Resilient by Design: Ayana Nneka Baccol’s Story in Engineering

OCS Team

OCS Team

23 Jun, 2026

Resilient by Design: Ayana Nneka Baccol’s Story in Engineering

Engineering was not Ayana Nneka Baccol’s first choice. Nursing was.

A scholarship changed that, and set her on a path through live sites, tight timelines and high-pressure operations.

Today, as Project Manager at OCS Philippines, Ayana’s remit covers renovations, fit-outs and the day-to-day decisions that keep operational facilities running while works are underway. Her career reflects what facilities engineering often demands of women in the field, namely, perseverance, adaptability, and the kind of people-first leadership that keeps operations moving when the plan changes.

How did your journey into engineering begin?

Ayana did not initially plan to pursue engineering. Like many young Filipinas, she dreamed of building a career in the medical field.

“When I was preparing for college, my first and second choices were Nursing and BS Biology. I had always dreamed of studying at my preferred university and pursuing a career in healthcare.”

A scholarship changed her path. It offered her a chance to complete her education, but it only covered engineering courses. As the eldest in her family, she made a practical decision.

“I saw it as an opportunity to finish my education without adding financial pressure on my parents.”

She started in Computer Engineering before shifting disciplines in her second semester. She embraced the change and turned it into a defining experience.

“Although my path into engineering was unexpected, it ultimately shaped both my career and my personal growth.”

What was your first experience working on‑site like as a woman?

Ayana’s first experience on-site challenged her beyond technical work. As a junior engineer, she faced doubts shaped by long-standing stereotypes.

“I clearly remember one of the company’s VPs expressing hesitation in hiring women for operations roles. He believed women might struggle with emergency response, long hours, or physically demanding work. I reassured him that, despite the different phases women go through, we are just as capable of excelling in these roles.”

Her colleagues also held assumptions. They often withheld tasks such as climbing cage ladders, inspecting equipment rooms, or handling graveyard shifts. Ayana addressed this early in her career.

“I did not want to be treated differently. I took initiative and showed that I was fully capable of doing the job.”

The experience built her resilience, strengthened her confidence, and reinforced her belief that competence should never be defined by gender.

What does resilience look like in real operations?

In facilities and project management, Ayana knows that unpredictability is part of the role.

“Even with careful planning, there are always variables. Delays in materials, sudden technical issues, tight timelines, or overlapping activities that require quick adjustments. Any disruption directly affects people’s daily work, so solutions need to be fast, efficient, and well‑coordinated.”

One project stands out. Ayana delivered a weekend renovation with less than a week’s notice, keeping Monday operations uninterrupted.

“We fast‑tracked vendor coordination, approvals, negotiations, and permits while ensuring proper sequencing.”

The result was seamless delivery and a fully operational branch.

“Seeing the client satisfied and the facility functioning as intended made everything worth it. It reminded me how fulfilling facilities management can be, creating spaces that truly support people’s daily work.”

How does ‘diskarte’ come into play on‑site?

For Ayana, diskarte is not about shortcuts, but adaptability and foresight.

“During one project, delays in critical material deliveries could have affected the timeline.”

Instead of waiting, she explored alternative suppliers, reviewed available resources, and adjusted activity sequencing.

“We prioritised tasks that could proceed without the delayed items while keeping contractors and stakeholders aligned.”

The project stayed on track. “For me, diskarte means being proactive and creative without compromising quality or compliance.”

Who helped shape your growth as a professional?

Ayana credits her growth to the people she worked with along the way.

“I consider all my previous heads and supervisors as mentors in their own way. Some taught me through guidance, others through difficult situations that pushed me to be more resilient and adaptable. I carry those lessons in how I manage my team, make decisions, and handle challenges. Growth is continuous, and every experience plays a part.”

Why is bayanihan essential in your work?

Teamwork, for Ayana, is not optional. It is fundamental.

“Being part of a team is like being in a boat. Everyone has different roles, but all are working towards the same destination.”

She strongly values the Filipino spirit of bayanihan.

“It’s about stepping in when needed, supporting each other beyond defined roles, and making sure no one is left behind.”

That culture has allowed Ayana to step into bigger responsibilities and lead them with confidence.

“OCS Philippines encourages versatility and growth. You are supported to step up, take initiative, and embrace challenges.”

What message do you have for young Filipinas considering engineering?

“Do not be afraid to take that path, even if it feels challenging or uncommon. Believe in your capabilities, be open to learning, and do not let setbacks discourage you. If you stay committed and keep improving yourself, you will find your place and thrive. We are not just supporting roles. We are actively leading, managing, and delivering complex projects and operations. Women bring perspectives that are critical in shaping successful outcomes.”

avatar

Ayana Nneka Baccol

Project Manager

Ayana Nneka Baccol’s career is a reminder that engineering leadership is rarely linear. It is built on live sites, under pressure, and through decisions that have to be made before the plan catches up.

Her path shows that capability in project delivery comes from resilience, diskarte and the ability to lead people through change; not from following the expected route in. It also points to a wider shift in facilities engineering: the work is increasingly defined by the women and men closest to the site, the team and the customer, regardless of the assumptions made about who should be there.

Share this story

Related News

See All News and Media