02/01/2025
“Kung anong pangarap ang gusto mong abutin, abutin mo.”
Fernando “Ferd” Peña Jr. recalls hearing these words from his father, Fernando Sr., a construction worker at DMCI Homes, as he was growing up.
These simple yet profound words guided him in pursuing his dream of becoming an engineer.
Now, Ferd is living that dream. As a licensed engineer, he works at DMCI Homes, the same company where his father has dedicated years of hard work.
Looking back, Ferd fondly remembers the days when his father would take him to construction sites as a young boy, sparking a dream to one day contribute to the very structures his father helped bring to life.
Ferd cannot help but reflect on how his father’s sacrifices and a life-changing opportunity paved the way for his success.
He is a proud beneficiary of the David M. Consunji (DMC) Scholarship Program, a Corporate Social Responsibility initiative of DMCI Homes under "Kaakbay sa Edukasyon," which supports the education of dependents of the company’s skilled workers. His father, Fernando Sr., is a diligent capataz at the Alder Residences construction site in Acacia Estates, Taguig City.
Launched in 2019, the DMC Scholarship has provided educational opportunities to the children of capataz and foremen, producing graduates who now excel in various fields. Ferd is among these scholars, having completed his BS Construction Engineering Management degree at the Technological Institute of the Philippines in Quezon City and passing the licensure examination last year.
For Ferd, the DMC Scholarship was more than financial aid—it was a lifeline, particularly during the uncertainty of the pandemic.
“Malaking tulong ang scholarship para sa akin at sa magulang ko dahil nasuportahan nito ang pinansyal na pangangailangan ng aking pag-aaral,” he shared.
The program helped cover essential expenses, including textbooks that proved crucial for his online classes. “Napakalaking tulong lalo na sa pagbili ng mga libro na higit na kailangan sa aking kurso,” he added.
Ferd’s journey would not have been possible without the unwavering dedication of his father, Fernando Sr., who has worked at DMCI Homes since 2006. His diligence and commitment to his craft as a capataz ensured his family’s eligibility for the DMC Scholarship.
“Ang DMCI Homes ay naging tunay na katuwang namin sa pagtupad ng aming mga pangarap,” said Fernando Sr.
The DMC Scholarship program continues to exemplify DMCI Homes’ mission to be a true “Kaakbay” or partner in uplifting lives. By empowering scholars like Ferd, the company not only transforms individual families but also contributes to the nation’s progress.
As Ferd embarks on his professional journey, he carries the enduring wisdom of his father: “Kung anong pangarap ang gusto mong abutin, abutin mo.”