“Pasalamat gid ako sa Sustainable Livelihood Program (SLP) nga naka training ako kay bangod sang inyo programa nadugangan pa gid ang akon ihibalo parti sa welding kag naka bulig man sa akon nga gin applayan kag sa certificate nga ini naka lab-ot ako dre sa abroad,” said Melbert Jolo, a beneficiary of the Department of Social Welfare and Development’s (DSWD) SLP, while looking back on his story as a child who dreamt of working in a big company.

(I am grateful to SLP for the training opportunity as part of the program. I have gained more understanding of my craft and helped me with my job application. I was able to use the certificate here in my job abroad.)

The story of 30-year-old Melbert of Barangay Lacturan in Dumangas, Iloilo, began when he was a youngster at 13. He used to observe and assist his uncle who owns a junk shop. From there, he was fascinated by everything, including heavy-duty skills and how the store operates.

As Melbert was growing up, his desire to work with major companies grew stronger. However, his lack of formal education and training limited his opportunities.

In 2017, Melbert learned about the DSWD’s Sustainable Livelihood Program in the Municipality of Dumangas and through the agency’s collaboration with the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), essential skills training were being offered to those interested.

Melbert did not hesitate and seized the chance of joining the program, becoming one of the 35 participants who received both technical training and a certification.

His dedication paid off when Melbert received a job offer as a gas tungsten arc welder from a construction and trading company in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Although initially hesitant about working abroad, Melbert accepted the offer, believing it was a long-awaited opportunity.

Upon arriving in Jeddah, Melbert faced numerous challenges, including language barriers and homesickness. Nevertheless, he remained committed, continuously honing his skills and adapting to his new environment.

Melbert’s hard work led to a significant increase in his salary, from Php6,000 per month in the Philippines to Php40,000 per month in Saudi Arabia, along with additional benefits such as bonuses and health insurance from the Social Security System (SSS) and PhilHealth facilitated by his employer.

His workmanship soon caught the attention of his employers and clients, resulting in a steady flow of commissions.

Melbert has since invested his savings to build a house for his family and purchased a parcel of land in preparation for their future.

Reflecting on his journey, Melbert credits his success to the DSWD’s SLP, his perseverance, and his readiness to embrace new opportunities.

Now back in the Philippines for a family visit, Melbert plans to return to Jeddah to continue his career.

The SLP is a capacity-building program of the DSWD for the identified poor, vulnerable, and marginalized households and communities aimed at providing viable interventions and support to improve the participants’ socio-economic conditions by accessing and acquiring necessary assets to engage in and maintain thriving livelihoods. #