He has been a volunteer instructor for the “Building and Fixing Computer” course since Sept. 2004.
“My lessons are based on those offered by the Computing Technology Industry Association,” he said.
Last month, the consulate general enhanced the computer class with the inauguration of the computer literacy room at the Filipino Workers Resource Center.
Labor representative Carmelina Velasquez said Bridge Capital LLC donated five computer units while the Building and Fixing Computers Users Group, organized by Masilungan, donated materials and rendered voluntary services.
There are already 33 certified computer technicians who completed the Building and Fixing Computers class representing seven batches, Masilungan said.
He also offers a review class to students during his free time.
As a certified test administrator in the CNMI for the Electronic Technicians Association, Masilungan said he encourages his students to take the examination.
“We also have this group, Saipan Building & Fixing Computer Users Group, and the members are those who graduated from my class,” he said.
The group aims to provide assistance to all members and to upgrade their skills, he said.
Masilungan is the president of the group, which is now assisting most of the projects at the Philippine Overseas Labor Office.
Masilungan said working as volunteer entails lot of sacrifices.
“But I have no regrets because I am inspired by the people I help and I challenge them to learn beyond what their profession offers,” he said.
He said the different upbringing and human values of the people he interact with challenge him to grow as an individual.
He teaches an average of 30 students per batch, including one student from Tinian who is now preparing to take an examination.
“It’s really fulfilling seeing most of my students that are successful in getting into computers as their second career,” he said. “That’s the best reward that I can get out of teaching.”
Despite his hectic schedule, he said his wife has been very understanding and supportive.
“I told her it’s about sharing the Lord’s blessings. I love what I’m doing. My employer is also happy that I’m sharing knowledge with the community,” he said.
Masilungan said he is very thankful to his employer, White Coconut Computer Services.
Through his class, he said, the consulate and labor office are considering promoting one of the certified technicians to become an instructor for the Basic Computer 1 class.
The users group, he said, is now working to help promote computer literacy among Filipino workers on Saipan through the labor office.
“We are here to help the consulate General’s skills upgrading program,” he added.
Masilungan is a computer technician graduate from AMA Computer University and has a computer engineering degree.
He has attended special training sessions in the Philippines, Guam, Hong Kong and the United States.
Masilungan is a certified Microsoft professional, A+ certified professional, computer service technician, Network Systems Technician, Fiber Optic Certified Installer, Data Cabling Certified Installer, FCC Licensed Call Sign # KH0OM, FCC Certified Communication Technology Technician and FCC General Radio Telephone Operator Element 1 and 3.
He is also a certified instructor for Computer Service Technician, Copper/Data Communication and Fiber Optic Installer.
