From hotel housekeeper to teacher, this OFW wants to go further

DUBAI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES – He has gone from cleaning hotel rooms to teaching school kids.

Even after recently receiving his masters in special education, major in learner developmental needs from St. Paul University in Manila, 40-year-old Federico Dulla Jr. believes he is just getting started.

“From a housekeeper to a licensed and accomplished teacher in Dubai, my journey proves that dreams do not expire. With faith, perseverance, and the right people to guide you, every sacrifice becomes a stepping stone to success,” said Dulla.

Hailing from Barangay Conciencia in Panitan, Capiz, Dulla began his UAE career in 2016 at the Four Seasons Hotel Al Maryah Island in Abu Dhabi as a housekeeping floor supervisor. He initially came from the Four Seasons Hotel Bahrain Bay, Manama in Bahrain.

In 2018, he transferred to Four Seasons Resort Jumeirah where he continued his role.

“’Pag urgent yung room, nagtutulong kami maglinis para maibigay yung room on time,” he said.

(When the room is needed urgently, we would work together in cleaning it so that it’ll be available on time.)

The experience was “demanding, yet rewarding.” 

In 2018, he learned about a special program from the Philippine government that allowed overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) who are college graduates to take the Licensure Examination for Teachers (LET) in the Middle East.

“I realized that while my years in housekeeping were meaningful, the work was physically demanding, and I needed to pursue a profession I could grow old with – teaching, my true calling,” said Dulla, the fourth of nine siblings.

Having earned his bachelor of elementary education from Capiz State University in 2008, Dulla jumped at the opportunity.

He became a member of the Filipino International Teachers Society (FITS-UAE) in 2018, which guided and supported him throughout his application process.

“Despite my hectic schedule as a hotelier in Dubai, I traveled every Friday to Abu Dhabi to attend free review sessions organized by FITS-UAE. I sacrificed my rest days, determined to succeed,” Dulla said.

He failed. He cried. But he pushed on.

“I continued working and waited for the next examination. In August 2019, I took the LET again, this time with greater determination. I joined free and online reviews, attended face-to-face sessions, and even enrolled at Dr. Carl Balita Review Center (CBRC) when they conducted a final coaching program in the UAE. I gave my heart and soul to this journey – and this time, I passed,” Dulla said.

Even after becoming a licensed teacher, Dulla continued working in the hotel industry until 2021, when he finally decided to follow his passion.

He began a new chapter as a Grade 5 adviser at a Filipino school in Dubai, albeit a little rusty at first.

“The transition was not easy – after more than 10 years in hospitality, adapting to teaching life was a challenge. From lesson planning to managing a classroom, everything felt new,” Dulla recalled.

“At times, I wanted to return to my previous job. But I found strength and support from my mentor, Abegail Mukshan, my subject area coordinator, and my co-teachers who guided and encouraged me. Slowly, I learned, grew, and began to love the profession that I once dreamed of,” he added.

Since then, he has been serving as a classroom teacher at the Filipino school, where he continues to inspire and educate young learners.

Dulla also is FITS-UAE president to this day. — JMA, GMA Integrated News