First 40 Partners of Dualtech

In commemoration of its 40^th Founding Anniversary, Dualtech Training Center recognized its first 40 cooperating companies that collaborated with the institution in co-pioneering the implementation of Dual Training System in the Philippines. Eight (8) of those early partners came to the event. These were San Miguel Corporation, Fuji Haya Electric Corporation, Mondelez Philippines, Inc., Hino Motors Philippines Corporation, Intergrated Micro-Electronics, Inc., Capitol Steel Corporation, Phelps Dodge Philippines Energy Products Corporation, and Armscor Global Defense, Inc.

“The initial years [of Dualtech] had never been easy but we are all here to honor the companies which helped start Dualtech”. Mr. Jerry Webb Muhi, Dualtech Executive Director, mentioned in his opening remarks. “Your companies have been bold enough to support, to venture, and to gamble with Dualtech Training Center and here we are right now 40 years after. We can see the fruits of the training partnership”. Mr. Muhi added.

Mr. Arnolfo Morfe, Dualtech President, presented the ‘’Dualtech in 40 years” which highlighted the historical background and milestones of Dualtech Training Center since 1982. After the presentation, plaques of appreciation were presented to the representatives of the companies.

The 40 companies were the firms that started to host Dualtech trainees for in-plant training for those who graduated between 1987 up to 1992. Among the nearly 14,000 graduates that Dualtech produced until recently, the first 219 bear the mark which Dualtech and these companies have jointly pursued in its school-industry collaboration in those years of engagement. Those alumni are grateful for these companies’ role in their professional careers.

Mr. Kevin Yang, Director of Fuji-Haya Electric Corporation shared his goals and positive insights with Dualtech. “What I want from Dualtech is to improve the quality of our people because HR is of personal value to me…” Mr. Yang said.

Representing the Capitol Steel Corporation, Mr. Eljoie G. Fontanilla, Strategic Human Resources Head, congratulated Dualtech for the 40 years in fulfilling its mission to the youth. “It is high time to rebuild the partnership. I am really amazed with how Dualtech trained and made the students competent and skilled. As an HR professional, I appreciate the values education part because we always promote the balance between technical and the behavioral performance. Mr. Fontanilla said.

Mr. Eddie Manial, Armscor Global Defense AVP for Business Control Group, shared that the company has been in the industry for more than 50 years. Despite the gun ban for the past years, they were able to sustain the business operations and did not lay-off employees. “Armscor has CNC and Robotics technology for our firearms. I am interested in having the [Dualtech] students and show them that Philippine firearms could also compete worldwide. I am looking forward that Dualtech will further partner with us for the betterment of the students” Mr. Manial cited.

Similar to Dualtech, Phelps Dodge Philippines Corp was affected by the Asian financial crisis. Mr. Albert Joseph D. Reyes, HR and Admin Manager, shared that the company is still fortunate to continue expanding its business. “Dualtech is one of the biggest projects of the previous president [the late Ramon B. Santos]. In terms of partnership, there are a lot of opportunities that we can explore. We can also provide some training materials that you can use. There’s a lot of a common goal that we want to achieve between Dualtech and Phelps Dodge. It is about time that we rekindle that partnership”. Mr. Reyes said.

Mondelez International Philippines then known under the name “Kraft” engaged with Dualtech on and off over the years. This relationship was renewed recently and would make Mondelez count among Dualtech most resilient of partners.

Ms. Margarita Alexis Sison, Talent Acquisition Team Advisor, gave a brief history of Kraft as they commemorated its 50^th year. “Upon getting to know what Dualtech really does to its trainees, I am hoping that we can strengthen our partnership and hopefully to get more trainees”.

Hino Motors Philippines Corporation kept the relationship which survived for many years until it was disrupted by the pandemic.

Ms. Camila Kim T. Asuncion from the Recruitment Team shared how proud she is for the company is at 47 years and a part of it was the engagement with Dualtech Center. “Very in demand sa amin ang electrical and mechanical courses. Hopefully, Dualtech can provide us with more manpower and also trainees.”

Integrated Micro-Electronics Inc. revived the relationship with Dualtech after a big pause  some years before the pandemic.

For Integrated Micro-Electronics Inc., Ms. Carla Martnez, HR Manager shared “We would like to renew the partnership with Dualtech Center. I do believe in values formation. I also had good experience with Dualtech graduates way back my previous company and I would like to bring and to continue that in IMI. Hindi lang yung galing ang nahahasa but yung character which is actually yun yung unique foundation para mas maka-produce ka ng successful na empleyado.”

Gokongwei Group of Companies through the then Litton Mills and later Robitex kept this relationship until the closure of the textile business. Eventually, Dualtech seconded a few of its retired senior people to help out at the Gokongwei Brothers Foundation in its beginnings.

The ceremony was followed by a school tour where guests had the chance to see the trainees in action at the workshops in electrical, mechanical, and electronics.

San Miguel Corporation representatives came in the afternoon to receive the plaque of appreciation. San Miguel Corporation particularly was the first to send workers for upgrading courses and multi-skilling programs. San Miguel through its various subsidiaries partnered with Dualtech over the years. The last one was that of San Miguel Packaging in Canlubang.

The 40 Pioneering Partners: Philippine Refining Company (Unilever), Philips Lighting Company, Telefunken (Continental), URC (Litton Mills and Robitex), Integrated Micro-Electronics Inc., Van Melle, Raytheon Technologies, Festo Philippines, Inc., S&J Industries, Mondelez (Kraft), Hino Motors Philippines Corp., Phelps Dodge Philippines, MICS, Gold Zack (Penn Phils.), YSS Laboratories, Hoechst Philippines, Miascor, Genpacco, UGC, Lindum Machineries, Saranga Ceramics, CFC (now URC), Armscor Global Defense, Inc., FR Cement, Fuji-Haya Electric, Saniwares, ATI, RFM, Intel Philippines, UCC, Central Azucarera Don Pedro (CADP), Armel Plastics, Triumph International Philippines, Plastic Group, TAG Semiconductor (now also Continental), Capitol Steel Corporation, Nachi Pilipinas Industries, Sprague Phils. (now Allegro Microsystems), San Miguel Corporation, and Nestle Philippines.