A famous American entrepreneur once said, “Some people dream of success, while other people get up every morning and make it happen.”

This is true in the life of Frank Devie P. Querido from Paoay, Ilocos Norte. He wakes up and starts his day by ferrying passengers safely to their destination as a tricycle driver. He juggled both his academics and job with the hope of giving a good life to his family.

“Nang makuha ko na 'yong driver’s license ko noong 18 years old ako, nagsimula na akong mamasada. Pagkatapos ng klase ko, diretso na ako sa pamamasada ko bilang tricycle driver. May time pa noon na kinailangan kong matulog sa harap ng isang convenience store sa lugar namin para abangan ang mga pasaheros na galing Manila," said Querido.

Aside from his earnings as a public utility vehicle (PUV) driver, he was also able to provide for his family by doing part-time jobs.

“May mga part-time rin po ako kagaya ng pagtitinda ng fishball, pagsasaka, at iba pa,” added Querido.

Early on, he understood that life is not a walk in the park. He narrated how he would make both ends meet just to ensure food on their table, help in the daily expenses of their family, set aside fund for emergencies being the eldest among his siblings, and allocate payment for his tuition fees at the Northwestern University in Laoag City. Even if it means having to ask loans from friends and double up in his job in the transport sector.

Querido wanted to give back and repay the sacrifices of his parents in keeping their household together no matter how hard life is.

His family is also a beneficiary of the Department of Social Welfare and Development’s Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) which is a poverty reduction strategy of the national government by providing cash grants to extremely poor households with an aim to improve their health, nutrition, and education of the children.

With this assistance, he is thankful how this program helped his family in uplifting their lives. Yet, this did not stop him from earning and striving hard to give a comfortable life for them.

That’s why when he passed the Mechanical Engineering Board Exam this year, he posted his achievement in his social media platfrom with the caption “Tricycle driver ninyo, engineer na!”

“Marami akong bagsak noon pero kinaya ko at ngayon engineer na ako. Maganda talaga ang plano ng Panginoon para sa atin,” stated Querido.

For him, apart from fulfilling his dream, this is also a fulfillment of his dream for his family especially to his parents whom he considers as his inspiration.

“Aim high! Review and never give up. Pray, pray, and pray. And never give up,” this is what Querido wants to share to his fellow hopefuls and dreamers.

Indeed, nothing in this life comes easy. But with dedication, passion, trust in the Lord, and hardwork, everything is possible. Everything is worth it.

This is the beautiful journey of success of a tricycle-driver-turned-mechanical-engineer. (JCR/AMB/MJTAB PIA Ilocos Norte)