#ShapedbyCSU: How a CEd alumnus created ‘rivers’ of opportunities for himself and his community

“Looking back to where you started is important to get to where you want in life.” CSU alumnus Alejandro Macadatar, PhD, values this mindset. He is a product of the university’s commitment to quality education, shaped when it was still known as the Northern Mindanao State Institute of Science and Technology (NORMISIST).

Dr. Macadatar earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education, major in Mathematics, in 1996 and his Master of Education in 2002, both from CSU. He has since served the Department of Education in the region for over 28 years, rising from Teacher I to Chief of the Field Technical Assistance Division (FTAD), DepEd Caraga Region.

Becoming a teacher was his dream, which started in grade school when there was only one teacher in his home community in Maasin, Esperanza, Agusan del Sur. In 1984-1985, when he was about 10 years old, the war tensions in his hometown heightened, prompting his family to vacate. They moved to Butuan, where he worked on his dream of becoming an educator. 

Finishing college, no matter what

When it was time for him to enroll in college, Dr. Macadatar took and passed several admission tests among top universities in Mindanao, including then-NORMISIST. He chose the latter due to its proximity. “My mother couldn’t afford to send me to school far from home. We barely had enough in the household for our needs, how much more if she had to worry about sending me allowances.” 

He recalled having only Php 10.00 allowance per day—Php 6.00 for fare (back and forth), Php 3.00 for food, and Php 1.00 for water. He had to walk about 4 kilometers from his home past Magsaysay Bridge, where he rode to CSU because he could not afford a double ride. 

Financial constraints were a challenge to his college journey. But he persisted because he wanted to graduate. He worked on the side to finance his other expenses, including doing simple research work for classmates in exchange for snacks. He also signed up as a student assistant during his junior year, earning P1.25 per hour, which was “not much but helpful.”  

“It was a struggle, but I never thought of stopping,” is how Dr. Macadatar puts it. “Gusto man gyud ko mo eskwela. Di man pud ko mo sugot na mo undang. So, mao to padayon lang ko” [I was determined to study. I also never considered stopping. So, I endured.]

It was during his time at CSU that Dr. Macadatar began fully understanding his potential as an educator. “Sa CSU ko nakabalo nga nakasabot nako. Nag eskwela diay ko from high school na passive lang. [At CSU, I became more aware that I was learning a lot for a purpose. I also realized that I was learning passively prior, especially in high school.]

He went on to finish his bachelor’s degree with a Cum Laude distinction. Six years later, he returned to earn his master’s degree, attending the same program as his former English teacher in high school, who remarked on him as “a late bloomer who had come so far” – from being tight-lipped to being articulate. 

“CSU prepared me for what was after college—teaching,” highlighted Dr. Macadatar. With insights gained from the university, he explored the education sector and conquered heights, sharing triumphs with fellow Golden Paddlers in his class who are now division and district supervisors and principals, among others. 

Fulfilling his dream job, advocacy

“I always had one dream job in mind. Even before I graduated, I knew that I would go back to my hometown and teach there.” Upon graduating in 1996, Dr. Macadatar did not apply for other jobs but went back to his community and volunteered as a teacher. The barangay captain then was putting up a day care center in a sitio. There was no concrete building yet, only a waiting shed that served as a makeshift classroom for several aspiring young learners. He served for a year there before his appointment to the Department of Education as Teacher I in 1997. 

“Gusto nako na tanan mga bata mo eskwela bahalag lisod.” [I want all children to attend school even if life could be difficult.]. Believing in the power of education in changing the course of one’s life, Dr. Macadatar’s advocacy has been ‘pro-education for all’. 

While a full-fledged Chief of the DepEd Field Technical Assistance Division since 2024, a unit that provides guidance and resources to improve school operations and teaching, he has also led several personal campaigns to motivate learners’ school attendance. 

One notable initiative is the Asal, Talento, Basa at Pagbilang (ATBP), in partnership with select schools in Esperanza for three years already. Graders excelling in reading and mathematics, including those with exceptional talents and good character, are recognized with medals and cash prizes. He has also provided school supplies during Brigada Eskwela for about 10 years now. 

With almost 28 years of experience in the education sector honed from classroom teaching to high-level decision-making, Dr. Macadatar shares a major concern in the current education landscape. “While interventions in reading, literacy, and numeracy are heightened, including capacity building for teachers and increased government support, our learners are more challenged nowadays as influenced by social media and social trends.” 

When asked for advice on addressing learning gaps, Dr. Macadatar shares the challenge with the parents and students themselves. “It all starts in the family. The teachers are there to support, but parents can help students realize their potential at an early age and motivate them. This is our ongoing challenge.”

‘Life is a river’

Dr. Macadatar believes that his drive to give his all in everything he does has helped him achieve where he is today. “I put my heart into accomplishing my tasks. All the tasks delegated to me, I accomplish beyond average output. This competitiveness he credits CSU for imparting to him. 

“I never regretted pursuing my studies at CSU because I was honed to become competitive.”

He advises the same to Golden Paddlers and aspiring ones.

“They should be prepared. Maximize your stay at the university, learn, and finish your programs. Dili ni [college] siya pwede na chamba chamba lang [Luck is not enough in college]. I am sure you will become competent at CSU.” 

Dr. Macadatar was the first in his clan to finish college. His mantra—life is a river—has motivated him at times when challenges caught up to him. “There are areas in the river that are shallow, deep, and average. You will go through them, but you will eventually reach the end goal or the point where the river meets the sea. I had my eye on the sea. And today, I can say that I am already there. This is what I dreamed of.”