March 19, 2024
Transforming Adversity into Opportunity: The Tzu Chi Journey of Tech-Voc Scholars Wilbert Tolentino and Novoh John Obligado
By Ben Baquilod
Life is filled with pain and suffering.
This is an immutable fact of existence—echoed in the teachings of Buddhism—a reality that 20-year-old Wilbert Tolentino has known intimately since childhood.
Born and raised in a poor household, without financial security and material comfort, the feeling of lack deepened in Wilbert when he lost his father to kidney failure in 2017. He was only 13. More than a year later, his mother started a new family elsewhere, leaving him and his three siblings under the care of his grandparents.
“It was painful experience for me, losing both my parents,” Wilbert recalled. “I was too young at that time, and I didn’t know what to do.”
Thanks to his grandparents, who served as their guardians and provided a roof over their heads, Wilbert was able to continue his studies through high school. However, it didn’t come without challenges. While his grandfather managed a small sari-sari store and his grandmother sewed clothes, their meager income was just enough to meet their basic needs. “It was difficult because sometimes we didn’t have money for my school allowance,” he confessed.
To ease the financial burden, Wilbert took on different part-time jobs while studying. From toiling as a construction worker to assuming roles as a timekeeper and service crew member at a restaurant chain, he showed resilience and hard work to have a better life for himself.
Although the prospect of attending college seemed like an unattainable dream due to the high cost of tuition and other school expenses, Wilbert sought out opportunities to enhance his skills and socio-economic condition. Through a cousin who graduated from Tzu Chi’s Technical-Vocational scholarship program, he knew of the foundation’s welding course and swiftly applied.
“I feel so happy, I didn’t have any regret. All of my efforts were worth it,” Wilbert declared. Over a span of two months, he diligently honed his craft, mastering skills such as full welding and overhead welding. With the foundation’s assistance, he secured a 200-hour on-the-job training placement at Greenpower Technology Services, where his proficiency extended from shielded metal arc welding (SMAW) to TIG (tungsten inert gas) welding and machine operations.
His and fellow Tzu Chi classmates’ performance during the internship received outstanding evaluations from the company. Their supervisor, Joel Mortel, was impressed not only by their technical skills but also by their stellar work ethic. “I don’t have anything negative to say about their attitude. They are so kind,” he said. “In their work, they are very diligent. That’s why the company has recommended their absorption for work.”
Wilbert was pleased to receive his supervisor’s feedback, and he credits Tzu Chi for instilling values he learned through their humanities class and daily interactions with Tzu Chi volunteers and staff. “I’ve come to realize that, no matter how difficult life may be, we can still help others through our small acts of kindness” he affirmed. Several times, on his way home from class, Wilbert would give his food to children he encountered on the streets asking for alms.
Wilbert has also noticed an improvement in his temper over the past months. “Previously, when people cursed me or said mean things, I would respond in a similar manner,” he admitted. “Now, I’ve become more patient.”
Novoh John Obligado, Wilbert’s classmate, has an equally remarkable journey with Tzu Chi’s scholarship program.
Like Wilbert, 27-year-old John, the eldest of four siblings, has grown accustomed to a life filled with struggles. His father works as a fitter-welder at a pier in Tondo, Manila, without a steady job, while his mother divides her time between taking care of his younger siblings and selling food in their neighborhood.
John’s ambition of obtaining a college diploma was thwarted by financial constraints, urging him to seek part-time job as a helper at a pier, where he acquired basic knowledge on welding. Although this gave him a daily income, John aimed for greater stability. “This is not sustainable. I want a regular job.”
Upon learning about Tzu Chi’s technical-vocational course, John saw it as a chance to upgrade and professionalize his skills and earn a National Certificate (NC II) accredited by the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA).
But like Wilbert, John’s experience at Tzu Chi extended far beyond welding skills. For John and his classmates, Tzu Chi became a family too. “They welcomed me with open arms, regardless of my religious background. Whatever your status in life is, they accept you for who you are,” he explained. “And the staff and volunteers, they’re incredibly kind. I almost don’t want to leave,” he added with a smile. “I’m happy that life brought me here.”
For John, the desire for a better life transcends personal ambition, as he is now anticipating the arrival of his child with his eight-months pregnant wife, Luz Angelee. "I yearn to break free from the shackles of poverty. I want a better future for my child," he declared tearfully. “I want him to be proud of me.”
John and Wilbert are now one step closer to achieving this dream. On March 12, they both successfully passed the TESDA certification exam, along with all their classmates from Tzu Chi, resulting in a 100% passing rate. This fills their hearts with immense joy and gratitude.
“Tzu Chi gave us the opportunity to improve our lives. I’m thankful to the donors of Tzu Chi for their support, even though they may not know us personally,” John expressed gratefully.
“After losing both my father and my mother, I had a dream that I wouldn’t have to rely on my grandparents forever. That’s why I really worked hard to study here at Tzu Chi,” Wilbert shared.
Reflecting on his journey, Wilbert's grandmother, Apolonia Tolentino, radiated with pride and happiness at the impact of Tzu Chi on her grandson's life. “I thank God for bringing Tzu Chi into my grandson’s life. Thanks to Tzu Chi, he has found renewed hope,” she exclaimed tearfully.
Life may indeed be filled with pain and suffering, but it also abounds with hope and love—a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the transformative power of compassion.
Wilbert Tolentino shares his experience as a scholar of Tzu Chi’s Technical-Vocational course on welding. “I feel so happy, I didn’t have any regret. All of my efforts were worth it,” he says. 【Photo by Harold Alzaga】
Wilbert Tolentino and his grandparents chat with Tzu Chi volunteers during a home visit. 【Photo by Matt Serrano】
Wilbert Tolentino and his grandparents welcome Tzu Chi volunteers into their home. 【Photo by Matt Serrano】
Guided by Tzu Chi Tech-Voc staff, Wilbert Tolentino learns welding skills in his class. 【Photo by Matt Serrano】
Wibert Tolentino applies the skills he learned in Tzu Chi through an internship with Greenpower Technology Services in Sta. Rosa, Laguna. 【Photo by Matt Serrano】
Wilbert Tolentino at his internship site at Greenpower Technology Services in Sta. Rosa, Laguna. 【Photo by Matt Serrano】
Novoh John Obligado at his internship site at Greenpower Technology Services in Sta. Rosa, Laguna. 【Photo by Matt Serrano】
Novoh John Obligado works on a welding assignment during his on-the-job training. 【Photo by Matt Serrano】
Tzu Chi welding scholars pose for a group photo with Greenpower Technology Services staff. 【Photo by Matt Serrano】
Tzu Chi Tech-Voc staff member and welding teacher Elpidio Valdez Jr. gives final reminders to the scholars before their certification exam. 【Photo by Matt Serrano】
Tzu Chi’s Technical Vocational Scholarship Program provides underprivileged Filipinos with skills training and values formation, helping them with employment after graduation. 【Photo by Matt Serrano】
“Whatever your status in life is, they accept you for who you are,” says Novoh John Obligado of his experience with Tzu Chi Philippines. “And the staff and volunteers, they’re incredibly kind. I’m happy that life brought me here.” 【Photo by Harold Alzaga】
Novoh John Obligado and his wife Luz Angelee chat with Tzu Chi volunteers during a home visit. 【Photo by Matt Serrano】
“Tzu Chi gave us the opportunity to improve our lives. I’m thankful to the donors of Tzu Chi for their support, even though they may not know us personally,” John says tearfully. 【Photo by Matt Serrano】