ALS, Making Dreams Into Reality (An inspirational story of an ALS Passer)

by Edilyn M. Parugrug
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”.