By Jovit D. Caballero

Raised in a world where pressures were strong and choices felt few, Noy chose the quieter path of self-direction. His journey was not about rebellion—it was about clarity, quiet strength, and the courage to live independently with purpose. Though challenges could have easily shaken his footing, Noy held firm, learning that perspective is not something you are given—it is something you earn.

Benigno “Noy” Dayao, a 38-year-old Senior Specialist in Innovation and Enhancement at the Technology Division, grew up in a small barangay in Bulakan, Bulacan. With their father working as a logistics supervisor at an electric company, the family’s income was just enough to cover their basic needs, including the education of Noy and his two older siblings, while their mother stayed home to care for them. Given the demanding nature of his father’s job and their limited resources, Noy vividly recalls that during his childhood, the family could only manage one trip together to a mall in Quezon City. Despite these hardships, Noy remains confident and grateful for the strong family bond they shared.

In elementary school at Dona Trinidad Mendoza Institute, Noy’s shy and introverted nature became more apparent. He struggled to make friends and often felt nervous about participating in recitations or extracurricular activities. As a result, he was frequently bullied, both verbally and physically, by his classmates. This caused him to lose his enthusiasm for school and learning. Despite these challenges at school, Noy eventually found friendship within their barangay. He bonded with a few kids who shared his love for the show The Adventures of Tom Sawyer—a favorite they often tried to recreate through playful role-plays inspired by what they watched.

Because of their financial limitations, Noy often felt envious of his peers’ toys. But instead of letting that discourage him, he found creative ways to make his own. Using scraps like cartons and sticks, he built toy trucks, robots, and toy guns. In fact, he even assembled his own bicycle by buying spare and used parts from junk shops whenever he managed to save from his school allowance. These moments sparked his resourcefulness and fueled his love for tinkering with things.

Noy continued his high school years at the same school, but this time, he had already found his footing. He slowly built a small circle of friends and learned how to steer clear of bullies. His perspective on school shifted—he now looked forward to attending classes each day. Alongside this newfound confidence, however, came exposure to typical teenage habits, including frequent night-outs. While he was enjoying the noise and excitement of adolescence, he remained unaware that a quiet crack was beginning to form within his own family. On the surface, things seemed to be improving—his family had managed to save enough money to build an apartment for extra income, but beneath it all, tension was starting to rise.

On several occasions, after returning home from school or hangouts, Noy would notice that his mother wasn’t home. The next day, he’d learn that his parents had argued, and his mother had decided to stay at their aunt’s house. These disagreements often lasted for weeks, sometimes nearly a month. Over time, and without meaning to, Noy became more independent as he adjusted to the situation.

Noy enrolled at Bulacan State University, pursuing a BS in Industrial Technology with a major in Electronics, determined to finish the four-year course quickly so he could get a job and help support his family. During this time, the conflicts between his parents became more frequent. In his second year, there came a point where both parents would leave the house after each argument. One fateful night, a major family crisis became the breaking point in their relationship, leading to a permanent separation and their decision to move out of their home.

The separation had a significant impact on Noy’s life. To cope, he turned to vices like smoking, playing billiards, and hanging out in bars. He felt a lack of guidance and support in his life. During this time, he met his future wife, Beth, his classmate. As their relationship grew, he found a sense of peace and belonging in her company. However, given the circumstances at home, Noy eventually reached a point where he had to put his studies on hold. He completed the first two years of his course and earned a diploma, convincing himself that it might be enough to land a decent job.

Noy scoured every newspaper he could find in search of job openings, hoping to land a position in Manila, believing the pay would be better there. Armed with only a few coins from his mother for fare, a map of Manila to guide him, and his sheer determination, he traveled to the city every week in hopes of finding work. After several weeks with no calls from companies, he decided to focus on finding a job closer to home. He eventually landed a position at Huson Trading as a technician, repairing old Korean appliances for resale.

Noy stayed with his first employer for over a year, mainly because he genuinely enjoyed his work. During this time, Beth had become his girlfriend, and when they discussed their future, they both dreamed of having stable jobs to support their future family. After resigning, Noy took on various short-term jobs, including as a postman in Bocaue, a factory worker in Pampanga, and a construction worker in Manila. However, these positions were low-paying and temporary, as he was only employed on a contractual basis.

In 2007, as Noy decided to start his own in-house and home service repair shop, he and Beth also made the decision to get married. A year later, they were blessed with their first child, Nicole. However, their income still fell short of meeting the needs of their growing family. Noy often found himself asking, “Bakit lagi nalang ganito?” He faced constant rejection from his dream companies, only to end up in low-paying, contractual jobs. This frustration motivated him to continue his studies. With limited financial resources and a packed schedule—especially since he took on double shifts for his construction sideline—Noy had no choice but to enroll as an irregular student.

In his final year, Noy saw an opportunity during his On-The-Job Training (OJT). Rather than settling for positions in small firms, he set his sights on securing a trainee role at larger companies, including NLEX Corporation. He made sure to showcase his best knowledge and skills, hoping it would increase his chances of being hired after graduation. In 2011, after finally completing his college degree, Noy’s hard work paid off when he was hired as a technician under the supervision of Sir Wency Perez. While he continued to take on in-house and home service repairs as a side job, it became more than just a way to earn extra income—it was his way of giving back and helping those in his community. Noy and his wife are now blessed with their youngest child, Timothy. He continues to excel, even as he adapts to shifting roles and changes within the company. It’s truly remarkable how he manages to balance so many responsibilities—remaining a dedicated student, a committed employee, a loving husband, and a supportive father—all at once.

From humble beginnings to the heights of professional success, he has faced countless challenges, always choosing the path of quiet strength and determination. Noy’s story reflects the essence of shaping a life of purpose and perspective, where each experience, no matter how difficult, has changed his outlook on life and contributed to the person he is today. This story is a remarkable example of someone who, against all odds, chose to live life… on his own terms.

---

---