Redefining and reforming leadership: Q&A with MPM Health Governance alumnus Dr Meccar Elino

As part of this school year’s Ateneo School of Government (ASoG) Master in Public Management (MPM) Health Governance track roster of medalists, Dr Meccar Elino shares how his experience in the program taught him to value diverse viewpoints, adapt leadership styles, and contribute to his overall growth both as a medical professional and as a leader.

How does it feel to be a medalist in this batch?

I am Meccar Moniem Haradji Elino, a Medical Specialist III of the Department of Health in Sulu Province. Becoming a medalist feels like a living testament to perseverance, dedication, and resilience. This achievement serves as a reminder that passion and diligence can transform aspirations into reality. It is an inspiration that validates one’s countless hours of hard work, sacrifices, and determination, and a symbol of resilience amidst the feat, vicissitude, and fast-paced dynamism of the society.

Why did you decide to apply to Ateneo, and why MPM specifically? 

I chose Ateneo because it has a long history of producing numerous ethical and influential leaders and public servants that have profound contributions to nation-building. Specifically, I chose the flagship program of the Ateneo School of Government, the Master in Public Management, because it focuses on developing leadership, governance, and public management skills, with customary courses tailored to the specific needs and interests in my workplace and career. The program emphasizes mastering Ethics, Politics, Economics, and other relevant areas of governance in my work as a public servant.

How did you find your experience with your fellow students and with the faculty? Any stories and lessons you would like to share?

My interactions with fellow students and faculty were enriching. The diverse backgrounds and perspectives led to engaging discussions, collaborative learning, and lasting connections. A key lesson I learned was the importance of empathy and effective communication in the team. Our group projects, especially in Health Human Resource Management, taught me to value diverse viewpoints and adapt leadership styles to achieve shared goals. The faculty's mentorship and expertise greatly contributed to my growth, offering valuable insights and guidance to my organization.

I learned valuable lessons in adaptability, creative problem-solving, and effective communication through the vital learning schemes of the Master in Public Management which are the interactions and collaboration with the batchmates. Their diverse professional backgrounds, expertise, and perspectives broadened my understanding of public management challenges. Notably, their resilience, determination, and unique experiences inspired me to approach complex issues with innovative thinking. These mechanisms perhaps would not be otherwise learned in other settings.

What life lesson/s will you take away from your MPM experience? 

My MPM journey taught me invaluable life lessons: Collaborative Leadership for valuing diverse perspectives; Adaptability for navigating complex policies and uncertainties; Empathy for understanding the majority needs with minority inclusivity; and Life-long Learning for staying updated on data-driven global best practices. These lessons will guide my professional growth and commitment to public service.

I plan to pursue higher leadership roles, mentor young leaders, and continue research and innovation to be at par with best practices. My ultimate goal is to contribute to the transformative public governance that entails sustainability and distributive justice in the healthcare system of our province.

Given the chance to talk to a future MPM student, what words of wisdom would you give?

To future MPM students, I humbly advise you to:

Stay curious to embrace diverse perspectives and challenges;

Collaborate to foster meaningful connections with peers and mentors;

Balance theory and practice to apply learnings to real-world scenarios;

Self-care to prioritize well-being amidst academic feat & demands; and

Be open-minded because complexities in public management require adaptability.

Make the most of this transformative journey!

The ASoG Master in Public Management Program offers a specialized track in Health Governance (MPM-HG). This program is designed for practitioners in the field of health care, especially public health, who aim to hone their skill and broaden their perspective. To learn more about the MPM-HG, please visit this page.

The Ateneo School of Government proudly congratulates the Master in Public Management Class of 2024. The School hopes that, like Dr. Elino, they will all serve as inspirations and models for the positive societal change our country needs.

This article is part of a series of features about ASoG’s 2024 MPM medalists. Read more about our other medalists and the valedictorian here.