Dubai, United Arab Emirates —
For 56-year-old Melchor Salem De Roma, life has always been the biggest teacher.
And today… he’s the one giving the lessons back.
As a young boy in Pakil, Laguna, Melchor walked the streets selling balut at night, pan de sal in the morning, and ice cream by day.
Anything to help his family survive.
Food was not always guaranteed. Allowance was a luxury.
Six children. One modest income.
But despite everything, his father never let them give up on education.
“Life can be hard… but those challenges make us stronger,” Melchor said.
“I was blessed with a family who believed in me. That’s why I want to give back.”
A Dream That Sparked a Journey
Melchor struggled in school — even picked up failing grades.
He wasn’t the most connected or the smartest.
But he never stopped trying.
His determination opened a door:
He landed a job at his dream company, the National Power Corporation (NAPOCOR).
He worked his way up…
eventually leading the Laguna Substation and its operations team.
In 2004, he finished his MBA.
And in 2011 — when changes rocked the power industry — he took a leap of faith and moved to Dubai.
That’s where the story transformed.
Melchor earned multiple professional titles:
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Licensed Professional Electrical Engineer
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ASEAN Chartered Professional Engineer
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Project Management Professional (PMP)
He even became an award-winning leader in the Institute of Integrated Electrical Engineers – Dubai.
But the achievement he’s most proud of?
Helping others succeed.
Weekends for a Mission — Paying It Forward
Since 2019, Melchor has dedicated his weekends to coaching aspiring Filipino engineers in the UAE.
He trains and mentors them for free — even spending his own money at times — all to help them pass the Special Professional Licensure Examination (SPLE).
And his results speak volumes:
✅ 23 new Registered Electrical Engineers
✅ 20 new Licensed Master Electricians
✅ 10 encouraged to pursue a full engineering degree
✅ 8 board passers in 2025 — the top number worldwide under IIEE
✅ Produced a topnotcher
✅ 18 passers with a 100% Master Electrician success rate in two years
“Everyone has a purpose,” he shared.
“This is mine — to help Filipinos become professionals and change their future.”
Full Circle
From selling balut on the streets…
to powering cities in Dubai…
to changing the lives of fellow Filipinos.
Melchor is proof that where you start
does not define where you can go.
Because when one Filipino succeeds —
he lifts others with him.
SOURCE: GMA News
https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/pinoyabroad/pinoyachievers/964652/from-balut-vendor-to-electrical-engineer-this-dubai-ofw-pays-it-forward/story/
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