by Edilyn M. Parugrug
ALS Mobile Teacher III
ALS Mobile Teacher III
 |
Ernesto Damacio with his wife and 3 kids |
July 16,
1970, at Barangay Pandalla, Science City of Muṅoz, Nueva Ecija, the youngest among
eight (8) children of Mr. Nestor and Simeona Gabriel Damacio was born. He was named Ernesto.
His mother died six years after he
was born. Her older sister took the
responsibility of taking care of the young boy.
Ernie, to his friends, studied at
Pandalla Primary School and graduated with honors at Gabaldon Elementary
School. But because of his family
situation, he was not able to pursue his studies. At early age, he started working as helper/construction
worker to help support himself and his other siblings.
In 30 years of existence in this world,
despite the lots of frustrations and trials that come along his way, he never
loses hope and faith to God. Then he met and married Marivic Arcega Gajonera,
26 years old and a college student that time. Their married life and faith was
tested through trials, for seven (7) years challenges and difficulties come
along their way. During that time, they
already have two (2) children. Ernie, was not ashamed of selling fish balls in
Central Luzon State University (CLSU) and other nearby barangays to withstand
the increasing needs of his family. He
also worked in Maintenance and Janitorial Services in Church of Jesus Christ of
Latter Day Saints (CJCLDS) for 4 years.
He then realized the value of
education and decided to pursue his studies.
Year 2007, sun finally shines
through their way… Luckily his wife, Ma’am Marivic was already a Local School
Board Teacher in Pandalla Primary School who knew the various programs and
projects of Alternative Learning System(ALS).
God used Mrs. Ma. Consuelo Q. Bubod (School ALS Coordinator), Mrs.Edilyn
M. Parugrug (ALS Mobile Teacher), and Mr. Emmanuel D. Alvarez (former ALS
Education Program Supervisor – I) as instruments to shed light on his
dreams. Despite Ernie’s age, he decided
to attend Alternative Learning System learning sessions and register to take
the Accreditation and Equivalency (A & E) Test.
February 17, 2008, one of the most
memorable date in his life.Ernie, took the Accreditation and Equivalency (A
& E) Test and fortunately he PASSED.
Soon after knowing the results, he
received trainings in Mushroom Production sponsored by Muṅozonian,
USA and Computer Hardware Servicing Scholarship from TESDA. He enrolled and graduated at CTC – CLSU and
received the NC II Certificate from TESDA after he passed the assessment given
by the said agency. Those God’s
blessings pour even before ALS graduation rites in July 17, 2009 where he and
his family proudly attended.
His life now is far different from
what it was before… He is working as Service Provider & contractor at Aguila
Auto Glass in Pampanga. Earning more
than the salary of his wife, he can now provide the needs of his family; his
wife and 3 kids (Michael, Marjorie Paye, and Mary Joy), and even his older
brother and sister considered him as a big help.
At the age of 37, who would have
thought that ALS would come on his way, open door of opportunities and made his
dream into reality –provide his family a bright and secure future.
Now, we can truly say that… “ALS can make One’s Dreams into Reality”.
