The Story of Elbert S. Pador
In the mountainous outskirts of Cebu City, a young man named Elbert S. Pador once labored in “pakyaw” construction, uncertain of what tomorrow might bring. Today, that same young man is a professional welder at Drydocks World Dubai, living proof that no starting point is too remote, and no dream is too distant.
Elbert’s transformation began in 2020, at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. While the world froze in fear and many training centers closed their doors, Don Bosco TVET Center Balamban, Inc. (DBTVETCBI) did the opposite—it opened its welding program, a bold move made possible by visionary leadership and an unshakable mission to serve the poor youth.
Elbert was one of the pioneer scholars under the DH25 Scholarship Program, led by Cebu City Councilor now Vice Mayor Donaldo “DonDon” Hontiveros, a proud Bosconian himself. Carrying the motto “Discipline and Hardwork,” DH25 created new possibilities for underprivileged youth like Elbert, who was then an unemployed undergraduate struggling financially and shouldering the responsibility of being his family’s breadwinner.
Despite having only minor experience as a construction laborer, Elbert entered the Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW) NC II program with determination and humility. Don Bosco TVET Center Balamban gave him more than skills—it formed him as a person. Through Daily Holy Mass, the evening rosary, recollections, and team-building exercises, Elbert matured into a man of discipline, patience, and critical thinking.
Upon completing his training, he was hired by a major shipbuilding company in Balamban, where he honed his craft further. It was this experience—and the confidence he gained—that pushed him to apply for a welding job overseas. With guidance from Don Bosco on interviews and employment pathways, Elbert secured a position in Dubai, marking a major milestone in his life.
“The change was immense,” Elbert reflects. “I’m now able to support my family and send my sister to school. It was never easy, but it was worth it.”
Life abroad came with its own trials—adapting to new work environments and different cultures—but Elbert faced it all with the values he learned at Don Bosco: resilience, responsibility, empathy, and leadership. For him, the most defining moment of his training was the team-building activity, which taught him the strength of unity and trust.
Today, Elbert stands as a shining example of the Vision and Mission of Don Bosco TVET Center Balamban, Inc., which aims to form morally upright, technically competent, and socially responsible individuals ready to serve the Church and society. His story is a living testament to Don Bosco’s enduring impact, and to the DH25 program’s transformative power, guided by the bold leadership of Vice Mayor DonDon Hontiveros.
To the youth who still hesitate, Elbert offers this advice:
“Don’t stay in your comfort zone. Keep dreaming and work for it.”
And to the Don Bosco community, especially to the Salesians, he expresses his deepest gratitude:
“Don Bosco is a home. Thank you for always guiding me. I am forever grateful.”
