Around 12 Filipinos in Dubai were recently awarded with Visual Basic Certificates during the Gaduation Ceremony of Filipino Association for Computer Excellence (FACE) held in Metropolitan Palace Hotel – Deira on 14 May, 2004 attended by the Philippine Consulate Labor Attache, Atty. Vicente Cabe and his wife, together with the lecturers, trainers and officers of FACE.
“Visual Basic or VB is a windows programming language often used to develop applications or programs. Our basic aim of the course is not only to add our credentials upon finishing it but rather to bring a highly qualified Filipino programmers here in the UAE. We rather give more emphasis on the real world of programming by focusing on the actual applications development.” said the delighted Engr. Godfrey Caluna, FACE lecturer, from United Precast Concrete Dubai L.L.C., and a native from Ozamiz City, Philippines.
Engr. Caluna further said that although all his students started with a very minimum knowledge of programming, he was very impressed by the outcome of the students based from their works. “And I can tell you that all of them are now on the roads of becoming a successful programmers. He assessed that they’ve got all the potential. And I’m so happy to share my expertise here in FACE. Unfortunately, students accepted in the class are still being limited at this time. This is because, I want to have quality graduates, and that is very important. However, the number of students in the class would surely be increased in the future when there will be enough volunteer programmers already.”
The ceremony was highlighted with the presentation of the actual application/program created by each student. One of the outstanding graduates and active officer of FACE, Ms. Ester Marciano, created a successful program for her use in the Hospital that she’s working with. “I thought I can’t finish this mind-boggling course. But thanks to the guidance of our very hardworking and patient instructor, the many sleepless and troublesome nights had finally paid off!”, she said. “If others can, why can’t I?”, she quipped.
An OFW lady working in a computer shop, Ms. Myla Talavera, was all surprized when she received a Special Award from her instructor who appreciated the kind of programming attitude she possessed while developing her application.
Roster of Graduates for Visual Basic Batch 1 are as follows: Lucio Alfonso, Arnel Anonas, Chona Basal, Annelle Fajardo, Ernesto Manalo, Ester Marciano, Jimmy Morales, Ernesto Pagdanganan, Arnel Parcon, Elvin Lloyd Tabios and Myla Talavera.
On the other hand, Ms. Sally Shah and Milani Villanueva, Treasurer and Auditor of the club, respectively, made the presentation on the full Financial Report of FACE. “Our purpose is to bring up transparency on how the flow of funds is being managed in the club.”, declared Ms. Shah.
Ms. Shah further went on saying, ”The club is here to help our compatriots gain new knowledge and skills in the computers. But not through profiteering means. We should rather be open and transparent when it comes to our collection. Students as well as all the members have the right to know on how the money is spent by us!”
Ms. Roshelle Grant, one of the outstanding graduates in Graphic Design, commented that it’s her first time to encounter such disclosure of financial statement being made during graduation. Said she, "I greatly admire this effort of transparency by FACE! I hope others would do the same!"
Also equally making attraction in the occasion was the exhibition of various artworks created by graduates of Graphic Design course. Visitors and guests were in great admiration upon seeing the framed artworks being mounted on the walls. “Mr. Amor Dagdag, the Graphic instructor, was responsible for bringing those graphic talent out from us!”, exclaimed one graduate.
Aside from Visual Basic and Graphic Design courses, graduates of PC Assembly Batch 16 and PC Networking Batch 10 also received their certificates.
A total of around 100 OFW-graduates received their Diploma during the night.
This graduation's Loyalty Award went to FACE's very inspiring couple. And to know who they are, just click on this LINK.
Registration for the next batch is on 21 May, 2004, @2 - 5 pm, at the Philippine Consulate.
Following are the Schedules of Classes:
- Visual Basic (part II) — @ 12noon to 2pm
- PC Assembly Batch 17 — @ 2 to 4pm
- Graphic Design Batch 3 — @ 4 to 6 pm
- PC Networking Batch 11 — @ 6 to 8 pm
Classes will start on 4 June, 2004, every Friday at same place in the Philippine Consulate.
So, come and enroll on the designated date: 21 May, 2004.
Please inform all your friends for this registration (which is on a first come, first serve basis only). See you all there! Don't miss it.
For your enquiry, kindly contact the following:
- Ms. Ester L. Marciano — 050 655 1926
- Ms. Ollie Pineda — 04 264 0221
- Mr. Nestor Pagdanganan — 050 475 2002
- Ms. Lyn Jaring — 04 3133003, (7:30am to 4pm Sun-Thurs)
Registration and opening of classes will be on Friday, 21 May, 2004 for the ff. courses:
PC Assembly Batch 2
PC Networking Batch 1
Please contact the ff:
Mr. Tino Arciga, 050 6967001
Ms. Sally Shah, 050 485 3036
Mr. Richard de la Cruz, 050 477 6953
Enrolment is still going on for the ff. courses:
PC Assembly Batch 3
PC Networking Batch 2
Pls. contact the ff.:
Mr. Efren Dumo, 050 4828160
Mr. Sonny Castillo, 050 5393193
Mr. Ed Castro, 050 6763743
Mr. Vic Candilanza, 050 6954170
Still accepting students for the ff. courses:
PC Assembly Batch 3
PC Networking Batch 2
To enroll, contact the ff persons:
Mr. Ed Moreno, 050 361 8923
Mr. Sonny Castillo, 050 5393193
Mr. Vic Candilanza, 050 6954170
The club is greatly proud to have the following members gladly assisting the Philippine Consulate in the on-going Overseas Absentee Voting:
- Engr. Ed L. Ferrer — Poll clerk
- Mr. Ronnie G. Balilo — member Secretary
- Ms. Ester L. Marciano — Poll clerk
- Mr. Ernesto T. Pagdanganan — member Secretary
- Mr. Noel D. Gamlanga — Poll clerk
Furthermore, they will also be present alongwith another FACE member, Mr. Edmundo O. Moreno, to assist in the Counting of Votes on May 10 to 11 from 11 AM onwards. Let's witness the most crucial and meaningful part of the Election process.
To them, thru the leadership of our Club President, Engr. Ferrer, our heartiest congratulations for rendering historical service to the Filipino Community. You are making history great and thus, we are so proud of you! A big kudos to you Chaps for an honest and orderly election! As ever, kurdize to our club!
To see them in action, please visit the Gallery.