In the quiet town of Binalbagan, Negros Occidental, a young man named Richard Trance Vargas dared to dream of a better future. Today, that dream has taken him across oceans—working as a ship fabricator in the United Kingdom. His journey is a powerful testimony to faith, perseverance, and the life-changing impact of CFC ANCOP Global Foundation and Don Bosco TVET Center Balamban.
Born into humble beginnings, Richard found early community and spiritual growth through Singles for Christ and later Couples for Christ, where he strengthened his faith alongside his wife. When a 10-day training opportunity organized by ANCOP in Gargato, Hinigaran came his way, he embraced it despite financial constraints, traveling daily with only a modest allowance.
That training would open doors beyond what he could imagine. Encouraged by his chapter head, Richard took a leap of faith and journeyed to Cebu, where he joined Don Bosco TVET Center – Balamban, Inc. Life was not easy: he spoke little Cebuano Dialect, had no income, and faced the daily challenges of living away from family – wife and two children. Yet, Don Bosco became more than a training ground—it became a home of faith, discipline, and personal transformation.
At Don Bosco, Richard honed technical skills in welding and fitting under the guidance of the Salesians and a dedicated team of trainers. Beyond technical mastery, he embraced a lifestyle of simplicity, sobriety, and hard work—fed not only by nutritious meals from their own garden but also by constant prayer and community support.
His resilience paid off. After completing training, he was accepted by a major shipbuilding company and later sought opportunities abroad. Though initial attempts to work in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Romania and Lithuania did not materialize, Richard’s hope never wavered. At every setback, he found new strength in faith.
Finally, in late 2024, a breakthrough came. A partner company of Don Bosco TVET Center Balamban – Global Maritime Engineering (GME) Services, saw his potential, after a rigorous process that included trade tests and passing the IELTS exam, Richard secured a job for the United Kingdom. Today, he stands as a proud fabricator in a prestigious shipbuilding company—proof that hard work, faith, and the support of a loving community can lift even the most humble dreams into global realities.
Richard’s story is a shining testament to the mission of CFC ANCOP: to “Answering the Cry of the Poor” by empowering lives through education and formation. It is also a tribute to Don Bosco TVET Center Balamban, where technical excellence meets spiritual growth, preparing young men and women not just for jobs, but for life.
“To all those who helped me along the way—thank you. Your kindness, faith, and guidance shaped my journey and gave me hope during my most difficult moments,” Richard shares.
From Negros to the world, Richard Vargas’s story reminds us all: when love meets opportunity, miracles happen.
