From Classroom to C-Suite: The Carlos Santos Lasallian Journey

What begins as a boy’s fascination with computers can grow into a lifelong journey of leadership, service, and global impact. That early spark, nurtured by Lasallian values, would one day lead from the classroom all the way to the C-Suite.

For Carlos “Caloi” Santos, the spark that ignited his love for computers began in 1984, when his grandfather enrolled him in an after-school programming class at Don Bosco Makati. “My generation was heavily influenced by the PC revolution,” he recalls. That early exposure would eventually lead him to De La Salle University, which he regarded then—as now—as having the best Computer Science program in the country.

Following in the footsteps of his two older sisters, Caloi entered DLSU in 1990 and graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science, Major in Information Technology in 1994. He later pursued a Master of Science in Information Technology, becoming the first graduate of the program in the Philippines in 1998. His postgraduate journey was inspired by a defining moment in his freshman year: when the Dean of the College noticed his ability to speak confidently to incoming students and encouraged him to teach. From then on, Carlos combined learning with service, teaching at DLSU from 1994 to 1998 while completing his master’s degree.

A Student Leader with Purpose

Caloi’s years at DLSU were filled with memorable experiences that helped shape his leadership style. He was part of the experimental Honors Class program of the College of Computer Studies, which produced many future leaders and IT professionals. In 1992, he broke stereotypes by being elected Vice President for Activities of the University Student Council, a rare feat for a Computer Science major to have a position at the University level.. His involvement in the MOVE (Manamagement of Organizations for Visible Effectiveness) leadership program and SANTUGON political party deepened his sense of service and built lasting friendships.

Fond memories of campus life also remain vivid: watching movies with classmates at Harrison Plaza, wading through Taft Avenue floods in leather shoes, and starting each day with a quiet moment at the Pearl of Great Price Chapel.

Faith, Family, and Filipinos

Looking back, Caloi sums up his guiding principles in three words: Faith, Family, and Filipinos. Each career decision, he shares, was influenced by prayer and God’s providence. His devotion to Our Lady of Manaoag guided him through every turning point.

Professionally, Caloi committed himself to proving that Filipinos could excel globally in IT. At Procter & Gamble (1999–2017), he rose through the ranks while helping double the number of IT jobs in the Philippines. Later, at JG Summit (2017–2022), he developed his C-level leadership skills, working across fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG), retail, real estate, banking, and aviation. Today, as CIO of AXA Philippines, he continues to champion both local and global excellence while raising awareness about the transformative power of insurance.

In every role, Caloi made it a priority to open opportunities for others and encourage his teams to give back through community service. “We can all give something to those who need it—in every little way,” he shares.

Excellence, Integrity, and Social Responsibility

Caloi credits DLSU for embedding in him the Lasallian values of excellence, integrity, and social responsibility. These became cornerstones of his leadership—whether ensuring fairness in multi-million-dollar IT deals, mentoring teams to achieve record-high engagement scores, or advocating for the Philippines as a world-class IT hub.

For his impact, Carlos has received numerous accolades, including Best Asia Trainer and Best Coach in Asia at P&G, and organizational awards at both JG Summit and AXA Philippines, and multiple CIO awards in the Philippines, ASEAN and globally. Yet, his proudest achievement remains his family—especially seeing his eldest graduate Magna Cum Laude at DLSU and continue the Lasallian legacy.

Asked what advice he would give to current Lasallians, Caloi emphasizes two things: “First, remember the values that DLSU instilled in us—set the right example for generations to come. And second, whatever role you are doing, make sure that you can confidently say that you are the best across your peers, not only in the company, in the Philippines, but globally.”