New Batch of Technical Professionals

Surviving the Trials of Pandemic

On 25 th of June 2022, Dualtech Center held its Commencement Exercises for fifty-nine (59) graduates in
the 2-year Electromechanics Technology course.

In the Baccalaureate Mass, Dualtech’s Assistant Chaplain Fr. Jong Sabandal shared a homily about a 12-
year old Jesus Christ getting separated from Joseph and Mary after they went on Pilgrimage to
Jerusalem; however, Jesus asked : “am I not supposed to be in my Father’s House?”. He used this as an
analogy to Dualtech scholars who were separated from their homes; leaving their comfort zones but
having an ideal realization that this institution is like their “Fathers” home, forming and teaching them
not only work skills, but also Christian values which they may bring with them throughout their lives..

The class representative, Erwin Piol from Batangas, delivered the “Salamat po” speech and began with a
line “It is hard to be poor, but it is harder to live without dreams”. He pointed out 5Ps in his speech:
“Pandemya” (Pandemic), “Pakikisama” (Camaraderie), “Puso” (Heart), “Pasasalamat” (Gratefulness),
and “Panalangin” (Faith). These were all part of their journey from studying for two (2) years in the
school and being immersed in the industry amidst the COVID-19 pandemic which began when they
enrolled back in 2020. They were among the students who experienced the struggles of distance
learning.

The guest speaker, Mr. Jose Alberto “JB” Dimayuga, who is one of the Dualtech donors and believers in
the advocacy of the institution, relates his message as a father. The first thing he reminded them is “BE
A FRIEND”, know someone and the values they carry. Second is to “BE A FAN” of what you take interest
in as Dualtech alumni for this could provide entry points for opening more opportunities. The third one
is “BE YOU” who strives to be a person of values and virtues, like Jesus.

Mr. Arnolfo Morfe, Dualtech President, gave the closing remarks citing the true essence of being a
scholar; that a true scholar is such not merely for being poor, but someone who has big dreams and is
striving towards achieving them. He described Dualtech scholars as possible diamonds being toughened
up by pressures of life’s difficulties like ordinary carbon becomes diamond through the unbearable heat
and pressure near the bottom core of the earth.

As Dualtech celebrates its 40 th year, Dualtech is like a 40-year old mother giving birth to these young
graduates who will embark on their respective paths in life.