51 Graduates witness Milestones in Dualtech Center 

In a milestone-filled ceremony last May 17, 2023, fifty-one trainees graduated from their 2-year Electromechanics Technology course in Dualtech. The (virtual) guest speaker was Mr. Henning Hillmer; currently the Resident Representative of Hanns Seidel Foundation, which helped put up Dualtech in the country. In the ceremony, Dualtech gave tribute to HSF, on the occasion of 40 founding years since the school’s establishment and about 20 years since it finally became independent from HSF and the other co-founding organization, the South East Asian Science Foundation, Inc.

In his message, Mr. Hillmer congratulated the graduates as they now confidently enter the technical field: “I am hopeful that the gained technical skills provided by Dualtech Center may pave the way for fruitful employment careers of all graduates present today who successfully completed their 2-year course in Electromechanics Technology.”

Vince Mark William Reyes, a trainee at Daiwa Seiko Philippines, Inc. and the batch representative delivered the “Salamat Po” speech on behalf of the graduates. Vince started by narrating how he initially felt at home enrolling at Electromechanics Technology course as he has keen interest in electronics. He felt apprehensive when his in-plant training did not seem to provide more exposure to his interest. He said he reflected on his next move, and thought of his tendency to pursue his own interests all the time. He decided to evolve the “this is not part of my plans” into “what if I stay open to learning this and other things it can teach me?” He also emphasized not to forget or take for granted the careful advice and encouragement from learning facilitators, advisers, mentors, industry coordinators and coaches.

Vince proudly shared that his own father is a Dualtech alumnus. He wished that should he and his fellow graduates be able to raise families, may they all impart to their own families the same good example, like what his own father did.

Another highlight in the program was the AVP on the remarkable journey of Bohol’s Alvin Bongcaras through Dualtech. The short film showed various footages of him visiting his hometown in Bohol to meet again the teachers who patiently guided him throughout his ALS (Alternative Learning System) studies. Alvin eventually took on the challenge of studying at Dualtech; and now he more securely faces the future, full of promise. Ms. Flores Lood, the ALS coordinator at his former school, said “we hope [Alvin] continues to strive for his dreams in life in order to help his family and community; and be a model for youth who are looking for hope in life.” Alvin is one among the close to 700 scholars who have benefited from the collaboration of Deped Division Office – Bohol Province, DepEd Tagbilaran City, and Dualtech.

As regards the turnover of the presidency, everyone at the ceremony witnessed a simple handover of the school flag and heard remarks from Engr. Arnolfo S. Morfe and Engr. Jerry Webb E. Muhi. The handover symbolized Engr. Morfe, relinquishing his position after a total of 36 years of service to Dualtech. He started at Dualtech in 1987 in various departments. Then in 2013, he was officially designated by the board as concurrent President and Executive Director, then finally he became President in 2016. Engr. Morfe will remain a trustee and will make himself available in an advisory capacity for succession planning, strategy, pedagogy and quality initiatives.

His successor, Engr. Muhi, has spent roughly a combined three decades of past experience working at Ayala Land, Starbucks Phils., and Dualtech. He is a duly licensed mechanical engineer, earning his MBA from DLSU, and completing an Advanced Management Program conducted jointly by the University of Asia and the Pacific (UA&P) in the Philippines and the IESE Business School in Barcelona, Spain.

Towards the end of the graduation rite, Dualtech Alumni Association Vice Chairman Cristopher C. Atip led the Dualtech Oath for the new alumni.