Hope for a Bataan Boy

A scholar’s story in Lao Foundation’s AVP material

“I learned how to be independent in Dualtech, because they not only taught me technical skills but also good manners. I thank Lao Foundation because they sponsored my education and brought me where I work now (Oleofats, Inc.) I am a proud Dualtech alumnus and also a Lao Foundation scholar!”

Ulysis Desunia Jr., Dualtech alumnus and Lao Foundation scholar

As rough, deep and wide like the sea– that is how Lao Foundation scholar Ulysis D. Desunia Jr. describes his life as they ventured back in Mariveles, Bataan with the team of Lao Foundation, Inc. (LFI) and Dualtech Training Center. With his father’s scanty livelihood, their finances became unstable as they could no longer sustain everyday expenses to an extent they would only eat once or twice a day. With this sudden realization that they could no longer meet their daily needs comes a rough decision for their parents; Ulysis and his two younger brothers were sent from Visayas to Bataan, where his maternal grandparents lived, while their mother was forced to work in Manila away from their family.

His granduncle encouraged them, especially Ulysis to help out with their livelihood at sea as a fisherman; being exposed to the dangers of raging sea in his tender age. With the scorching heat of the sun in their boats in the middle of a limitless abyss of water, he threw his worries away as he needed to be strong for his two brothers. He was able to earn little by little through this kind of job, and was able to finance his high school studies. When he was in Grade 9, he was able to find a friend who offered him to stay at their home for free. Ulysis was treated like a real grandson until he finished his Senior High School program.

After high school, he was offered to work in a shawarma stall owned by a family friend. This livelihood allowed him to not only sustain his daily needs, but also that of his siblings.

“Ma’am please allow me to study in Dualtech, I really want to study. Those were the exact words I could hear as he wanted to go to Dualtech. I really hope COVID ends so the scope of Dualtech reach more beneficiaries”, as shared by Ms. Myrna Barrioquinto, Bataan Community Relations Volunteer-Coordinator.

Through the Bataan Community Relations Volunteer-Coordinators Ms. Rose Papas and Ms. Myrna Barrioquinto, Community Relations Manager Mr. Rodolfo “Okeek” Sta. Ana III and the late Mr. Armando “Ding” Capitin, Ulysis and Bataan hopefuls were able to make their way to Dualtech.

Now, Ulysis is currently employed at Oleofats, Inc. As strong as a rock withstanding a raging sea, that is how Ulysis was shaped by life’s challenges.

Watch his life story video in this link https://fb.watch/gwSdPmjySd/