Before the world knew her as a civil engineer shaping international projects, Hyacynth De Leon Gonzales was a young Iskolar ng Bayan from Laguna, walking the classrooms of the University of the Philippines Los Baños. Every scholarship she earned and every late night of studying was a quiet victory that whispered, “Dream bigger. You can do this.” But behind those triumphs was also a heartbreak no mother should bear—the loss of her baby daughter. 

Armed with resilience, determination, and faith, Hyacynth carried her journey across oceans—from South Korea to the UAE—and rose to become one of The Filipino Times Watchlist Awardees 2024, a recognition honoring Filipinos whose work creates a global impact.

Modest roots, big dreams

Hyacynth grew up in a family that was not rich in material wealth but rich in values. Her father, a civil engineer, and her mother, a market vendor, instilled in her the importance of perseverance, integrity, and hard work. Inspired by their example, she became a consistent honor student and a proud Iskolar ng Bayan, earning scholarships from high school all the way to university.

“My biggest dream as a child was simple: to become a civil engineer and see the world,” she says. “My parents worked hard and supported me every step of the way, and combined with the scholarships I earned, they taught me that achieving dreams happens one step at a time.”

First steps abroad

Her professional journey began in South Korea, where a batchmate’s referral landed her a role in a design consultancy. “Honestly, I went there for the money at first,” she laughs, “but once I started working, I realized engineering isn’t just about numbers—it’s about making communities safer, providing clean water, and improving people’s daily lives.”

Adjusting to a new country and culture wasn’t easy. Naturally shy, she had to learn to communicate effectively, navigate unfamiliar systems, and build professional relationships from scratch. These challenges honed her skills and abilities, shaping her into a Filipino engineer capable of leading global projects and making an impact worldwide.

Triumph born from trials

Life has a way of breaking even the strongest hearts. For Hyacynth, nothing cut deeper than the loss of her baby daughter, who fought bravely in the NICU for five months before succumbing to muscle atrophy. It was a pain no mother should ever carry, and one she still feels to this day.

“To my little miss sunshine… my angel… you would have been eight by now. Nanay keeps wondering what you would be like at this age. Our five months together felt like a whirlwind, a roller coaster ride I will never forget. I know I made it harder for you because it was so hard for me to let you go. When I think about you, it feels like it just happened yesterday, and the pain is still there. Hindi kita sinukuan, anak. It’s just that… c’est la vie. In another lifetime, I know we will meet again. I miss you, my favorite daughter.”

Her grief could have broken her—but instead, it became the fire that taught her endurance. With the support of family, friends, and loved ones, she chose to rise, carrying her daughter’s memory as a quiet source of strength. “Naisip ko na may isa pa akong anak na kailangan kong buhayin… he is the reason why I keep going,” she shares.

Her career, too, came with its own trials. Missed promotions. Harsh feedback from managers. Each moment of doubt felt like another blow, yet each became a hidden lesson—teaching her resilience, sharpening her skills, and molding her into the leader she is today.

Now, Hyacynth stands tall as an Approved Water Engineering Specialist under PICE, an ASEAN Engineer, and a lead in landmark international projects such as The Valley in Dubai and The New Murraba in Saudi Arabia—developments that provide vital water, irrigation, sewerage, and fire-fighting systems for thousands of people.

Being recognized by The Filipino Times Watchlist is more than just an award,” she says. “It honors the tears, the sleepless nights, the sacrifices. It reminds me why I do what I do—to inspire others and to show that even from struggles, something meaningful can be built.”

And with a heart that has known both loss and triumph, she adds:

Before, I could only make a difference in my small world. Now, I can reach farther—and that makes every struggle worth it. Now, I can truly make a difference.”

Giving back

Even as her name earned recognition across continents, Hyacynth never let success erase where she came from. She remembers the days in Orani, Bataan, where she and her family sold palamig, egg balls, kikiam, suman, and halaya at the public market—simple beginnings that taught her the value of perseverance. Today, she channels that gratitude into action—supporting her niece’s schooling and volunteering in initiatives across the Philippines and the UAE: renovating classrooms, building clean water systems, developing libraries, providing housing assistance, planting trees, organizing food drives, and joining Operation Smile UAE.

Words of hope

For young Filipinos who feel the weight of hopelessness, Hyacynth’s message comes straight from experience:

Your current situation is not permanent. It will pass. If you think it’s impossible… remind yourself: I’m possible.”

She knows what it’s like to face nights filled with uncertainty—mourning her baby girl, balancing work far from home, questioning herself after setbacks. Today, as a The Filipino Times Watchlist Awardee, she is not only recognized for her professional excellence but also stands as a beacon of hope and inspiration for Filipinos at home and abroad.