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January 25, 2025

Tzu Chi’s Technical-Vocational Program welcomes applicants for its Caregiving, Machining courses

For Jeffrey Albarico and Marielle Hernandez, a TechVoc scholarship gave them the means to support their families.

 

By Dorothy Castro 

 

Tzu Chi Foundation Philippines welcomes applications for its courses on Caregiving until January 31, and Machine Operation or Machining until February 7. These are two currently available programs for the start of 2025.

 

For almost 15 years, Tzu Chi’s Technical-Vocational Program has provided the knowledge and skills to financially challenged individuals who eventually found livelihood opportunities in sewing, welding, dental care, machining, BPO (business process outsourcing) training, and caregiving. 

 

A scholarship is more than a source of financial assistance—it is a symbol of hope and a way to a better quality of life for students in need of support. 

 

Tzu Chi's goal through its Technical-Vocational Program has always been to provide quality education, training, and values formation to aspiring scholars and empower them to support their families as they become professionals.

 

This vision became a reality for TechVoc alumni like Jeffrey Albarico and Marielle Hernandez. 

 

Albarico, a 24-year-old Domestic Refrigeration and Air-conditioning course (Dom-RAC) alumnus, found Tzu Chi after a pause in his studies.

 

Studying to be a seaman, he got by through financial support from his aunt, an Overseas Filipino Worker. The COVID-19 pandemic changed everything. “My aunt could no longer support my education due to layoffs,” said Albarico.

 

During this time, he worked as a production staff for a company, then as a construction worker alongside his father to support their family. Even then, his dedication to his education never dwindled.

 

Learning about Tzu Chi’s Technical-Vocational Program from a fellow technician, he applied for a scholarship in January 2024 as part of the foundation’s 8th batch of Dom-RAC students.

 

“It was my mission to pursue my studies. Through God’s mercy and Tzu Chi’s compassion, I was accepted as a scholar,” he said.

 

Through the tireless efforts of Tzu Chi’s donors, volunteers, and staff, scholars like Albarico receive free training, accompanied by free meals, uniforms, equipment, transportation allowances, and certification processes throughout their stay with Tzu Chi.

 

Albarico’s determination brought him far, as he now supports his family through his work as an admin maintenance at an embassy, where he, the youngest in their team, now applies the technical skills he learned after his National Certificate (NC) Level II certification from the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) in 2024.

 

“My morale used to be so low. By earning my certification, I gained the confidence I needed as a technician,” said Albarico. 

 

Apart from his skills, his perspective on life broadened, sharing the same care and kindness he learned from Tzu Chi’s weekly Humanity classes. Regarded as Tzu Chi’s unique touch in inspiring scholars, Humanity classes serve as a reminder to create a cycle of compassion in their communities.

 

Hernandez, a 32-year-old caregiving alumna, agreed that Humanity classes were instrumental in shaping who she is today. “It was filial piety that truly brought me to tears,” she recalled. 

 

Little did she know that approaching her success, she would extend the same heartfelt lessons she learned from Tzu Chi Founder Dharma Master Cheng Yen to her patients. 

 

Hernandez lived as a stay-at-home mom to support her children’s needs but realized the need to build a career for herself as her children grew up. Yet, she felt she lacked the educational background to fulfill her dream of working at the National Center for Mental Health (NCMH). 

 

“I found Tzu Chi when I was figuring out what to do with my life,” said the mom of two. As her children grew, she and her husband needed to work together for their needs. As fate would have it, Tzu Chi began welcoming applications for its caregiving course.

 

This transformed her life’s trajectory.

 

“I used to feel so ashamed because I did not have the medical background [needed], but because of Tzu Chi, I could work in NCMH,” said the proud nursing attendant who brought her dream career to practice in 2023. 

 

Now, not only does she work to create a bright future for her children, she radiates kindness and healing for patients in her care. 

 

“I’m grateful to Tzu Chi, for giving us a chance to change our lives,” said Hernandez.

Not only are Tzu Chi’s Technical-Vocational scholars equipped with skills for their careers, they are also empowered through values formation, nurturing a positive outlook in life. Not only are Tzu Chi’s Technical-Vocational scholars equipped with skills for their careers, they are also empowered through values formation, nurturing a positive outlook in life.
Then 23-year-old Jeffery Albarico (left) receives his certificate from Tzu Chi Education Committee Head Rosa So. Then 23-year-old Jeffery Albarico (left) receives his certificate from Tzu Chi Education Committee Head Rosa So.
Scholars learn on the field as they immerse in their practice, participating in on-the-job training. Scholars learn on the field as they immerse in their practice, participating in on-the-job training.
Scholars learn on the field as they immerse in their practice, participating in on-the-job training. Scholars learn on the field as they immerse in their practice, participating in on-the-job training.
Scholars learn on the field as they immerse in their practice, participating in on-the-job training. Scholars learn on the field as they immerse in their practice, participating in on-the-job training.
Instructors are very hands-on when it comes to scholars, attending to their concerns and giving them helpful advice. Instructors are very hands-on when it comes to scholars, attending to their concerns and giving them helpful advice.
Marielle Hernandez (left), during one of her classes as a caregiver scholar. Marielle Hernandez (left), during one of her classes as a caregiver scholar.
Marielle Hernandez (right) practices first aid techniques as part of the caregivers’ training curriculum. Marielle Hernandez (right) practices first aid techniques as part of the caregivers’ training curriculum.
Last December 21, 2024, Tzu Chi Philippines’ Technical-Vocational scholars had the chance to reconnect through an alumni homecoming program. Marielle Hernandez (last row, second from left)  joined in on the group photo with fellow batchmates. Last December 21, 2024, Tzu Chi Philippines’ Technical-Vocational scholars had the chance to reconnect through an alumni homecoming program. Marielle Hernandez (last row, second from left) joined in on the group photo with fellow batchmates.
Jeffery Albarico (first from left) poses for a photo with fellow Dom-RAC scholars during the Tech-Voc alumni homecoming held last December 21, 2024. Jeffery Albarico (first from left) poses for a photo with fellow Dom-RAC scholars during the Tech-Voc alumni homecoming held last December 21, 2024.
Tzu Chi Foundation Philippines is currently accepting applicants for its upcoming caregiving course. Applications are open until January 31, 2025. Tzu Chi Foundation Philippines is currently accepting applicants for its upcoming caregiving course. Applications are open until January 31, 2025.
Tzu Chi Foundation Philippines is currently accepting applicants for its upcoming Machine Operation Course (MOC). Applications are open until February 7, 2025. Tzu Chi Foundation Philippines is currently accepting applicants for its upcoming Machine Operation Course (MOC). Applications are open until February 7, 2025.
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Tzu Chi Philippines

Buddhist Compassion Relief Tzu Chi Foundation, Philippines - Jing Si Hall

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(632) 8714 - 1188

info@tzuchi.org.ph

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