Col. Malunhao: Cadiz City’s International Naval Engineering Professor

They say Cadiznons are world-class professionals.

Whether in education, public service, sports, arts, business, or technical fields, they consistently demonstrate a strong work ethic and a commitment to excellence that set them apart.

Indeed, they are widely recognized for their ingenuity, perseverance, dedication, and creativity – traits that have become deeply rooted in the city’s identity.

These qualities are not only evident in daily life but are also reflected in the way Cadiznons overcome challenges, innovate in their chosen fields, and strive for excellence despite limitations.

Through hard work and determination, many Cadiznons have risen from humble beginnings to achieve success in various professions, both locally and internationally.

One who has risen to worldwide recognition is Ronnie Ybanez Malunhao, a Cadiznon from Barangay Tiglawigan, whose life story reflects hard work, sacrifice, and determination.

He completed his elementary at Tiglawigan Elementary School. After graduating from Cadiz City High School in 1979, Malunhao was unable to immediately pursue college because of poverty.

Raised by a mother who struggled to support the family, he spent several years without direction, staying in their barangay as a “tambay.”

To help his family survive, he worked as a fisherman or “pescador.”

Life at sea taught him the value of endurance. But deep inside, he believed he could still change his future through education.

In 1985, he took a government scholarship examination at TUP-Visayas in Talisay City, Negros Occidental. Passing the examination became the turning point of his life.

Starting from nothing, he earned a technician diploma and later finished a degree in Aviation Electronics Engineering. In 1988, he joined the Philippine Navy through the industrial cadetship program between TUP-Visayas and the Philippine Navy.

What began as a simple opportunity slowly became a lifelong journey of service and learning.

As a Naval Officer in the Armed Forces of the Philippines, Malunhao continued to improve himself through education and military training.

He earned a Bachelor of Science in Aviation Electronics Engineering, a Master in Business Administration, a Master of Science in Management Engineering, and eventually a Doctor of Philosophy in Technology Management.

He also attended local and international military schooling, including training in Melbourne, Australia.

After serving the military for 23 years, he retired in 2011 with the rank of Commander/Lt. Colonel. He later worked in leadership positions, including as Country Manager for the Maritime Security and Surveillance Systems Project in Southern Philippines and Security Manager at Shell Philippines Exploration.

But his journey did not end there.

Driven by his passion for teaching and learning, Malunhao entered the international academic community. He served as Maritime and Safety Instructor in Ethiopia and later became a Marine Instructor in Oman.

Today, he serves as a Professor of Naval Engineering at the United Arab Emirates Naval Academy in Abu Dhabi, becoming one of the first Filipinos to teach in a military institution in the UAE.

His story proves that humble beginnings are not a limitation to success, but a starting point for growth and achievement.

Today, he stands as an example to Cadiznons and Filipinos that with perseverance and discipline, it is possible to reach global success.* (Erwin Mabugat)