In the workplace, certain norms dictate what type of work suits males and females. Welders and automotive technicians are stereotyped as men’s jobs. But slowly, women take on jobs that were once traditionally thought of as men’s. Raline Perez Olaquino is one example. She made history in Ford Alabang as well as in Ford Philippines as the first female automotive technician of the company.

Before Training at TWC
Raline was born to a middle-class family on October 26, 1971. She finished high school and started working in a garments factory. Next, she transferred to Filipinas Electronics Company in its electronics production line for five years. After which, she sought employment abroad in an electronics company. At that time, she was a single parent to a toddler whom she left under the care of her mother.

She worked for several years abroad and came back in 2000. She and her son stayed with her parents. Aside from her savings, she rents out for P2,000 her one-unit apartment. However, months after arriving from abroad, she found herself jobless with her savings running out. With herself and a child to support she seriously considered finding another job abroad. But she also wanted to stay behind and look for job prospects because she wanted to look after her son.

Then she and her older sister learned about TESDA Women’s Center in the newspaper. Together, they went to TESDA to inquire about the course requirements of the pre-employment skills training program. Afterwards, they enrolled in their respective courses with Raline taking a course on General Automotive.

Unconventional Course
Her parents were supportive of her decision to enroll in an unconventional course for women. But both cannot hide their surprise as to why Raline took this course. Apart from her objective of using the skills she will learn from TWC in applying for a job, her other reason proved to be simple and practical. She explained that all of them in the family, except her father, are women. She thought, if in the future, the family gets to acquire a vehicle who takes charge in troubleshooting and maintaining? The course excited her since she has innate interest in fixing anything.

Raline supported herself through school using the rent she got from her apartment. Although she was not taught how to drive, which was what she expected beforehand, Raline was proud and contented to get much of the needed training from TWC. Among others, she was taught basic welding, battery checking, and engine overhauling.

Apart from these technical skills, she also attended trainings/seminar on gender and development (GAD). Thus, the insights she learned on the rights and potentials of every woman strengthened her character to chart her career path to where only a handful of the females dare to tread.

Right after finishing her course in February 2001, she applied for work at a multinational company. Barely a month after graduation, she landed a job at Ford Alabang.

Job at Ford Alabang
Through her friend who works at Ford Alabang, she submitted her application as automotive technician. It was coincidental that the manager at that time wanted to hire female technicians. She was taken in as an apprentice since she had already finished her two-month on-the-job training (OJT). It was the first time in the history of Ford Alabang and the Ford Philippines to hire a female technician. During her apprenticeship, Raline received an allowance amounting to P130 a day.

Then after a year, in 2002, the company granted her regularization as automotive technician. That same year, the company manager encouraged her to join a nationwide skills competition. She represented her company and bagged the 2nd runner-up slot. The following year, armed with more confidence and experience, she entered the same skills competition, and this time, she emerged as the champion.

Another career advancement took place in 2004 when she was promoted from automotive technician to quick service supervisor. She supervises five technicians. Her division handles minor check-ups. Despite all these achievements, Raline is set on upgrading her skills. This year, the company is sponsoring her training to improve her computer skills.

Not only did Raline find fulfillment in this challenging job. She also met and married a co-worker on July 2004.

Present Life Situation
Now, she has the skills, a stable job, and a complete family to speak of. She does not have to work abroad and leave her son to support his education. As supervisor, she receives around P12,000 a month while her husband who is a technician earns around P11,000. Through their joint efforts, they were able to buy an owner type jeepney and acquire a house and lot. She also supports her parents who are living with them.

Oliquino’s monthly household expenditure amounts to P15,000 on the average. That’s because they are still paying for the house and lot’s monthly amortization and for the schooling of her 9-year-old son.

Success Factors
Looking back, she was glad she tried her hand at this male-dominated job. Everything fell into place unexpectedly.

At first, she had doubts and fears if she can do the job. But through sheer determination and motivation she held on to her motto, “Try and try until you succeed.” Raline overcame her fears and decided to give it a try. There is only one way of knowing if she will succeed as an automotive technician and that is finding it out for herself.

Credit for her success likewise goes to the relevant technical skills she acquired from TWC. She believes she would not reach her present status if not for these skills. Her training was very useful both to her rewarding career and personal growth. It equipped her with the confidence and realization of her potential to improve her life and achieve her dreams. One of which is to have a stable job.

She is also eternally grateful to her family, especially her mother, who took care of her son while she was working abroad and training at TWC.

For all the women, especially the disadvantaged ones, Raline has these parting words, “Women should overcome their fears and test their ability. They should always try and give their best, until they achieve their goals in life.”