THE VISA OFFICER

Australian Embassy
Level 23 --- Tower 2 RBC Plaza
6819 Ayala Avenue 1200
Manila, Philippines

Letter of Statement for Studying Diploma in Travel and Tourism Management at Australian Pacific
College

Dear Student Visa Case Officer,

My name is Jirah Joy Labrinao Duca, 23 years old and was born on June 11, 1999. I am currently residing
in St. Nichols Park Sacris Rd. Extension Tipolo, Mandaue City Cebu Philippines. My Father, Erwin
Matulac Duca, has a business while my mother, Armi Labrinao Duca, is a housewife. I have four brothers
and a sister; I am the fifth child among the siblings. I am ambitious, hardworking, and patient.

Ever since childhood, I find myself playing with paper planes and acting like a Flight Attendant, and
wondering how it feels like to travel. This little childhood dream grew into a serious passion for aviation.
To help me achieve my career goals I took up a Bachelor's Degree Major in Airline Management here in
the Philippines and graduated last 2019. As part of the curriculum, I had my On-the-Job Training with
Korean Air for 3months. Being a trainee with the country’s flag carrier is a fun learning experience. My job
is to welcome the passengers and maintain the harmony in que. I also joined military training where I
gained confidence, discipline and underwent safety demonstration practices, where I learned to ensure
the safety and comfort of each individual.

In the same year in October, I got my first job at Mactan Cebu International Airport as a Passenger
Service Agent (Ground Crew) under Cathay Pacific Airways for nine months which is an extent to the
industry. This job was a stepping stone to my dream and gave me the chance to put my love of travel into
an industry context. It was my responsibility to check-in passengers for their flight and assist them until
they board the plane. I was happy with what I am doing since it is about aviation, but in March 2020 I was
retrenched due to COVID. In that same year was the official start of the pandemic in the Philippines
wherein the closing of borders and travel restrictions began.

Now, I am working as a Customer Service Representative under CX Loyalty Travel Account and Expedia
Chase at Teleperformance Philippines in IT Business Park Cebu City. I am responsible for booking travel
for them and providing world class customer service. I’ve been with the company for a year already and
have really enjoyed the experience. Working in this industry is not that easy since I am surrounded by
very competitive workmates but that doesn’t hinder me from working hard and giving the excellent service
the customer should get. I have dealt with different types of personalities at work and with the customers
themselves. Working in customer service is challenging yet so fun and challenging in a way that you can’t
see the customers' expressions.

Over the years, my experiences in the field of customer service have increased by leaps and bounds,
along with the seminars and training I have attended. However, I am still not content to stand still and stop
developing professionally. I am the sort of person who always seeks out a way to refine and be better,
which is why I wish to further enhance my skills and gain additional knowledge in the international
standard and processes by pursuing an Advanced Diploma in Travel and Tourism Management.
Upon returning to my home country, I aim to apply for a Cabin Crew position in the Aviation Industry such
as Philippine Airlines which is a flag carrier and or Cebu Pacific. This will triple my current income which
will be more than enough to make my international studies investment worthwhile. To mention, a Cabin
Crew is to ensure the safety and comfort of their passengers throughout the flight whilst providing
excellent customer service; they assist in loading the carry-on luggages, serves refreshment and
answering passengers questions during the flight and many more, this may sound easy but the training
and assessment they have undergone is really hard especially in case of emergencies. Cabin crews are
there to reassure passengers to follow the correct emergency procedures, and may have to deal several
emergencies such as cabin fires, emergency landing, on-board births and deaths and in-flight medical
situations. And I am fully confident that my Advance Diploma will be valuable for such bigger companies
as they require the expertise that I will be gaining for studying in Australia.

After thorough research and also with the recommendations that I got from my friends and family, I
concluded that Australia is the best place for me to study. First, because your country is among the 3 most
popular destinations for overseas students after the UK and USA with 7 out of the top 100 universities in
the world, it shows the quality of education provided by the country. Australia’s education system is
recognized worldwide and maintains high standards so it is also very helpful for me to get jobs in any
country. Second, Australia is also known for its diverse and welcoming people. Lastly, the safety, security,
and peaceful environment that makes it an ideal study destination for an international student like me. I
am eager to experience diversity by networking with the multicultural peer group. I will also get a chance
to exchange thoughts and ideas with people from different nationalities and cultural orientations. I am
sure, all these experiences will be a lifetime learning experience.

Apart from this, Aviation Courses in Australia are excellent curriculums designed using life skills, hands-on
lab practices, knowledge, and values which ensures every student after their graduation is more
employable than anyone. Aviation degrees in Australia are taught with strong expertise which offers a
deeper understanding of aviation safety, quality, and atmospheric standards. Aviation courses in Australia
promise a student-friendly curriculum, quality education, and affordable fee structure for the local and
international student population.

I chose Australian Pacific College because they offer world-class facilities. Aside from it, Australian Pacific
College is an approved educational provider for international students under the Commonwealth Register
of Institutions & Courses for Overseas Students (CRICOS) and a registered vocational education provider
(RTO), regulated by the Australian Skills Quality Authority (ASQA). Also, studying at your world-class
college will provide me with high-quality education, in an international environment, which will add to my
credentials. This association will allow me to attain great opportunities to strengthen my career, focus on
diversity and multicultural concerns, and most importantly broaden my understanding of international
tourism which I could apply when I get back to the Philippines. In view of my background and skills, I will
be grateful if you give me an opportunity to pursue my advanced Diploma at your renowned institution.

My study, Health insurance, and living expenses will be funded by myself, parents, and relatives and I am
aware of the fact that as a student of Australia, I assure you that I will abide and obey all the visa
conditions under visa subclass 500, based on Australian Government Department of Home Affairs which I
have listed below in brief:

• I need to maintain at least 80% attendance.

• I get to work for 40 hours per fortnight on a part-time basis.
• I need to clear 50% of the subject in each term.
• I need to maintain my health insurance until I remain in Australia.
• I must notify universities/DIBP within 7 days if I change my address or contact details.
• I cannot change the university for at least 6 months upon enrollment.

I hereby declare that above mentioned particulars are true and correct in every detail. I understand that
incorrect or misleading statements may result in refusal of my admission and/or student visa
application.

I would be grateful to you for providing me an opportunity to fulfill my dreams and really hope for a
positive response. Thank you so much for your time.

Sincerely,

Jirah Joy Labrinao Duca

Student Visa Applicant