without going through traditional schooling methods.
After learning ETEEAP was also offered at UC, Hontiveros decided to give schooling another shot.
Instead of finishing his Electrical Engineering course, Hontiveros decided to take up BSBA in Human Resource Management.
“Gipapili man ko either Electrical or Human Resource Management, diri lang ko (Human Resource)..kay connected sa trabaho,” Hontiveros said as priorities had also shifted to public service.
Hontiveros admits it’s not easy to juggle his tasks as a City Councilor, all the basketball invitations, and other activities he needs to attend to, his family, and his studies, but as a go-getter that he is and good game plan with him, nothing was impossible.
Right after defending his thesis, Hontiveros went to see UC President Augusto Go right away to thank him for the opportunity to finish schooling while also extending his thanks to his own staff for also helping him out. During his graduation late last week, Hontiveros felt like a kid again, standing tall and proud with another achievement unlocked.
Hontiveros couldn’t be prouder and happier to see Mayor Michael Rama gracing the event and waited for him to go up on stage to get his diploma before leaving for another activity.
As the Cebuano Hotshot finishes off college, he is also advising other players and even non-athletes to continue their studies when a chance to do so comes.
“Of course, mas maayo gyud makatiwas..lahi ra gyud…There is always room for growth,” Hontiveros said as it gives you a better understanding at work and in life.
As learning doesn’t stop with a college diploma, Hontiveros is weighing things down at the moment on whether to pursue a Master’s Degree in Public Administration while continuing his mission in public service. — (FREEMAN)