By Princess Dawn H. Felicitas / June 2026
Leadership is often measured by visible outcomes and results delivered. Some leaders are remembered for their projects while others make a lasting impression on the people they have worked with and led.
Sir Allan G. Alfon, fondly called AGA among colleagues, managed to be all these and more.
For nearly a decade at the helm of CCLEC, he has steered the organization through difficulties, milestones, and a massive transformative project in Cebu that is CCLEX.
As we mark AGA’s birth month and a meaningful milestone in his career, we take this opportunity to look past the titles and accomplishments to simply recognize the person behind the role.
In this edition of Inspired by Leaders, CCLEC employees share their personal experiences, lessons, and reflections about AGA. They help tell the story of the leader, mentor, and colleague that many have come to know and appreciate over the years.
- Can you share a memorable experience on how AGA positively impacted your work or professional growth?
Atty. Rosemarie O. Versoza
Legal Services Assistant Vice President
Sir Allan has asked me to join him in various meetings with governors, mayors, local sanggunian members, regional directors, other high-ranking officials, and business executives. Those were memorable for me either because of the personalities involved or the critical issues discussed, and Sir Allan has maintained his diplomatic approach in those conversations.
Those experiences made a positive impact on my own professional development because it taught me how to “dribble the ball”, “waste the clock” or “call the shot”. I learned how to establish work relationship, how to remain firm in our position without being adversarial, how to negotiate and engage in fruitful compromises, how to be creative in advocating for the company’s position or how to frame legal strategies to promote business objectives.
Arriana M. Fuentes
Office of the President Executive Secretary
Having worked with Sir AGA for almost nine years, one thing that has always stood out to me is how much he values people. As someone who works closely with him, I’ve seen how he genuinely looks after the welfare of employees and takes time to listen and understand different perspectives.
His trust and confidence in the people around him encouraged me to grow professionally and become more confident in my own work. He always made me feel that my contributions mattered, and that has had a lasting impact on me.
Engr. Nichol B. Caballero
Tollways Development & Engineering Assistant Manager
AGA gave good professional and personal advice, especially in times when I was troubled with my career path in the past. I’m also grateful that he put his trust in me to lead our division during the recent organizational shift and gave very candid advice based on his own experience at work before, to which I’m very humbled and proud to follow.
Carryl Anngelique D. Alpuerto
Stakeholder Engagement Manager
When I was so much younger, I would be so easily disappointed and frustrated with people at work that I was always ready to pack up and leave angry. In one of our conversations, AGA told me that it is never wise to burn bridges. I didn’t agree at first, but thankful that I listened. People grow and people can change. It’s how you build a network.
Imare Sheen B. Gutang
Stakeholder Engagement Senior Specialist
One of the most memorable experiences I’ve had is seeing how approachable Sir Allan is. He encourages open communication and values employees’ feedback, regardless of their role. That kind of leadership fosters trust, strengthens teamwork, and creates a workplace where everyone feels respected and empowered.
Franz Heather I. Bulatao
HR Business Partner Assistant Manager
One memorable experience I had with AGA was during a time when I needed to take leave because of personal and health-related concerns. He was very understanding and supportive, and what I appreciated most was that he took the time to check in and ask, “How are you doing?”
It may seem like a simple question, but it showed that he genuinely cared. That experience reminded me that good leadership is not just about work and results, but also about caring for the people behind them.
- What leadership qualities do you admire most about AGA?
Atty. Rose: I truly admire Sir Allan’s ability to provide vision with clarity and without restraint. He shares the strategic goal, but he does not impose or force upon us how to get there. Instead, he encourages us to think through it, build on it, improve it, until we come to embrace them as our own. We are motivated to deliver excellent results, not because of fear, but because we ourselves desire it.
I also admire his resilience and adaptability. He continues to project positive outlook despite challenges, especially during CCLEX construction, and he remains calm amidst the noise and turbulence that shakes our business.
Arriana: What I admire most about Sir AGA is how approachable and thoughtful he is. Despite his position, he never makes people feel intimidated. He treats everyone with respect, regardless of rank or background, and he has a natural way of connecting with all kinds of people.
He is also very considerate when it comes to employee welfare, always looking out for what is best not just for the company, but for the people who make it work.
Nichol: His approachability and open-mindedness make AGA a good leader. I admire AGA as someone who is a very approachable person even if he’s the top man of the business. Whenever I have problems at work, I do not hesitate or become intimidated to approach him because he always gives constructive advice in a calm and “fatherly” manner with real talk, chit-chat and side jokes in between. I also admire that he always takes time to listen to what I have to say and uses my inputs in his decision making.
Carryl: I’ve always looked up to him for his decisiveness and ability to empathize with different kinds of people. He is firm but he is kind.
Sheen: I admire Sir Allan’s integrity, humility, and genuine concern for people. He leads by example and remains approachable despite a busy schedule.
Hetti: What I admire most about AGA is his genuine concern for his people. He makes employees feel valued and supported, and you can always feel that he has our best interests at heart. It is reassuring to know that AGA has his employees’ backs, especially during difficult situations.
- What is one lesson you have learned from AGA that you carry with you today?
Atty. Rose: I have learned to love salmon sashimi because of Sir Allan. IYKYK. Ha ha ha…
But seriously, Sir Allan’s dedication and commitment to our shared purpose of delivering major infrastructure project(s) for Cebu and for our fellow Cebuanos is something that I carry with me up to this day.
Arriana: One lesson that has stayed with me is the importance of balancing work and life. Sir AGA often reminds us to make time for ourselves—what he fondly calls “me time.” It’s a simple lesson, but an important one. It taught me that while work is important, taking care of yourself and spending time with the people who matter is just as valuable.
Nichol: I learned from him that we should not take what anyone say, do, or decide, personally. We are all just workers at the end of the day and we should focus on what we are tasked to do and think strategically and not be bothered by surface problems. We should know how to navigate the workplace professionally and personally given any situation.
Carryl: Of the many lessons I have learned from him, my favorite one is to CHILL. In a world of meetings and deadlines, I’ve come to realize how truly important it is to move in a steady pace.
Sheen: One lesson I will always carry with me is the importance of leading with purpose and treating people with respect. Sir Allan has shown that achieving results and caring for people can go hand in hand, and that strong leadership is built on trust, accountability, and compassion.
Hetti: One lesson I have learned from AGA is to always give your best, no matter how challenging the situation may be. But more importantly, he taught me the value of staying calm under pressure. One thing he often reminds us of is to “chill”—not in the sense of ignoring a problem, but in the sense of taking a moment to pause, clear your mind, and avoid getting too worked up. When emotions take over, it’s harder to think clearly and make good decisions. Sometimes, taking a step back allows you to see the situation from a better perspective and come up with the right solution.
- If you could describe AGA’s leadership style in three words, what would that be and why?
Atty. Rose: His is an “inspired and inspiring” leadership. I see Sir Allan as a person who constantly feels inspired and motivated to work. I don’t know where he draws his inspiration, but he has certainly sustained it throughout those nine years at CCLEC.
It even overflows to us, such that his decisiveness and accountability articulated in a calm and quiet demeanor becomes a source of inspiration or motivation for us as we do our share of the work. Moreover, his support for our well-being and work-life balance makes CCLEC a pleasant place to work for.
Arriana: Welcoming. Respectful. Balanced.
Welcoming because he makes everyone feel included and comfortable. Respectful because he treats everyone equally, regardless of position or status. Balanced because he understands the importance of achieving results while also caring for the well-being of his people.
Nichol: Strong but friendly. AGA lays out his decisions and suggestions with authority but with a breath of friendly air.
Carryl: Cool. Calm. Collected. He is seldom angry, and if he ever is, most likely for good reason. His ability to stay calm makes him a very objective decision-maker.
Sheen: Approachable. Genuine. Admirable. Sir Allan is easy to work with, sincere, and worthy of respect.
Hetti: Committed – He is dedicated to the organization’s goals and consistently leads by example.
Compassionate – He genuinely cares about the welfare and well-being of employees, making people feel valued and supported.
Empowering – He trusts his team, provides opportunities for growth, and encourages employees to reach their full potential.
- What message of appreciation would you like to share with AGA?
Atty. Rose: Thank you, Sir Allan for your continued trust and confidence in me. I truly appreciate your genuine concern for me and my family. I look forward to continue working with you, even for just a few more years or at least until we complete our expansion projects.
Arriana: Sir AGA, thank you for your leadership, guidance, and kindness throughout the years. The lessons you’ve shared, not only about work, but also about the importance of balance, family, and taking time for oneself – have left a lasting impact on many of us. Your genuine care for people and the respect you show everyone are qualities that make you truly admired.
As you celebrate this milestone, I wish you continued good health, happiness, and success. It’s honestly hard to believe you’ve already reached retirement age. Thank you for being an inspiring leader and role model.
Nichol: Thanks, AGA, for guiding me and CCLEC through its formative years up to now. I am proud to have been a part of our noble mission to contribute to nation-building with you at the helm. I earnestly hope that my team and I can help and support you 101% in realizing our goal of starting the construction of our expansion projects before your well-deserved R&R.
Carryl: I am truly grateful to be learning from you, Sir! You are the kind of leader who makes us feel we have a friend in you. I hope you continue to inspire more of us to do what we do and do it well.
Sheen: Thank you, Sir, for your inspiring leadership, unwavering guidance, and genuine care for everyone. Your trust and encouragement have motivated us to become better professionals and better individuals. We truly appreciate your dedication, wisdom, and the positive impact you continue to make. Wishing you continued success and good health.
Hetti: Thank you, Sir Allan, for your unwavering support and guidance. Thank you for always believing in us and for being there for the team through both the challenges and successes. We truly appreciate everything you have done for us throughout the years. Wishing you continued success, good health, and happiness. Thank you for being a leader who not only leads but also cares
The lessons and experiences shared by CCLEC employees show that leadership isn’t merely about being the most vocal in the room or being the one with all the answers. It is also about creating an environment where people feel valued, listened to, and empowered to do their best work.
While each employee’s experience is unique on their own, a common theme runs through their stories: AGA is a leader who leads with clarity and intention, remains steady in the face of challenges, and never loses sight of the people behind the work.
Maybe that is the essence of impactful leadership—not only steering the organization toward its objectives and goals, but also helping others grow, gain confidence, and become better professionals along the way.
