Rooted in service: Rob’s story of growth at ZFF

Roberto Nazal grew up in a family involved in community service. His parents started a social enterprise called Nazal Halfway Home in the late ‘60s, which provided care and support for discharged psychiatric patients. 

From a young age, Rob and his siblings were expected to help out with daily chores and activities at the halfway home. His mother, a registered nurse, taught them the importance of hard work and compassion. One lesson that stayed with Rob was, “Kapag alam ninyo ang trabaho at magpakita ng malasakit sa hanapbuhay, tutularan kayo ng mga manggagawa sa Home.”

Finding purpose

As a child, Rob didn’t have clear career aspirations, largely because his mother hoped he would become a pastor. He supported this dream quietly, even though he didn’t have a specific career goal himself. It wasn’t until he reached university that Rob discovered his passion for service and social work.

Rob studied Social Work at University of the Philippines (UP) Diliman, influenced by his mother and a sister who were both involved in the field. His mom took Masteral courses and his sister took electives in Social Work in the same school. “The courses, the theories, perspectives and practice models felt like an extension of what I was doing in support of my parents’ Home, but with endless career possibilities.” 

During his studies, he interned with organizations helping children affected by political repression and worked with the Iraya Mangyan community in Mindoro. These experiences solidified his interest in development work.

His first job was as a Team Leader for a faith-based Non-Government Organization (NGO), where he worked on community development projects for small fisherfolk in Batangas. This role introduced him to the world of development and partnerships, shaping his future career path in the field.

Leading with heart and vision

“The death of my father in the early ‘90s was a turning point in my life and career,” Rob shares. He stepped in to support his mother and manage the Nazal Halfway Home’s operations. During this time, he pursued a Master’s degree in Master Industrial Relations (MIR) major in Human Resource Development (HRD), which helped him balance operations and management roles in various sectors.

Rob has over 20 years of experience working in partnerships and programs. Along the way, he’s worked with NGOs like Philippines Business for Social Progress (PBSP) and ABS-CBN Foundation, as well as international NGOs like Voluntary Service Overseas (VSO), OXFAM, and World Vision. He also spent time in companies practicing corporate social responsibility, such as Globe Telecom, BPI-Globe Banko, and Globe Fintech Innovations Inc. (Gcash). He has also shared his expertise by teaching Social Work at UP Diliman.

Rob first learned about Zuellig Family Foundation (ZFF) through his former boss at PBSP. At a ZFF Colloquium gathering Local Chief Executives (LCEs) in 2016, he remembers thinking, “How come these LCEs are talking like development practitioners? What is this new breed of politicians I am seeing? Are they for real?”

He later joined the organization in 2020, initially as Director for Human Resources (HR). Over time, his role expanded to include Management Information Systems (MIS), and Administration.

At ZFF, Rob found fulfillment in several projects, particularly the HR strategy approved in 2021, which improved performance management and introduced a hybrid work policy. He also played a key role in launching the HR Management System and the Shared Services Procurement model.

Rob values the training and mentorship culture at ZFF, which aligns with his passion for developing people.  He recalls a line from his favorite movie: “Nobody is perfect. Everyone has their own little idiosyncrasies. Some people call those imperfections, but no, that is the good stuff.” As Director of the HR, MIS, and Administration (HRMISA) at ZFF, Rob says, “I wish that people will accept that there is no perfect organization and that in ZFF’s imperfections, they will find the good stuff.”

Rob hopes to stay with ZFF for the long term. Believing that health is a right that must be enjoyed by all, he sees ZFF’s work crucial in addressing health inequities. He says, “There are non-profits which are content with doing things because of a bleeding heart for the poor and disadvantaged, but ZFF is a different Health NGO.”