FEATURE: Guy from Mabalacat lands job at BPO firm despite skin disorder By Rosa Bianca Pamintuan “Skills can be taught but the character of a person is inherent,” said Ausphil Outsourcing Solutions Operations Manager Steve Ogden, describing the extraordinary character of a job seeker from Mabalacat City, Pampanga. Computer technology fresh graduate Russel Salalila, 22, was among the 3,381 jobseekers who woke up early morning on May 1, fully prepared and participated in the Labor Day Job Fair at the Event Center of SM City Clark. However, unlike other jobseekers, aside from being prepared with the necessary employment requirements and be dressed up for the occasion, Salalila also had to deal with his very unique and discomforting skin disorder -- Harlequin Ichthyosis (HI). HI is the most severe form of congenital ichthyosis. It is characterized by a thickening of the keratin layer in fetal human skin (similar to that of a fish’s scales), which contains massive, diamond-shaped scales, and tends to have a reddish color. In addition, the eyes, ears, penis and appendages may be abnormally contracted. Despite his physical condition, Salalila was hopeful that he would find a job in order to give his family a better life. “Kahit ganito po yung kundisyon ko, ayaw ko pong maging tambay sa bahay (Even if I have a condition, I don’t want to remain unemployed). I don’t want to sit and stay there doing nothing because I want to work and contribute to my family’s needs. I want to help my mother, grandmother, and sister. My father recently passed away and it’s about time that I should do my part,” Salalila said. With patience and persistence, Salalila, after going through the rigorous job hunting in the maze of employers at the job fair, successfully landed a job as a call center agent at the Ausphil Outsourcing Solutions. It is an Australian-based business processing and outsourcing (BPO) center located at the Clark Freeport Zone. Steve Ogden said, “Russel’s skin disorder doesn’t bother me. If there’s anything he needs, we will be there to support him. On the other hand, I do admire his willingness to work because I believe that 100% of willingness can automatically be assured from him. If he is thankful for what we’ve done for him and if he doesn’t have opportunities outside, then obviously, he is the most willing person to help us if we give him the opportunity.” “With Russel’s case, we hired him not for charitable means, but for pure opportunities. I see his willingness and fortitude to perform for his own benefit and self-esteem, which in turn, will also benefit this organization and its core values. We want to give opportunities to people who want to better themselves. Skills can be taught, but the character of a person is inherent,” Ogden added. Cristy Vasquez, Human Resource Manager of Ausphil, said despite Salalila’s condition, he is very much qualified and possesses skills fit for the company’s needs. “Based on our interview with Russel, aside from his achievements in school, we believe he’s capable of doing many things despite his condition. What he needs is an opportunity to showcase his skills and talents because, like all of us, he too has a dream, not only for himself, but more importantly, for his family,” Vasquez said. Regional Director Raymundo Agravante, for DOLE’s part, commended Ausphil Outsourcing’s initiative. “We are very thankful that Ausphil gave Salalila’s a chance to grow and excel with them. We hope that other companies too would look beyond physical condition in hiring people because every individual is unique and productive in their own way,” Agravante said. Salalila, for his part, thanked the Ausphil and DOLE, for giving him the opportunity to work. He likewise urged others who are also physically challenged to go beyond their comfort zones and do their best to succeed in life. “Maraming salamat po sa Ausphil dahil sa tiwala na binigay nila sa akin. Kay Sir Steve, Ma’am Cristy, sa mga trainers, at officemates ko, I’m very thankful that you all supported me in this endeavor. Ganun din po kay Labor Secretary Baldoz, Director Ray, ARD Deng at sampu ng mga kasamahan nila sa DOLE, sa pagkakaroon ng job fair, kung di po dahil sa job fair ninyo, wala po ako ngayon sa kinatatayuan ko (Thanks to Ausphil for the trust that they gave me. To Sir Steve, Ma’am Crusty, to the trainers, and to my officemates, I’m very thankful that you all supported me in this endeavor. Also to Labor Secretary Baldoz, Director Ray, ARD Deng and to DOLE stuffs, thanks for conducting job fairs. If it weren’t for them I wouldn’t be here where I stand now.)," Salalila said. “Hindi po dapat maging hadlang ang pagkakaroon ng kapansanan upang makamit ang tagumpay, dapat tingnan din ninyo ang inyong kakayahan at gawin ang lahat ng makakaya upang umunlad sa buhay (Having a condition should not be a hindrance to attain success. We should acknowledge our skills and use them to achieve a better life),” he added.
Posted on: Tue, 18 Jun 2013 03:40:15 +0000
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