Lao Foundation signs MOA with Dualtech to help Typhoon Odette Victims

“Among our beneficiaries and partners is Dualtech which not only helps the families of those in the agriculture sector and victims of Typhoon Odette, but also gives them hope to combat poverty through sustainable livelihood by providing them training in the field of Electromechanics.”

-Mr. Jun Lao, Chairman of Lao Foundation, Inc.

Lao Foundation, Inc. (LFI) continued its campaign to help beneficiaries through scholarship programs for forty (40) Dualtech students. On November 10, 2022, LFI hosted its Partners’ Convention with the theme “Building Minds, Forming Hearts, Changing Lives” and had a formal Memorandum-of-Agreement (MOA) signing event where they invited Dualtech Training Center Foundation, Inc. and its eight other partner institutions.

Dualtech Executive Director Engr. Jerry Webb E. Muhi, with Manager of Sponsorship and Alumni Relations Mr. Rommel T. Tejada, and Head of Scholarships Mr. Jose B. Jacob were the three (3) representatives from Dualtech Center for the said MOA signing with LFI– represented by their Program Head Ms. Cristina E. Viray and Chairman of Lao Foundation, Inc. Mr. Jun Lao.

“We at Dualtech are committed to training and eventually allowing these students to find jobs after their 2-year Electromechanics Technology course; made possible by the Lao Foundation scholarship which enables them to achieve their dreams.”; Engr. Jerry Webb E. Muhi, Dualtech Executive Director said in the signing ceremony.

In 2022, LFI and Dualtech Center identified the victims of the Super Typhoon Odette as the next set of beneficiaries. The typhoon struck the Philippines in December 2021, leaving in its wake catastrophic effects to many provinces and islands of Mindanao and Visayas. The typhoon had washed away homes and people’s livelihood.

Three (3) provinces were visited by the Dualtech Center. Among the chosen LFI scholars are Donndhy V. Casidsid (17, Antique), Kem T. Batingal (19, Aklan), and Genel L. Aldojesa (21, Bohol).

“There is a high expectation on me as the “unico-hijo” among our siblings, so I have to stand up and help my father in his work as a fisherman even at a young age. Our only source of income which is our fishing boat was also destroyed during Typhoon Odette. Dualtech came to our province of Antique and I was determined to study for the sake of my family.” 

– Donddhy V. Casidsid, LFI scholar Batch 2022

When Typhoon Odette came, their only boat was crushed by the surging waves.

“My older brother graduated from Dualtech and my family is expecting me to also study there too. I realized how fortunate he was to study here as I am now seeing how Dualtech influenced my relationship with God and be better, besides learning to be disciplined and improving my relationship with  others, especially my family.” 

-Kem T. Batingal,  LFI scholar Batch 2022

Kem from Aklan is among three (3) children of a security guard and his housewife. His older brother studied in Dualtech and convinced him to study there as well; however, he opted to work as a construction worker. Realizing how hard it was to earn money, he enrolled in Dualtech after Typhoon Odette  and quickly realized how far better his work and attitude became while in the school.

“Our roof was blown away during the night when Typhoon Odette struck our hometown. We had no electricity leading up to Christmas, and aside from that we had to start from scratch in rebuilding our lives. Then Dualtech came to our province offering us the Electromechanics Technology course. I would like to thank the Lao Foundation for choosing me as one of their scholars.”

-Genel L. Aldojesa, LFI scholar Batch 2022

Like the other two, Genel was also a victim of Typhoon Odette and came from a humble household in Bohol, among eight (8) children of a farming family. To get by, they sold guava, coconut and vegetables. In time, he would become a construction worker too but was still unable to pay off debts. His parents encouraged him to try Dualtech.

LFI and Dualtech are working together towards helping less fortunate individuals by training them in skills and values; giving them work through possible livelihood after education.