Justin Aquino

Chief Operating Officer | IT & Plant Director
📍 Metro Manila, PH 🔗 LinkedIn Profile ✉️ justinaquino@comfac-it.com ✉️ justinaquino@comfac.net ✉️ justinaquino@cornersteel.com

Professional Summary

As Chief Operating Officer of Comfac Corporation, I serve as the bridge between Information Technology (IT) and Operational Technology (OT), leading a Strategic Pivot from general Data Center construction to specialized Command Centers, Heavy Industries, and Power Generation. My approach leverages a "Hub-and-Spoke" model, unifying centralized head office management with remote industrial facilities through robust connectivity and automation.

I am primarily a Systems Designer engineering "Demonstrable Speed and Precision" into our operations. My strategic framework is defined by a "Strategic Tech-Eng Fusion" rooted in four core values: Open Systems & Client Sovereignty (burning the boats on proprietary lock-in), Strategic Knowledge Transfer (competing on sophistication), Resilience through Shared Systems, and Integration Depth.

Strategic Technology Stack & Vision:

Core Competencies

Strategic: Strategic Pivoting & Realignment, "Hub-and-Spoke" Business Modeling, R&D Management, "Good Governance" Engagement Policies, Ethics and Sustainable Businesses.
Technical Standards: ISO 9001 (Quality), ISO 14001 (Env), ISO 45001 (OHS), ISO 31000 (Risk), ISO 27001 (InfoSec), ISO 14064 (GHG), ISO 50001 (Energy).
Technical: Command Center Design, Embedded Systems, Network Re-Certification, Solar & BIPV Implementation, CFD, IFC-BIM, CAD Automation.
Software: ERPNext, Frappe, FreeCAD, OpenFOAM, Blender, Godot (Simulations), pfSense, Python (Pandapower).

Work Experience

Chief Operating Officer - Comfac Corporation
Jan 2026 – Present
  • Strategic Realignment: Pivoted from "Data Center First" to Command Center & Control System focus, creating internal "Living Labs" for Solar, Battery, and Remote Monitoring technologies.
  • Government Pivot: Shifted strategy to strictly "Ethical Engagement," limiting bidding to transparent Good Governance Zones (e.g., Naga, Pasig) and offering technical consulting/free software to others to avoid corruption risks.
  • Digital Transformation: Migrating ecosystem to erp.comfac.net (ERPNext) covering BOM, Supply Chain, and Asset Management. Implemented "Energy Points" for gamified performance tracking and automated self-reporting.
  • Infrastructure Expansion: Spearheading construction of the Training Data Center at Mandaluyong Technology Center and expanding seat capacity to support the new Engineering and OJT pool.
  • Standards Adoption: Establishing compliance baselines for ISO 9001, 14001, 45001, 27001 (InfoSec), and 50001 (Energy).
IT Director - Comfac Global Group / Cornersteel
Oct 2017 – Present
  • Spearheading the migration to Open Source technologies to reduce OPEX and increase data sovereignty.
  • Leading the "IT Upsell" strategy to encourage automation and responsiveness among suppliers.
Director of Plant Operations
Jul 2016 – Present
  • Overseeing plant operations with a focus on integrating IT and OT for systemic efficiency, managing internal Job Orders as pilot projects for new technologies.
Data Privacy Officer - Cornersteel & Comfac Group
Sep 2023 – Present
  • Managing DPA Compliance and collaborating with BBTC Law Firm for oversight.
Director (Treasurer) - Sandstone Portico Condo Corp
Nov 2022 – Present
  • Setting up IT and networking systems for the corporation.

Key Projects

Strategic Infrastructure & Command Centers
  • Mandaluyong Technology Center Expansion (2026): Building a dedicated Training Data Center and expanding seat capacity to support the new Engineering and OJT pool.
  • Network Re-Certification Initiative: Leading re-certification of Comfac’s network capabilities using open-source architectures (Netgate/pfSense).
  • National and City Mesh: Developing community meshes for disaster/kill-switch resilience. (National Mesh | City Mesh)
R&D: Automation & Embedded Systems
  • CAD Automation & Digital Twinning: Implementing Godot for simulations, FreeCAD (IFC-BIM, Draw-Workbench, Parametric Design) for automation, and OpenFOAM for CFD validation.
  • Power Systems Analysis: Utilizing Pandapower (Python) for power system modeling and analysis.
  • Open Source Micro Matrix Models: Deploying localized AI models on alternative hardware (Non-NVIDIA) for industrial applications.
  • Embedded Systems Specialty: Developing custom microcontrollers for facility needs.
  • Solar & Photo-Bio-Reactor Project: R&D on BIPV (Building Integrated Photovoltaics) in partnership with industry experts and algae biomass production.
Open Source & Educational
  • Frappe ERPNext PH Localization: Developing the official Philippine Localization to get an open-source and free Accounting and Payroll system Accredited and Maintained for the BIR—the first of its kind.
  • Expanded OJT Program: Includes tracks for BA: Marketing, Finance, and Engineering to drive "Strategic Knowledge Transfer". Utilizing ERPNext HR module for tracking and "Milestone Allowances" for R&D contributions.
Causes & Initiatives
  • Open Source Laptop Initiative: Advocating for a nationwide movement to make laptops for students fully repairable, modular, and affordable. [View Initiative]

Education