He has a Master of Business Administration diploma from University of the Philippines where he graduated with honors.

Upon obtaining additional studies in USA, Abaya came home and assigned to engineering unit.

He however found himself to be an aid to then Chief of Staff General Fabian Ver in Malacanang Palace.

There he experiences commanding units in combat with New People's Army and Moro Rebels in Mindanao.

He was appointed as Chief of Staff of AFP when General Santiago was nearing his retirement age.