March is a time to celebrate the contributions of women around the world, and for Danda Buhain, chief external affairs officer of Rex Education, it is an opportunity to highlight the role of women in shaping the future of learning.
“March is always a time to recognize all the great women in this country and in the world,” Buhain said. “In our industry, it’s not just men who dominate. We have incredible women in our company who have made significant contributions.”
Buhain draws inspiration from her grandmother, Jovita Buhain, the matriarch of Rex Education. “She is one of the people I deeply admire, along with the many women who have helped this company thrive for seven decades.”
Having spent years in the company, Buhain has experienced the many facets of the education sector. “I’ve grown in this company, and my journey has been shaped by my faith, experiences, and opportunities given to me by the management and my family,” she said. “I am very grateful for this path because it has allowed me to understand all aspects of the business.”
Through her tenure, she has taken on numerous roles. “I’ve worn many hats, which has given me a holistic appreciation of Rex’s existence in society.”
Buhain acknowledges the weight of her role in the education industry. “I can’t say I completely deserve it, but in my heart, I know I have contributed in my own little way to the betterment of education, the upliftment of this organization, and the empowerment of the people within it.”
She also notes the challenges of being in the content industry. “Being in the content industry is not easy. Unlike the food business, where you follow a formula to get a desired taste, content creation involves various external and internal factors that make it complex. However, overcoming these challenges is fulfilling and rewarding.”
Her leadership style has been influenced by the women in her life. “My grandmother, my mother, and the women of Rex have greatly influenced me,” she said. “They taught me the importance of purpose, hard work, persistence and determination. At the same time, they emphasized the nurturing nature of leadership. It’s not always about hard skills; combining both hard and soft skills is essential.”
Reflecting on how education has evolved, Buhain recalled, “When I first started, learning and teaching were very traditional — textbooks and direct instruction. But now, under the Rex Group of Companies, we have evolved to focus on the learner’s welfare.”
She described Rex’s transformation from a textbook provider to a holistic educational solutions company. “From simple textbooks, Rex has become a provider of a ‘symphony of learning and teaching,’ ensuring all the necessary elements are available for both learners and educators to succeed.”
With the rapid changes in education, Buhain believes adaptation is key. “We continuously improve and innovate. Today, learning resources must integrate both traditional and technological formats. We must adapt to how people learn to ensure we provide relevant and effective educational materials.”
She underscored the importance of structured learning. “Structured learning is essential because it ensures comprehension. If content is not well-written or designed properly, readers will struggle to understand it. As publishers, we ensure that content is presented in an organized and meaningful way.”
Buhain encourages young women to embrace lifelong learning. “Be a lifelong and life-wide learner,” she said. “Education does not stop after graduation. You must continue studying and remain hungry for knowledge. If you stop learning, you will run out of ideas, which can affect your work and growth.”
As she looks to the future, Buhain emphasizes the importance of history. “Never forget history. You cannot move forward without understanding the past. Our future is shaped by our history, and we must always learn from it.”
She also believes in balancing intelligence with empathy. “Gone are the days when women were seen as second-class citizens. A good leader must have both the mind and the heart,” she said. “Intelligence alone is not enough — you need passion and love for what you do to truly achieve great things.”
For Buhain, education must keep pace with the evolving world. “Humanity is constantly evolving. The way people learn, the way children grow, and teaching methods all change over time. We must innovate to keep up and remain relevant.”
As Rex Education continues to grow, Buhain remains committed to ensuring that learning is not just about information but about transformation. “At the end of the day, we won’t be able to say that we are ‘para sa bata’ (for the child) if we don’t do everything to make teachers, instructors and the ones guiding the child the best they can be.”
