How these tech-voc graduates became their own boss

With the skills and expertise they acquired after finishing their respective technical-vocational courses, these four young men found themselves on the path of running their own businesses.  Some spotted opportunities in the market, while others used the networks they developed from their work experience, to propel them into becoming their own boss. The stories of Bryan Hernandez, Ryan Manalang, Danver Reyes, and Elnard Ympal were among the top 20 winners of the Tatak TESDA (Technical Education and Skills Development Authority) video making contest this year, and they shared their inspiring  stories. Hernandez is the owner of East West Center for Excellence in Training.  The review center now has three branches in Laguna, and counting. His review centers has approximately 10,000 students being groomed for future employment. Years back, Hernandez said he could not glean that something bright would come along his way. When he was nine years old, his mother died, leaving him to fend for his younger brothes and sisters.  He tried applying for a job, but could not find one because he did not have the degree or the skills. Pressed to earn, he sold tables and other furniture, which he peddled from one house to another.  The stressful labor contributed to the deterioration of his health, and soon, he was sickly. After surviving his sickness, he decided to start anew and found himself studying a course for call center agents.  After graduation, he worked as a call center agent and then became a director of a university, where he further honed his skills.  With a small capital, he started a review center of his own.  Manalang, who hails from San Fernando City, Pampanga did odd jobs even as a student. His interest in cars made him decide to work as an assistant in a car repair shop.  Seeing the potential in him, Manalang's employer encouraged him to take an automotive course in TESDA. With his skills and experience, Manalang was able to put up his own shop, which he now manages.  "I learned that some things can't be achieved instantly, but there are many ways to get to your goal," he said.  Reyes of San Pablo City in Laguna has always been challenged on how to make electronic products work even when they're already busted. After high school, he enrolled in a non-formal learning center supervised by TESDA and finished a course on Computer Hardware Servicing. Excelling in his class, Reyes was chosen to join the youth skills competition, which won him a gold medal.  Moving up, he participated at the regional skills competition and at the Philippine National Skills Competition, where he bagged gold medals.  His most prestigious award so far was a bronze medal from the ASEAN Skills Competition. With the awards and recognition, he became a well-reputed repairman in his community.  Soon, he was able to put up his own repair shop, which trains similarly curious and skilled youth on mechatronics servicing. Ympal, a native of Siquijor province, fnished a course as agriculture technician so he would have the know-how on making the farm productive. The long, dry spell experienced every year by the farmers in their province prompted him to improvise an irrigation system made from softdrinks bottles, which watered his crops. "Because of a simple idea and my learnings from TESDA, I was able to keep my farm alive," he said. In 2007, Ympal was feted as one of the young outstanding farmers in his region, and in 2010, was awarded Outstanding Young Farmer of the Philippines.