April 15, 2025
A welding student’s second chance at education
By Dorothy Castro
When faced with a difficult situation, Gerald Seciban’s love for his family prevailed.
A consistent achiever and an outstanding student, Seciban began his scholarship journey when he received help from Tzu Chi’s Educational Assistance Program (EAP) in 2016, a year after his mother volunteered for Tzu Chi’s recycling program.
Through this opportunity to study, he completed his high school education and received his diploma in 2021. Everything seemed smooth sailing until he was faced with difficulties.
In 2020, when the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted employment in the Philippines, Seciban’s father was one of the many Filipinos who lost his full-time job. Working in construction, he was affected by the pandemic’s strict restrictions.
With his father being the sole provider, Seciban, who was starting college at Quezon City University at the time, saw the challenges his family was facing and had no choice but to halt his studies to work. The decision was not easy– he fought for his dream, applying to many universities before being accepted. But his family’s financial situation was dire.
“We were dependent on government aid before, so it was difficult to find the money to support our family,” Seciban recalled. Being 19 years old at that time, he took on various jobs, from electrical lineman to call center agent.
While able to support his family alongside his father who became a casual construction worker, Seciban still saw the opportunities he missed due to his educational attainment. “I received multiple rejections because I was not a college graduate,” he said.
Just as he encountered many setbacks, he once again found Tzu Chi.
In November 2024, he applied for and successfully became a Tzu Chi Technical-Vocational scholar, part of the latest batch of students in the welding course.
“Although I did not finish college, through this program, I will be able to improve myself and find a good job,” Seciban said.
Thus began his journey, where he gained experience as an on-the-job trainee (OJT) at Greenpower Technology Services (GTS). Here, they put each welding lesson into practice, applying their techniques in the workplace.
“It’s like a battleground,” Seciban said.
Joel Mortel, a mechanical supervisor at GTS, vouched for Seciban and his co-scholars’ skills and positive attitude towards their work.
“For every person who comes here, like [Tzu Chi’s] scholars, there are a lot of us who will help and teach them properly before they leave here. For their dedication, they have to do their best and work hard. They should grab all the opportunities, and whatever is being taught to them, I hope it stays in their minds,” Mortel reminded his students.
For Seciban, this opportunity became his light of hope– being able to provide for his family while fulfilling his goal of educational attainment through the Technical-Vocational livelihood program.
“The opportunity that Tzu Chi gives us, it gives people a new hope, a new place to start, and to build a career,” Seciban said, now optimistic about his career path, having completed Tzu Chi’s welding course.
“For the people who feel like they are losing hope, this is what gives them light. That we still have hope to improve our lives.”
A photo of young Gerald Seciban
Education has always been a priority for Gerald Seciban and his siblings. This is seen in their many academic achievements.
Many items from Tzu Chi, like this sack of rice, could be seen around Gerald Seciban’s home, all of which he received during his scholarship.
Gerald Seciban (first row, center) during his work as a call center agent.
Gerald Seciban (below) working as an electrical lineman.
Now a Tzu Chi Technical-Vocational scholar, Gerald Seciban takes another chance at creating an even brighter future for himself.
Gerald Seciban (first from right) with his co-scholars during Tzu Chi’s Technical-Vocational scholarship awarding program last November 2024.
Gerald Seciban (first from right) with his co-scholars during Tzu Chi’s Technical-Vocational scholarship awarding program last November 2024.
During Tzu Chi’s Technical-Vocational scholarship alumni homecoming event last December 2024, Gerald Seciban (left) got the opportunity to show off his skills as the emcee.
Greenpower Technology Services, located in Santa Rosa, Laguna, served as the training ground for the Tzu Chi Technical-Vocational scholars as they completed their on-the-job training.
Elpidio Valdez (right), Tzu Chi Technical-Vocational program instructor, checks on the scholars’ progress at the Greenpower Technology Services.
A Tzu Chi Technical-Vocational scholar applies the skills he learned in welding.
![“For me, [Tzu Chi’s Technical-Vocational program] was an opportunity, a new hope, a new place to start, a new place to build a career so that I can support myself and my family in the face of hardship,” says Gerald Seciban.](/assets/news-page/images/13-v44.jpg)
“For me, [Tzu Chi’s Technical-Vocational program] was an opportunity, a new hope, a new place to start, a new place to build a career so that I can support myself and my family in the face of hardship,” says Gerald Seciban.
Joel Mortel, mechanical supervisor at Greenpower Technology Services, shares his experience working with Tzu Chi Technical-Vocational scholars: “They are hardworking and not picky.”
Gerald Seciban (first from left) with his fellow Tzu Chi Technical-Vocational scholars during their on-the-job training in Greenpower Technology Services.
Gerald Seciban (first from left) with his fellow Tzu Chi Technical-Vocational scholars during their on-the-job training (OJT) in Greenpower Technology Services.
Gerald Seciban (first from left) with his fellow Tzu Chi Technical-Vocational scholars during their on-the-job training in Greenpower Technology Services.