Joebert Grapa Villaruz, a humble young man from Brgy. Biao, Binalbagan, Negros Occidental, once walked the dusty roads of uncertainty—but today, he walks confidently in the corridors of progress. Now a FCAW Welder at AIC RAK – Arabian International Company in Ras Al Khaimah, UAE, Joebert’s journey was one fueled not by privilege, but by purpose.
Before Don Bosco, Joebert was a student of Biao National High School under the Technical-Vocational-Livelihood (TVL) Track. Like many of his peers during the pandemic, he struggled with modular learning. By day, he worked to help his parents buy rice; by night, he sat under dim light completing his modules. Life was hard, but Joebert had a firm resolve: “Mas mahirap sa taong walang pangarap,” he said. Despite the struggle, he never let go of his dream of changing his life and uplifting his family.
Joebert is the fourth among five siblings—four boys and one girl. With only one of them already starting their own family, Joebert understood that his role carried weight. His parents and siblings did what they could, giving him small allowances to cover his personal needs. But what truly carried Joebert through were the inner values he nurtured at Don Bosco TVET Center: discipline, humility, faith, and forgiveness.
A beneficiary of the ANCOP Community-Based Training Program in Gargato, Hinigaran, Joebert’s life took a significant turn when he entered Don Bosco TVET Center Balamban. There, he trained in Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW) NC II, Flux Cored Arc Welding (FCAW) NC II, and Electrical Installation and Maintenance (EIM) NC II. But more than technical skills, he gained something deeper—hope, purpose, and transformation. He joined daily Mass, prayed the Rosary, went to confession, and attended recollections that molded him not only as a skilled worker, but as a person rooted in faith and service.
After completing his training, Joebert was hired as a welder by a local shipbuilding company in Balamban. There, he worked diligently on various fabrication and vessel repair projects, continually refining his craft. It was during this time that he experienced the real-world demands of the welding industry—and he rose to the challenge with quiet resilience. Every weld, every spark, every bead laid was a step closer to his dream.
Yet, Joebert’s path wasn’t free of setbacks. He faced a series of rejections in his efforts to seek employment abroad. For many, that might have been the end of the road—but not for Joebert. He took each “no” as a reason to improve. He worked harder, learned from every interview, and deepened both his skills and soft competencies. What carried him through wasn’t just technical ability—but a disciplined spirit and a faithful heart.
One of those who stood by him were the Salesians of Don Bosco TVET Center Balamban, who personally assisted him in pursuing opportunities beyond the country. “Tinulungan po ako nila Father para makapagtrabaho abroad,” Joebert shared. That support became the key that opened the door he had knocked on for so long.
Eventually, his perseverance paid off. Joebert was deployed to the Middle East, now working as a FCAW Welder at AIC RAK – Arabian International Company. He began sending support to his family, contributed to his siblings’ needs, and proudly started building their home—one he dreamed of during nights filled with uncertainty and prayer.
To young people considering a future with Don Bosco, Joebert has a message: “Magbabago talaga ang buhay ninyo. Lahat ng mabubuti ay ituturo sa inyo sa Don Bosco TVET Center.” His transformation is living proof that with the right training, values, and support, dreams are not only possible—they are inevitable.
Joebert’s inspiring journey would not have been possible without the life-changing support of CFC ANCOP Global Foundation, whose commitment to uplifting the poor through education opened the door to opportunity. It was ANCOP who first believed in Joebert’s potential by providing access to community-based skills training—training that became the foundation of his future. Together with Don Bosco TVET Center Balamban, ANCOP helped spark a dream, ignite a future, and transform a life.
Don Bosco TVET Center Balamban—Sparks Dreams, Ignites Futures.
