Angat Buhay Shows Appreciation to Partners

Dualtech is a partner of the Angat Buhay program of the Office of the Vice President. The program aims to bring together the public and the private sectors—organizations and individuals alike—to address the needs of families in the farthest and the poorest communities in the country.

In a personal note to Dualtech, the Vice President wrote: “Thank you for journeying with us for the past five years, in uplifting the lives of the Filipino People. All our achievements have only become possible because of your generosity and compassion.”

“Because you chose to walk alongside us, we were able to reach the farthest, the poorest, and the most remote areas in the country.” the note continues.Through Angat Buhay, Dualtech trained young boys coming from Veruela, Agusan Del Sur and Sumisip in Basilan. Dualtech received scholarship grants for the UpSkill Youth Program. As the health crisis raged, Angat Buhay sent Covid Care Kits, food packs for the scholars, and to improve the boarding house conditions. Assistance was not only in the physical well-being of the scholar but mental as well. A link to Haraya Coaching and Youth for Mental Health – special intervention to lessen dropouts was given to the scholars.

In a virtual project launch last year the Vice President already expressed confidence in Dualtech. “This is one project that gives me a lot of fulfilment.” VP Robredo exclaimed. Her office returns to Dualtech because of the better-than-expected results of previous scholars who graduated from the school. She was witness to the scholars’ transformation as she had a chat with them before and after their schooling. “When they became scholars of Dualtech, the training was not only in skills but overall.” she observed. “Naka-kausap mo bawat isa may pagmamahal na sa sarili at may pride. Pride not just in the work they are doing already but pride in the persons they have become. Because of the training.” VP Robredo continues.

The OVPs partnership with Dualtech not only taught the scholars the skills and competencies needed for employment but also character. In her words, “It was a very good investment in the sense that when the scholars get their on the job training and finally get employed, yung nagbabagong buhay hindi lang sa kanila, but their family and the community as well…Ito yung investment na hindi sayang. Hindi sayang because when you talk to them, they [have] become better persons already.”

The note stressed the value of togetherness “Kasama ninyo, napatunayan natin; walang imposible sa mga Pilipinong nagbabayanihan…together, I am confident that we can reach even more and build a better normal for all: A society where every Filipino is empowered to dream; that is more humane and more inclusive; that recognizes the dignity especially of the most vulnerable.”

The Vice President urges Dualtech “Patuloy pa tayong sumulong tungo sa katuparan ng ating mga pangarap.”

To date, Dualtech has graduated over 100 Angat Buhay Youth scholars. This Feb 26, the first batch of Basilan scholars will take the march.

Dualtech continues to accept enrollees. Dualtech welcomes donations for scholarships, education subsidy, and living allowance. Visit the website at www.dualtech.org.ph and click on the donate button for more information.

Dualtech Center’s Executive Director Mr. Jerry Webb E. Muhi and Community Relations Manager, Mr. Rodolfo V. Sta Ana III, receives the token of appreciation from the Office of the Vice President.