When life plants you in the soil of hardship, it is up to you whether to grow roots or wings. For Aaron Lapatan, a young man from humble beginnings, life before Don Bosco TVET Center Balamban was a constant struggle between the sweat of farming and the grit of construction work. “It was very hard, lalo na kapag nalulugi ang mga pananim,” Aaron recalls. His family faced constant financial difficulties, and emotional burdens weighed heavily on his shoulders.
But Aaron held on to a dream—that there was something more waiting beyond the fields and construction sites. That dream led him to the doors of Don Bosco TVET Center Balamban, where he enrolled in the Flux Cored Arc Welding (FCAW) NC II program in 2024. It wasn’t an easy path. The distance from his family, the culture shock, and the spiritual battles nearly broke him. “I once thought of giving up,” he shares. “Parang ganon din ang buhay ko noon at ngayon. Pero na realize ko, dito may pag-asa. Kahit mahirap sa una, may patutunguhan ang paghihirap namin.”
Aaron’s opportunity to join Don Bosco was made possible through the efforts of Bago City Councilor Jom Somcio, a dedicated public servant who has consistently opened doors for young people aspiring to rise above poverty and hardship. Councilor Somcio’s commitment to empowering the youth through education and skills development has already transformed many lives—and Aaron’s is one of them. We affirm and deeply appreciate his unwavering support, and we pray that his mission of service and hope continues to reach more youth in need.
What Aaron found within the walls of Don Bosco was more than just training—it was transformation. Daily Masses, the evening Rosary, recollections, and confessions deepened not just his skills, but also his spirituality. “Natutunan kong mapalapit sa Panginoon. Mas nakilala ko Siya. Dito ko rin natutunang dapat pursigido kang abutin ang pangarap mo.” He learned survival, but more than that, he learned purpose.
Don Bosco equipped him not just with technical competence but with values that matter in life and work—discipline, critical thinking, empathy, time management, and resilience. When he finally entered the workforce, the nervousness of facing “real work” was quickly replaced by growth. “Medyo nahirapan ako sa una, pero habang tumatagal nasasanay na rin ako,” he said. “I became more responsible and developed self-discipline.”
Today, Aaron works as a SHIP FITTER in a major shipbuilding company in Balamban, Cebu, applying the skills and values he gained at Don Bosco. His dream? To become a Globally Competent Fitter — to be able to earn, but to uplift his family, spiritually and financially. “Lagi lang maging humble. Huwag susuko. Sundin ang mga tinuturo ng trainers dahil magagamit mo lahat ‘yan. Palaging manalangin.”
Aaron’s story is not just about welding—it’s about forging a future through faith, formation, and fortitude.
This journey reflects the mission of Don Bosco TVET Center Balamban: “to help the young, especially the poor and marginalized, become good Christians and upright citizens through holistic Technical-Vocational Education and Training.” Aaron is living proof that this mission is alive—transforming lives not only by equipping the youth with in-demand skills, but by instilling Gospel values that last a lifetime.
His growth also embodies the vision of Don Bosco TVET Balamban—to build a sustainable, spirit-filled, and service-oriented TVET community. From being a farmer with fading hopes, Aaron now stands as a testament to hope renewed, competence achieved, and faith deepened.
Don Bosco TVET Center Balamban is not just a training center—it is a launchpad for dreams, a sanctuary for second chances, and a crucible where young people like Aaron Lapatan are molded not just into workers, but into men of character, hope, and mission.
