Lagawe, Ifugao – In the busy workshops of TESDA-Cordillera State Institute of Technical Education (TESDA-CSITE) Ifugao Campus, the sound of trowels scraping and tiles clicking into place fills the air. Among the trainees moving with quiet focus is 22-year-old Krushchev Kublai Kent G. Pumihic. But for Kublai, tile setting is more than just a skill. It is a way of building a better future, one tile at a time.

Kublai is a third-year engineering student who is currently enrolled in the Tile Setting NC II program. Despite facing health challenges such as being born with a cleft lip and palate and living with epilepsy, he shows every day that these do not define what he can do. What stands out more than anything is his determination, positive spirit, and strong faith.

“Here, I feel truly accepted,” Kublai says with a smile, talking about his experience at TESDA-CSITE. It is a place where he feels welcomed and supported, especially as someone with a disability. This sense of belonging has encouraged him to stay active in campus life. In fact, he now serves as Vice-Governor of the Vocational Leaders of the Philippines College Chapter. His leadership is a reflection of the trust and respect he has earned from his peers.

Life outside of school has not been easy for Kublai. After his father passed away, his mother had to work overseas as an OFW to support the family. Kublai and his brother now live with their aunt, sharing responsibilities at home. Aware of the sacrifices his mother makes, Kublai uses his free time to work and earn a bit of income to help with his daily allowance. It is a sign of how responsible and independent he has become, always thinking of how to lighten the load for his family.

Behind his quiet strength is a deep belief in God’s timing. One Bible verse keeps him going: “When the time is right, I the Lord will make it happen.” (Isaiah 60:22). This verse reminds him that his efforts are not wasted and that in time, everything will fall into place.

If there is one message he hopes to share with other young people, it is this: “Don’t be afraid to fail. Failure is part of learning. Don’t let fear stop you from reaching your dreams. Your future is yours to shape.”

Kublai’s story is proof that resilience, faith, and support can carry a person far. He is not just learning how to cut tiles and smooth cement. He is showing others what strength truly looks like. When he finishes the program, he will receive a National Certificate (NC II), an important step toward a career in the construction industry.

But more than the certificate or the skill, what Kublai has built is something greater: hope. His story is a reminder to everyone, especially Persons With Disabilities, that with courage, support, and belief in yourself, you can rise above any challenge.

At TESDA-CSITE Ifugao, Kublai is laying down more than just tiles. He is laying down the path to a future he is proudly shaping with his own hands.