A Positive View of Life

There were people here [at Dualtech] who were lost too, they came to Dualtech and figured out what was in store for them. It gave me a positive view that this is the reality of life and we need to face it. It was at Dualtech that I discovered who I am. Dualtech taught me how to be productive, offering to God Our Father all ordinary work and activities and giving the best efforts one can give. Dualtech gave me hope in fulfilling my dreams. Dualtech helped me to believe in myself, once again. — CHRISTOPHER V. TAYAG | Trained at Temic Automotive Philippines, Inc. |Gold Merit and Outstanding In-Plant Training Performance Awardee

When a person is lost; deep down in his core, he wants to be found. I heard this quotation from Pope Francis in one of the formation talks I attended at Dualtech. This powerful message of the Holy Father reminds me of my journey for I was once lost.

I came from Bohol and had a different life in our province. Like any other young boy who just live by the day and who did not care for the future. I had a lot of mistakes. In Bohol, I always ended up having friends who were not of good influence. We lived as long as we were enjoying each others’ company. I saw that being part of a group fulfilled my desire to be part of something. I was blind to the truth. I was given the opportunity to go to college but because of my attachment; my studies suffered and I had to stop, I failed. I became disobedient to my parents. Despite their support, I kept on rejecting their advice and rebelled against them.

In October 2013, our province experienced a 7.2 magnitude earthquake which was a major crisis for us, Boholanos. Some of us lost our love ones. I was there, I was one of the victims. I asked why this happened to us?  And I thought it was a major wake up call for me to start fixing myself. But when things went back to normal; I returned to my old self. This time I was searching for something.  I woke up one morning praying that I would change my life. I was tired of my bad habits, my mind told me to stop but my body said, otherwise. I was lost.

I applied for scholarship in TESDA, trying to have a better life. I had my OJT in a company where I met people who were good, so often, they would pray every day and I saw their dedication for the company. I thought that this time it will be a good start. Still, I was haunted by my old self.

My uncle who is an ALS teacher told my mother to put my name on the list of trainees to be screened for Dualtech. He said that they are strict and they discipline the students in preparing for a better life. My mother wanted me to go for that training. I never had second thoughts. Since I was trying to seek myself, coming here in Dualtech would make me see the answers to my unending search.

March 2015, we arrived at Dualtech where our new journey begun. We started the one-week immersion. As time went by, our training got harder with lots of pain, troubles, and worries. In trying to adapt to a new culture and environment, it was not easy for me having a lot of bad experiences. Even though they would always see me smile; deep inside, it was really hard to cope up with the changes. I was also afraid that anytime I would go back to my old habits. In one of my classes at Dualtech, our Learning Facilitator had a pep talk and he mentioned that as long as you desire to change and to affirm the right intention, then all things are possible.  It is a matter of choice whether I will go for the better or go back to my old ways.

Here in Dualtech, I was given the opportunity to be open. I was able to tell my story to people whom I never felt to have rejected me; helped me face all my fears; taught me how to overcome temptations; lifted me up every time  I was haunted by my past mistakes. They taught me the technical skills but I learned to practice the virtues of hard work and patience which are more important.

I admit, training at Dualtech was hard. All the while, I thought I was alone. There were people here who were lost too, they came to Dualtech and figured out what was in store for them. It gave me a positive view that this is the reality of life and we need to face it. It was at Dualtech that I discovered who I am. Dualtech taught me how to be productive, offering to God Our Father all ordinary work and activities and giving the best efforts one can give. Dualtech gave me hope in fulfilling my dreams. Dualtech helped me to believe in myself, once again.

I would like to thank all those who were instruments the reason why we were able to finish our course here in Dualtech. To God for all the graces we receive, and for keeping us be excited for all the adventures He will continue to give us. To our Learning Facilitator, Mentors, Industry Coordinators and Coaches; all of you, are our good shepherds for you always redirect us whenever we go astray. For all the advices and times you would spend for us to see and to know ourselves better. For all industry partners, for the exposure and training for us to be to be equipped with the working environment. For the sponsoring groups and foundations who helped and supported us financially. For my friends, for the stories of being lost and found, thank you for the inspiration that lead me to see things in life better. For our parents for their undying love. I would like to take this opportunity to say sorry to my own parents for all the disappointments and failures that I gave them. I’m sorry for being selfish, being insensitive of what you feel. I am very thankful to have you in my life, being there and continue to push me to a dream. A dream that without this institution and especially you both my mom and dad this things will not happen. Thank you Dualtech, for all the efforts in this institution is doing to reach out to young men who seek for their dreams and find answers to their questions. A sheep that is lost, who will be sought and found by the Good Shepherd. Dualtech is an institution of good shepherds who always seek and find the lost sheep.