“Our commitment to excellence quickly spread, transforming the branch into a beacon of opportunity and growth in the region.”
MARIA Teresa Pilapil, vice president for administration of the Lyceum of the Philippines University in Cavite, is a testament to the power of education and the human spirit.
Her journey, from student to visionary leader, is a story of dedication, perseverance and a deep commitment to making a difference.
Hailing from a family that valued education, Pilapil pursued her academic aspirations with fervor.
She graduated with distinction from the Lyceum of the Philippines University (LPU), where she first encountered the institution that would later become a significant part of her professional life.
As a student, Pilapil demonstrated a strong work ethic and a keen interest in serving the university community.
This led to her appointment as secretary to then-university president, Sotero Laurel, a pivotal moment that would shape her career trajectory.
“Working closely with Dr. Laurel was an invaluable experience,” recalls Pilapil. “He was a true statesman and an inspiring leader. I learned so much from him about integrity, vision and the importance of public service.”
MARIA TERESA PILAPIL Vice President for Administration Lyceum of the Philippines University-Caviteso
When Laurel ran for senator in 1987, the university came under the leadership of Roberto Laurel, a visionary leader who recognized Pilapil’s potential.
“Atty. Laurel valued not only my attention to detail but also my ability to connect with people and manage student records effectively,” says Pilapil.
“He entrusted me with a role at the heart of the university’s operations, appointing me as University Registrar.”
As registrar, Pilapil oversaw the entire student journey, from enrollment to graduation.
This role deepened her understanding of the university and its mission, fostering a renewed commitment to education.
“The experience was transformative,” shares Pilapil. “I was directly involved in guiding students, faculty and staff alike. I witnessed the power of education to transform lives and give individuals a greater sense of purpose.”
MAGNIFICENT SEVENMAGNIFICENT SEVEN Teresa Pilapil and her team of seven achieve remarkable growth when they opened Lyceum’s Cavite campus. Starting in 2008 with 1,526 enrollees, the Cavite campus now has over 9,000 students. CONTRIBUTED PHOTOSCONTRIBUTED PHOTOS
After eight years as registrar, she was promoted to vice president for administration. This new role presented a significant challenge: establishing a new branch of the university in Cavite.
“Starting with a modest office in a barracks, we welcomed over a thousand students eager for quality education closer to home,” recalls Pilapil.
“Our commitment to excellence quickly spread, transforming the branch into a beacon of opportunity and growth in the region.”
This journey has been both humbling and inspiring for Pilapil. It has reinforced her belief in the power of resilience, resourcefulness and the transformative impact of education.
“The LPU-Cavite campus stands as a testament to the dedication and shared vision of bringing education to underserved communities,” says Pilapil with pride.
Starting in 2008 with 1,526 enrollees and a team of seven in a temporary “barracks” office, Pilapil and her team achieved remarkable growth. Her passion and vision drove student enrollment to over 9,000 today.
The university’s ISO certifications are a direct result of her perseverance and effective management.
Pilapil’s story serves as an inspiration to all who aspire to make a positive impact on the world.
Her dedication to education and her unwavering commitment to serving others have made her a true leader and a role model for future generations.
Quick questions
What is your greatest fear?
The thought of having Alzheimer’s disease haunts me deeply. The idea of slowly losing my memories — of my loved ones, my past, and ultimately, myself — feels like a fate worse than death. It terrifies me to imagine forgetting the faces of those I care about, the moments that shaped my life and the essence of who I am. For me, it’s not just about the loss of cognitive abilities; it’s the unbearable notion of fading into a void where I no longer recognize the world or the people who define my existence. In that sense, it seems better to leave this earth than to endure such a profound loss of self.
What really makes you angry?
The question of what truly makes me angry is a bit challenging for me. I tend to feel more disappointed or frustrated rather than outright angry, especially when it comes to people I’ve supported extensively but who fail to appreciate or value the effort I’ve put in. It’s not so much the lack of gratitude that bothers me, but the sense that what I’ve done is overlooked or taken for granted.
What motivates you to work hard?
There are many factors that drive a person to work hard, but for me, it comes down to three core motivations: my family, the desire to fulfill the vision and mission of my company, and the responsibility to set a strong example for my subordinates.
What makes you laugh the most?
Well, I’m naturally a happy person, so it’s easy to make me laugh. Spending time with my family, especially during our Sunday lunches, always brings joyful moments that make me laugh. The playful jokes from my colleagues during lunch breaks are another source of laughter. But what probably makes me laugh the most is watching my children proudly show off the TikTok dance moves they’ve learned or sending me video clips that remind them of how I raised them.
What do you want to be when you were small?
This question made me smile because at 5 ft tall, and surrounded by colleagues and friends who stand 5 ft 3 inches to 5 ft and 8 inches, I am still small. I always wanted to be a teacher, and I never considered my physical stature as a hindrance to my childhood dream. While my classmates back then were playing bahay-bahayan (playing house), I would gather the children in our neighborhood, act as their teacher and help them with their assignments — except for the Mathematics subject.
What would I do if I won the lottery?
It may sound cliché, but helping those in need comes first in my mind. Naturally, as a mother, I would set aside some of the money to secure my children’s future, but one of my greatest desires would be to purchase the land where the two houses of Bukid Kabataan are located, ensuring that their home remains theirs forever. Bukid Kabataan, a refuge for sexually and physically abused children, is very close to my heart, and winning the lottery would allow me to make a lasting impact on this institution. I would also contribute to the Philippine Red Cross, particularly toward the construction of a new building in Cavite, which will serve and benefit the local community.
If you could share a meal with any individual, living or dead, who would he or she be?
As someone who never had the chance to share a meal with one’s own father, I would love to have a meal with my “amang,” my grandfather, who passed away at the age of 85. He devoted most of his life helping his daughter — my mom, a solo parent — and being the father I never had.
What is the most daring thing you have done?
The most daring thing I have ever done was exploring Moscow on my own with nothing but a piece of paper as my map. My phone had run out of battery, leaving me without access to navigation or translation tools, and to make matters more challenging, no one around me spoke English.
What was the last book you read?
The book “Ikigai: The Japanese Secret to a Long and Happy Life” offers several life lessons centered around finding purpose and balance that shaped my perspective.
Who is the celebrity you
would like to meet for coffee?
If I had the chance to meet and have coffee with any celebrity, it would be Keanu Reeves. He stands out not just for his success as an actor, but for his genuinely amiable personality.
Where do you see yourself in the next 10 years?
In 10 years, I see myself entering retirement — but not in the traditional sense. While I may retire from the hectic demands of my current work schedule, I envision myself continuing to contribute to society, particularly through charitable programs that benefit local communities. I want to remain active and engaged, finding fulfillment in helping others. Definitely, I hope to be enjoying precious time with my children and grandchildren, creating memories together. Retirement, for me, will be about finding balance — staying connected to my passions while embracing a more relaxed pace of life.
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