21/03/2026
𝐁𝐫𝐢𝐝𝐠𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐆𝐚𝐩 𝐭𝐨 𝐆𝐥𝐨𝐛𝐚𝐥 𝐂𝐚𝐫𝐞𝐞𝐫𝐬: 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐒𝐮𝐜𝐜𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐒𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐲 𝐨𝐟 𝐉𝐨𝐬𝐞𝐩𝐡 𝐋. 𝐀𝐛𝐥𝐚𝐲
Meet 𝙅𝙤𝙨𝙚𝙥𝙝 𝙇. 𝘼𝙗𝙡𝙖𝙮, a proud TESDA scholar and native of Guiuan, Eastern Samar. At 29, Joseph is a living testament to how determination and opportunity can transform a life. Currently working in Saudi Arabia, he has reached heights he once thought were out of reach—but his journey began with humble roots and relentless perseverance.
After graduating from Eastern Samar State University (ESSU) in Guiuan, Joseph faced the harsh reality of limited job opportunities in a small province. He spent years taking on various part-time jobs, never picky about the labor as long as it was honest work. "Because of our poverty, I never turned down any job," Joseph recalls. "Whatever came along, I accepted."
In 2021, the TESDA-BNAS conducted training for Electrical Installation and Maintenance (EIM) NC II in Guiuan. Although Joseph hadn't originally planned on technical schooling, he immediately recognized the value of a National Certificate. He didn't hesitate to enroll—a decision that would change his life forever. TESDA opened doors for me, I gained hands-on experience in electrical installation, troubleshooting, and even working on fire alarm systems and CCTVs. More importantly, I earned my NC II, which proved vital when I started applying for jobs.
Joseph began his professional career as an Electrical Maintenance Worker for the Sun City Project in Parañaque City under WEL Contracting Company. However, he always had his sights set on working abroad. The skills and certification he gained from TESDA became his "golden ticket." Most agencies welcomed his applications, with many specifically requiring the NC II credential. In 2023, Joseph’s dream became a reality when he landed a position as a General Electrician at MULTIWORKS Co. Ltd. in Saudi Arabia.
"𝙏𝙀𝙎𝘿𝘼 𝙙𝙞𝙙𝙣’𝙩 𝙟𝙪𝙨𝙩 𝙜𝙞𝙫𝙚 𝙢𝙚 𝙖 𝙘𝙚𝙧𝙩𝙞𝙛𝙞𝙘𝙖𝙩𝙚; 𝙞𝙩 𝙜𝙖𝙫𝙚 𝙢𝙚 𝙘𝙤𝙣𝙛𝙞𝙙𝙚𝙣𝙘𝙚, 𝙖 𝙘𝙖𝙧𝙚𝙚𝙧, 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙖 𝙛𝙪𝙩𝙪𝙧𝙚. 𝙉𝙤𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙞𝙨 𝙞𝙢𝙥𝙤𝙨𝙨𝙞𝙗𝙡𝙚 𝙞𝙛 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙩𝙧𝙪𝙡𝙮 𝙬𝙖𝙣𝙩 𝙞𝙩. 𝙏𝙀𝙎𝘿𝘼 𝙞𝙨 𝙖𝙡𝙬𝙖𝙮𝙨 𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙧𝙚 𝙩𝙤 𝙝𝙚𝙡𝙥 𝙪𝙨 𝙗𝙪𝙞𝙡𝙙 𝙖 𝙗𝙚𝙩𝙩𝙚𝙧 𝙡𝙞𝙛𝙚."
Joseph expresses his deep gratitude to TESDA-BNAS and offers heartfelt thanks to Sir Stephen Gacutno, whose tireless teaching and guidance made a lasting impact on his career. Joseph lives by the verse from Isaiah 60:22: "When the time is right, I, the Lord, will make it happen." He believes that through faith and hard work, everything fell into place at the perfect moment.
