Taking risks, a former fisherman is now an Isuzu branch assistant manager

RText by

isks are sometimes necessary to prevail in life.

This was 27-year-old Ramie Montirola’s rule in life, who from being a fisherman in Cawayan, Masbate is now doing well as a Parts and Service Assistant Manager of Isuzu Gencars Batangas City.

“Walang mangyayari kung di mo naman susubukan (Nothing will happen to you if you do not try)," said Montirola as he recalled the day he took the exam that changed his life.

“Kagagaling ko lang nun sa pangingisda nung narinig kong nandun sila (Isuzu and TESDA). Nagpunta agad ako dun sa munisipyo para mag-exam (I just got back from fishing when I heard that the staff from Isuzu and TESDA were at our area. I immediately went to the municipal hall and took the exam)," he said.

This was the time he was waiting for since it was previously announced that the group will be returning to Masbate to search for another batch of scholars to undergo auto mechanic training.

Montirola’s scores turned out high and all he had to do was to show the staff of TESDA that he really needed the scholarship. As the eldest of eight siblings, it was his ultimate dream to uplift the lives of his family members.

Not all passers were able to get in the training program, since only those who have the most difficult circumstances in life were accepted.

“Nakita nila yung bahay namin talagang nipa hut lang tapos ang gamit naming pang-ilaw yung lampara (They saw our house was just a nipa hut and that we merely use a gas lamp as a source of light)," Montirola said.

It was a bittersweet feeling for him and his parents when he was chosen as a scholar. While he was having a hard time believing whether this was all true, he was also having second thoughts about leaving his parents to take part in training at the Regional Training Center in Tacloban City for two years.

He finally decided to leave, taking yet another risk hoping to change his life and help his family. As he entered training in May 2010 joining the fourth batch composed of 17 trainees, he spoke with the first batch of recruits. After that, he knew that this was his chance to somehow finally fulfill his dreams.

“Ang kailangan na lang naming gawin talaga dun ay mag-aral, dahil lahat binigay na sa’yo. Pagkain, uniform, accommodation at pati mga personal na pangangailangan mo (All you had to do there was study since the program provided uniform, food, accommodation and even the personal needs of the scholars)," he explained.

The endeavour, which started in 2008, was a project of Isuzu Philippines Corporation (IPC) together with Plan International and the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) to better the lives of underprivileged youth through free training and education.

After a grueling two-year training, it finally paid off in November 2012 when he graduated as top three from their batch. Montirola’s parents even endured the long travel all the way from Masbate to Tacloban City just to attend his graduation.

“Nagkanda ligaw-ligaw pa nga sila. Pero minsan lang daw ako ga-graduate kaya puntahan dapat (They almost got lost on their way here but they were firm on attending my graduation since this was something that does not happen too often)," he recalled.

He later joined a regional skills competition where he won as a gold medalist.

The following year, Montirola worked for Isuzu Gencars Makati where he used everything he learned from training as an automotive mechanic.

He started out by doing preventive maintenance which according to him, was something he enjoyed and was easy compared to hauling the catch of the day when he was a fisherman.

His performance as a technician soon paid off and after two years he hanged his tools as he was promoted as warranty processor. He became in charge of the new units from IPC. His job is to determine if they are within warranty or if there are problems or issues with it.

After working for three years in Makati, Montirola was recommended by his former supervisor to the position as Parts and Service Assistant Manager of the then newly-constructed Isuzu Gencars Batangas City. Today, he is now on his third year in that branch.

As soon as he landed a job, he was able to fund the studies of his younger siblings. His sister Sara Jane, 25; and Sara Mae, 21;