Remembering Engr. Milton L. Agyao
Back in 2012, when the PSME Benguet Southwest Chapter was just getting started at Philex Mining, Engr. Milton L. Agyao was right there at the heart of it all. Now, as we look back, we can’t help but feel the gap he left behind—but honestly, his influence is still everywhere, especially in how so many of us grew, not just as engineers but as leaders too. For most of us, he wasn’t just the boss. He was the ultimate mentor, the kind you wish every newbie could have.
Sir MLA was one of a kind. He was super passionate about all things engineering—asset reliability, equipment maintenance, you name it. But what really set him apart was how much he cared about helping us grow. He wasn’t just the guy in charge of the Mine and Mill Mechanical and Electrical Services; he was the one who spotted potential and made sure we leveled up. Instead of just telling us to keep the Crushers and Ball mills running, he’d break things down so we actually understood what was going on and why it mattered. As a young engineer back then, I honestly felt like I hit the jackpot having him as a mentor.
He was all about empowering us, not breathing down our necks. Sir Milton had this knack for making even the most complicated equipment or production problems feel less nakaka-nosebleed. He’d patiently explain things, walk us through the whys and hows, and always made sure we got the basics down pat. Thanks to him, we didn’t just follow instructions—we actually understood what we were doing and why it mattered.
But it wasn’t just about technical stuff. Sir Milton was a pro at building leaders, too. He saw potential in everyone and pushed us to try things we never thought we could do. He set the bar high—walang petiks allowed! One thing you could always count on was his honesty. He’d give feedback straight up, no sugarcoating. Sure, it could sting sometimes, but if you were serious about improving, you’d realize he was just helping you get better. It was never about putting anyone down; it was about helping us see where we could level up. Real talk, real growth.
And you know what? Sir MLA wasn’t all work, no play. Outside the office, he was the life of the party—always ready with a joke or a kwento that would have us laughing over merienda. He showed us that you can be a top-notch professional and still be a great friend. Work hard, laugh harder, diba?
At the end of the day, Sir Milton’s legacy isn’t just about the systems he built or the machines he kept running. It’s about the people—operators, technicians, mechanics, electricians, welders, machinists, engineers, and future leaders—who learned from him. He taught us that real leadership means lifting others up, sharing what you know, and giving people the confidence to take on any challenge. For us, he’ll always be that guiding light, showing the way.
Sala-salamat la unay, Boss Milton.
Article by: Engr. Jomel J. Kawi