As one of the women leaders in Philippine education, Danda Buhain brings both legacy and forward-thinking leadership to her role as Chief External Affairs Officer at Rex Education.
The company, a fixture in the Philippine learning landscape for over seven decades, has evolved from a traditional textbook publisher into a holistic learning solutions provider. If you studied in the Philippines, chances are you’ve opened a Rex textbook or two—a reminder of how deeply embedded their materials are in our collective classroom memories. Buhain, whose leadership is shaped by her family’s long-standing involvement in the organization, plays a central role in driving this transformation in the Philippine learning system.
“I’ve grown in this company,” she shares. “My journey has been shaped by my faith, experiences, and the opportunities given to me by the management and my family. I am very grateful for this path because it has allowed me to understand all aspects of the business.”
Learning from Legacy
Over the years, Buhain has taken on multiple roles within Rex Education, which has given her a broad view of the company’s mission and operations. “I’ve worn many hats,” she says. “Which has given me a holistic appreciation of Rex’s existence in society.”
Much of Buhain’s leadership approach is influenced by the women in her life. She names her grandmother, Jovita Buhain—matriarch of Rex Education—and her mother, as major influences, along with many of the women she works with in the company. “They taught me the importance of purpose, hard work, persistence, and determination,” she says. “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.”
For many Filipino families, women play central roles in shaping their children’s values and guiding their education. Buhain’s story reflects that familiar dynamic on an institutional scale, where lessons from home shape how she leads one of the country’s most influential education companies.
Evolving with Education
She reflects on how education has changed since she first entered the industry. “When I 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 explains. “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.”
As one of the leading voices in female leadership in education, Buhain emphasizes the importance of constant adaptation. “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 also highlights the importance of structured content. “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.”
For parents, teachers, or even titas helping their pamangkins with homework, structured content is something they may not always notice—but absolutely rely on. It’s what helps children understand concepts clearly and grow confident in their learning.
Lifelong Learning and Leading with Empathy
Buhain encourages young women to embrace a mindset of continuous learning. “Be a lifelong and life-wide learner,” she says. “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.”
Looking ahead, she emphasizes the value of remembering 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.”
For Buhain, leading with empathy is just as important as intelligence. “Gone are the days when women were seen as second-class citizens. A good leader must have both the mind and the heart,” she says. “Intelligence alone is not enough—you need passion and love for what you do to truly achieve great things.”
As Rex Education continues to evolve, Buhain remains committed to ensuring that learning is not just about the transfer of information, but about transformation. “At the end of the day, we won’t be able to say 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.”
Learn more about Rex Education and its advocacy at https://rex.com.ph.
Get to know Danda Buhain beyond the page!
Watch her take on 50 Simpol Questions on the Simpol.ph YouTube channel — a light, fun way to see the woman behind the leadership. From personal insights to unexpected favorites, it’s a refreshing glimpse into what inspires and motivates her.
