Dualtech joins Zero Extreme Poverty (ZEP) 2030 Coalition

Through Lao Foundation and Association of Foundation, Dualtech Center was invited to join the Education Cluster of Zero Extreme Poverty (ZEP) 2030 Coalition, a movement which aims to reduce poverty incidence by providing education, training, and livelihood to Filipinos who are among the most marginalized in the country.

During the ZEP 2030 Education Cluster Meeting and Learning Session on July 10, 2019, Dualtech Center hosted the meeting to explore potential partnership among many other foundations, institutions, and LGUs.

As part of the presentation, Ms. Tina Viray of Lao Foundation and Mr. Okeek Sta Ana of Dualtech Center presented the Dualtech scholars of Lao Foundation who are now undergoing their in-plant training under D&L Polymer and Colours in Canlubang, Calamba City. Tina shared, “Partnership with Dualtech started 4 years ago with 20 scholars. Nakita namin na sobrang maganda iyong programa kasi from education to employment sya.” Aligned with its goal of providing education and employment, they added more beneficiaries including sons of the coconut farmers. “For batch 4, since isa sa mga produkto ng company na main ingredient is coconut, it is about time to give back to coconut farmers.” The partnership evolved into endorsing Dualtech as training partner of D&L Group of Companies.

Three (3) scholars came to testify on how Lao Foundation and Dualtech Center helped them into getting the appropriate training from basic to more advanced technology, from typical high school graduates to motivated and well-formed Dualtech trainees. Leo Samarita from Batangas said, “We are provided with all the training materials. The only thing that we need to do is to have the initiative to learn.” D&L provided engineering modules including tool box and rotated them in different production and engineering processes. They are trusted by the senior engineers which made them accomplish the installation of one production line. “Iyong 100% na tiwala, ibinigay na nila sa amin kaya kami ay nagpupursigi na ang tiwala nila, hindi masira.”

The other two scholars, Echo from Pangasinan and Eman from Camarines Sur, were also present to share their journey from having been introduced to Dualtech after their Senior High School year to learn various skills from both school and company. Eman said, “Doon sa company namin, trainee palang po kami pero sinasanay na po kami sa machine, its parts, ayusin ang sira, electrical, mechanical, programming. As a trainee and being part of Lao scholars, pag-iigihan po namin ang pag-aaral para po sa susunod, kami narin po iyong makakatulong sa ibang tao.” Grateful for the quality training acquired from the company, Echo expressed also his gratitude for being helped in his medical condition as he underwent cyst removal surgery.

To continue its drive to help more out-of-school youths, Lao Foundation has given another scholarship grants to 10 sons of coconut farmers and 10 scholars from poor families under the ZEP 2030 criteria.

Among the other topics during the learning sessions were the scholarship program offered by Foundation for Professional Training, updates from Del Monte Foundation and Conrado and Ladislawa Alcantara Foundation and their efforts in Bukidnon and Saranggani, and DLSU ZEP 2030 App.

Dualtech Center joined this education cluster to contribute to life-long opportunities to the Filipino youth to be employed, self-employed and therefore uplifting the lives of their families and communities.