The history of Abraham Dumlao Colleges of the Philippines is anchored on the personal story of its founder, Mr. Abraham C. Dumlao. A native of Paoay, Ilocos Norte, Mr. Dumlao is the youngest child in the brood of seven. As he hailed from a poor family, he had to endure difficulties to get a good education.
After elementary, he sailed the turbulent waters of Babuyan Channel with his crafted bamboo raft and reached San Vicente, Sta. Ana, Cagayan Province where he continued his secondary education. He worked as an altar boy to support his studies.
Armed with a high school diploma, his kind uncle enrolled him at FEATI University in Manila. He worked as a dishwasher and janitor to earn his bread. He transferred to Manuel L. Quezon University where he graduated with a degree in Electrical Engineering.
Then he became a professor at the University of Iloilo and was promoted as the head of the Technological Department. Because of his successful stint as an educator, he thought that he can establish, manage and operate his own school.
Equipped with the experience, confidence and skills, he went back to Manila to fulfill his dream. He worked as a maintenance engineer at DZRJ and at the same time, he opened an electronic shop in Novaliches, Bayan. He noticed that many students were eager to learn about electronics so he mentored them.
From his earnings, he was able to save the amount of Php 100,000 and started an electronic school with a permit to operate. In 1979, he founded the Pioneer Radio Electronic School located in Quirino Highway, Gulod, Novaliches with twenty students taking up diploma courses.
Later on, he renamed the school as Dumlao Technological Institute and then, Abraham Dumlao Colleges of the Philippines located at its present address. The school's motto, "We unlock the secrets of success", reflects Mr. Dumlao's belief in the importance of hard work and patience to achieve personal success.
After long years of being an educator, Mr. Dumlao still stands before the graduating class, parents and teachers to witness the culmination of academic hard work and fulfillment of the student dream.
