Mr. Rey Dennis B. Caballero
It was high noon, and the Silliman University Information Technology Society was to have their first meeting to elect their pioneering officers. The first batch of Information Technology students gathered in front of the Uytengsu Foundation Computer Center. It was a warm day. Many were running late. And, then “apathetic” eighteen year-old Rey Dennis Caballero raised a complaint that changed his life.
He grumbled to get things over with and begin elections immediately so they could all go home for lunch. His classmates wittingly responded in agreement by electing him as the first-ever president of their society. Since then, he outgrew his apathetic streak and doors of leadership opportunities opened for him one after the other.
“I considered it a calling. There was no turning back”, says Dennis.
Although considerably a “late bloomer”, Dennis’ realization of what he could do for others did not limit his impact and reach as a student-leader. His exemplary performance as IT society president earned him votes to become the first governor of the College of Computer Studies Confederates in 2001 and a second term in 2002. That same year, he was chairman of the Council of Student Organizations (CSO). It was during his leadership as CSO chair when the booth festival celebration started to be called the Hibalag Booth Festival, after the local word for “convergence of people.”
In 2004, he was given the University Leadership Award. It was in the same year when he also earned his degree of Bachelor of Science in Information Technology.
Dennis recognized that his role as a leader did not stop at college. Immediately after graduation, he worked with the United Nations’ Project Experience and founded several organizations, among them are Interminably Undefiable Fraternity (with its founding principles as a “Protest Fraternity”), Newground Events (an event management company) and Gaba-an Youth Lead (a youth facilitating team). Each one aimed at honing leadership potentials in young people. In 2003, he received the Parangal sa Mga Bayani as Youth Champion of the Province of Negros Oriental.
The community became his playground, office and home.
Fate made sure he would marry one who shares this passion and love of community work. Janice, whom he had first met doing volunteer work under the Youth AGENT for Development Federation, walked down the aisle in 2009 and became Mrs. Caballero. Dennis and Janice are now blessed with two lovely daughters, Zaiche Leigh and Aiyana Anneliese, ages five and two, respectively. As a family, they continue serving communities by empowering the youth to initiate reforms.
He joined the university in 2010 as a staff at the Silliman University Robert B. and Metta J. Library, supervising the Cyberlibrary and assisting in its digitization projects. His work on the “Technology Acceptance of the Destiny Library Manager of the University Library System” earned the distinction of Best Paper Award in 2013 from the Philippine eLearning Society or PeLS. He is currently pursuing his Masters in Information Systems.
Dennis is a father to two daughters, a husband to Janice, a “kuya” to many young leaders and a servant-leader to the people of Negros Oriental. His works are truly an outflow of a blessed life.
Describe yourself in three words.
Energetic. Dynamic. Positive.
What is your motto in life?
“You are blessed, be a blessing.”
What makes you laugh?
Doing community work, being with young people
What makes you cry?
Relationships — the good and the bad of it all
What’s your favorite time of the day and why?
Evenings. It is during this time when you feel like you have accomplished something for the day.
What’s your favorite day of the week and why?
Saturday, because it marks the start of the weekend and when I spend time with my family.
What do you love doing when not working?
Community work
What is your favorite hangout place in the University?
Cyber Library.
What makes you blush?
When people make fun of me. When I’m the center of a joke
If you were an actor, who would you be?
Jackie Chan – because he is somebody who even kids can relate to. He gets to have fun while working because you know he is passionate about what he does.
Tell us a fact about yourself.
Being the youth champion of the province, I consider it my vocation. The Lord calls me to be an instrument and I respond in faith.
What’s your favorite game growing up?
I grew up in the age of family computer games like Super Mario.
What is your idea of a relaxing day?
Talking to friends and/or playing with my kids
What one thing would people be interested to know about you?
Where I get the energy to do so many things
What song best describes the YOU and the life you have now?
“Time of my Life” by David Cook
What is the first thing you do right after waking up in the morning?
Listen to music.
What’s your idea of a family?
Enjoy doing things together even at an old age, doing what I love with my kids.
