THE MAN MADE BY MISROUTES: Atty. Joey Mondero’s detours at ISUFST

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In a world obsessed with five-year plans and neatly mapped-out careers, Atty. Joey Mondero is an unexpected outlier. “It was more of destiny than plans,” he says with a smile that hides years of hard work and harder decisions. At 48, this CPA-lawyer now serves as Attorney IV and Legal Officer at the Iloilo State University of Fisheries Science and Technology (ISUFST), not because he always aimed to, but because he stayed open to life’s curveballs. His story is neither loud nor flashy — but it resonates because it’s real.

Born to humble roots and molded by discipline, Mondero followed a path that many admire but few endure. He pursued both accountancy and law not out of circumstance, but out of vision — one that started long before most of his peers knew the difference between a debit and a statute. Earning his CPA license and law degree from the University of the Philippines Visayas and University of San Agustin, respectively, he entered government service with a mission: to protect the public purse and champion transparency through sound legal and financial systems. He is now one of only three CPA-lawyers in ISUFST — a rare feat for any educational institution — making his expertise especially vital in shaping systems that are both legally sound and fiscally responsible.

That accidental landing, however, would snowball into a professional life of stunning practicality. Accountancy became his gateway to order, precision, and fiscal logic. He became a CPA in 2001, entered SGV, and toyed with migrating to Canada — until fate rerouted him again. He instead became audit supervisor at AMA-STI, and by Aug. 17, 2005, he found himself walking the halls of the then-Iloilo State College of Fisheries (now ISUFST) as Accountant I. His steady climb — OIC in 2008, Chief Accountant in 2009 — reflected less ambition and more alignment. “You just keep doing your part,” he shrugs. “The rest unfolds.”

But the twist that defines his story came in 2013, when the revival of JCI Tamasak brought with it an unexpected challenge: law school. “I never planned it,” he says. “A dear friend helped me apply to the University of San Agustin. Suddenly, I was balancing ledgers by day and legal doctrines by night.” By 2019, he was officially a CPA-lawyer — not just certified, but deeply competent in the overlapping realms of numbers and law. He is now one of only three CPA-lawyers in ISUFST — an extraordinary distinction in any educational institution — making his dual expertise a vital asset in shaping financial and legal integrity across the university.

Now, under the stewardship of ISUFST President Nordy Siason Jr., Mondero plays a central role in actualizing the university’s push for good governance and transparency. And he doesn’t see the buzzwords as abstract ideals. “Good governance,” he says, “is simply transforming stakeholder plans into reality, especially when resources are limited.” It’s not about perfection — it’s about precision, persistence, and the ability to say no when necessary.

He sees his dual background as a distinct edge. “Seventeen years in accounting means I know the context,” he explains. “I can spot which proposals are urgent and which are just decorative.” This practical lens, grounded in institutional memory, makes him a crucial advisor. “When disbursements are questionable, I help ensure decisions are aligned with the law,” he says. “It’s not just about avoiding mistakes — it’s about protecting the university.”

Mondero champions participative governance. He favors decisions born from collaboration, not command. “We consult. We brainstorm. We listen before we act,” he shares. Having once helped frame the university’s financial system, he remains committed to monitoring, feedback, and ongoing improvements. Data, for him, is more than figures — it’s legal evidence. “It’s what gives our decisions weight and credibility.”

Of course, integrity is tested daily. “Some proposals sound good but unintentionally violate internal rules or laws,” he says. “That’s where reform starts. We guide leadership toward solutions that are both legal and sensible.” He doesn’t chase applause. He chases alignment. When conflicts arise between policy and practicality, he leans on mediation. “There’s always a win-win if we listen,” he adds.

His independence is rooted in personal integrity and spiritual discipline. “You owe your honesty to God,” he says. “Integrity isn’t situational — it’s habitual.” Whether advising top administrators or mentoring younger staff, he leads by example. “I don’t just talk about RA 6713 (Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees),” he quips. “I try to live it.” When new employees ask questions, he answers. When they seek guidance, he offers it. One-on-one, consistently, without fanfare.

In a time when public institutions often struggle to retain trust, Mondero believes transparency is key. “Full disclosure. Always. That’s the first step to regaining public confidence,” he says. His legacy work, he hopes, will institutionalize this mindset. “I want every ISUFST employee and student to understand their rights and responsibilities. It’s how we build credibility.”

Why does he stay? The answer is as grounded as his path. “I’m an Iskolar ng Bayan,” he shares. “UP gave me the tools to earn a living and serve others. This is my way of giving back.” To him, ISUFST is not just an institution but a community with a mission. A place where his principles can be lived, not just preached.

When asked what legacy he hopes to leave behind, he answers without hesitation: “Professional integrity. If someone says you’re from ISUFST, I want them to also say, ‘Then you must have integrity.’” In his quiet, calculated way, Joey Mondero is doing what many loudly promise but few deliver: leading with conviction, serving with humility, and making sure that behind every policy, there is a person accountable. (PAMMCO)