Julie started his mason work in 2001, where he worked as construction foreman at the city government of Bukidnon. Prior to this, he worked as a construction laborer or helper in different projects in the province. In 2007, he enrolled to TESDA mason training program and got his national licensure after completing 300-hour work training, which include the construction of the Bukidnon Provincial Capitol building as his actual training-ground.

In 2008, TESDA-Bukidnon enlisted him as one of the representatives for the Regional “Galing Mason Award”[2] in Cagayan de Oro (CDO) City. During the competition, he completed a housing unit for Gawad Kalinga[3] in Bogo- CDO. The competition calls for “perfection” in executions, starting from laying of concrete hollowed-blocks (CHB), to plastering, and flooring. Among the participants, he was named as the regional winner and became the first Bukidnon “Galing Mason” awardee.

Last February 2011, Julie joined the 2nd batch of Hulas team in Bendum. He teaches the youth with what he has learned and uses the TESDA mason training manual as guide for his students. Now moving into the 4th Hulas batch, Julie sees the value of improving the course by allotting time for the youth to learn more the theory and basis for calculation and estimation. This he believes will give them more edge and increase their capacity as they go back to their communities and try to look for job.

“Teaching the indigenous youth of Upper Pulangi gave me a new sense of direction. I studied masonry so I can go abroad – just that. I did not realize this will lead me to a more meaningful work that is to be able to share my knowledge and skills on masonry to the indigenous youth of Mindanao.” – Julie Gallamaso, 2008 Regional Champion of Galing Mason Award – Region X, Northern Mindanao.

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1 Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) is a government agency tasked to manage and supervise technical education and skills development in the Philippines. It is the leading partner in the development of the Filipino workforce with world-class competence and positive work values.

2 Galing Mason Award is an annual event sponsored by the Holcim, leading cement company in the Philippines, in partnership with TESDA and Gawad Kalinga, to treat the country’s hardworking masons who strive to improve their knowledge and skills, show pride and dedication in their work, and who are responsible members of their family and community.

3 Gawad Kalinga is a Philippine-based poverty alleviation and nation-building movement that seeks to end poverty for 5 million families by 2024.