Tech-voc makes a difference for driver turned mechanic

Medel Dalan of Mariveles, Bataan, a family man at 20, used to dabble as a tricycle driver when he heard of TESDA’s Galing Mekaniko Program in 2009. “That time, I barely earn money for my family’s needs,” he recalled. Oftentimes, he could not even spare some money for the repair of his prized tricycle, which motivated him to learn the ropes of small engine repair and maintenance.

Completing the 40-hour Galing Mekaniko training at the Regional Training Center in Mariveles was not a walk in the park for Medel, but “…the quality of training inspired me more,” he admitted. His daily attendance forced him to work extra hours every night after classes just to make sure that food is availale on the family’s dining table the following day.
When he became a repair man, Medel had a hard time attracting customers since the people then are not yet aware of his newfound skills. They knew him more as a tricycle driver. Armed with the starter tool kit given to the graduates of the Galing Mekaniko, he tried his luck in Sta. Cruz, Zambales, landing a spot as a shop mechanic, where he earned P4,000 a month plus a 60% cut for every job order given to him.

After a few months, he went back to Mariveles full of confidence and solid experience to start anew. His plan and hard work paid off. Medel is now earning an average of P400 daily and proudly shared that his biggest income in a single day was P2,000. His steady income enbaled him to focus on things he had very little time before. “Being a mechanic taught me how to effectively manage time for work and family, unlike before when I had to be on the streets almost 24 hours,” he said.

Medel now aims have his own service shop. He is very thankful to TESDA and wants to give back by inspiring others to invest time and effort in skills training if they want to help themselves and other people.