From scrubbing hotel floors to inspiring young minds, Federico Dulla Jr.’s journey is a testament to how far courage and persistence can take a person.
At 40, Federico—an OFW from Panitan, Capiz—has just earned his master’s degree in Special Education from St. Paul University Manila. But even with that achievement, he says he’s only beginning.
“From a housekeeper to a licensed and accomplished teacher in Dubai… my journey proves that dreams do not expire,” he said, his voice full of gratitude and quiet pride. “With faith, perseverance, and the right people to guide you, every sacrifice becomes a stepping stone to success.”
Federico arrived in the UAE in 2016, starting as a housekeeping floor supervisor at Four Seasons Hotel Al Maryah Island in Abu Dhabi, later moving to Four Seasons Resort Jumeirah.
He still remembers the rush whenever an urgent room had to be cleaned—everyone helping, working fast, pushing themselves because guests were waiting. It was tough, but it taught him discipline, teamwork, and grit.
In 2018, everything changed.
He discovered a Philippine government program allowing OFWs with college degrees to take the Licensure Examination for Teachers (LET) in the Middle East. It awakened a dream he had long buried—teaching.
“I needed a profession I could grow old with,” he said. “Teaching was my true calling.”
Supported by the Filipino International Teachers Society (FITS-UAE), Federico spent his Fridays traveling from Dubai to Abu Dhabi for free review classes. He gave up rest days. He studied after work. He tried. He failed. He cried—but he refused to quit.
By August 2019, fueled by determination and countless hours of preparation, he passed the LET.
Still, he stayed in the hotel industry until 2021—until he finally felt ready to chase the life he truly wanted.
Becoming a Grade 5 adviser in a Filipino school in Dubai was not easy. Ten years in hotels had made the classroom feel unfamiliar. Lesson planning, classroom management, and teaching techniques tested him daily.
“At times, I wanted to return to my previous job,” he admitted.
But mentors, co-teachers, and supportive friends kept him going. Slowly, the doubts faded. His love for teaching grew. And today, he continues to guide young learners with the same dedication he once poured into every hotel room he cleaned.
Federico now serves not only as a classroom teacher—but also as the president of FITS-UAE, helping other Filipino educators rise, just as he did.
His story is more than a career shift.
It’s proof that no dream is too late, no path too steep, and no beginning too small to lead to something beautiful.
