Sunday, May 04, 2008 Engineer documents struggle in autobiography
ENGINEER Jacinto Iran launched an autobiography entitled “Chief Marine Engineer” last Friday.
The book covers Iran’s childhood and his struggles to continue schooling and how he succeeded.
“This book is for the young generation because it will inspire them in their endeavors,” he said in his speech.
Iran came from a poor family in Malabuyoc, Cebu. His mother asked him to stop schooling when he was in the fifth grade so he could work on their farm.
However he left town for Cebu City to seek his fortune.
He first worked as a houseboy in the Tablante residence and they made him continue his elementary education.
“I owe the Tablantes a lot. They fed me and offered a roof over my head. They also sent me to school,” he said in Cebuano.
Iran reiterated that education is one thing a person can bring along wherever he goes.
He also emphasized that no matter how poor you are you have an ability of your own.
Advice
His advice is to put God first.
Iran’s book also tackles his experiences as a chief marine engineer and his opinions on the twin tower incident.
The book launching was attended by his close friends, including former Cebu City mayor Alvin Garcia.
“I’ve read the book and I believe that it will inspire the youth,” Garcia said.
The 77-year-old author said he wrote the book to motivate ambitious youths to pursue their dreams.
“This will also serve as a souvenir of my life,” Iran added. (Camille G. Travilla, UP Mass Comm Intern)
