Introduction to Oneself

Allow me to introduce myself - I am Clifford G. Gaton, a 29-year-old individual with a life

enriched by love, family, and faith. Born on August 15, 1993, at Brgy. Balocawe, Matnog,
Sorsogon, my journey through life has been shaped by the remarkable connections and experiences
that have come my way.
At the heart of my existence lies my beautiful wife, Jaydee Grefaldeo-Gaton, a beacon of
love and support. We have been blessed with a charming and talented son, Clay Ansen G. Gaton,
who fills our lives with boundless joy. Clay, at the tender age of 5, already shines as a great
achiever in school, his thirst for knowledge guiding him toward remarkable accomplishments.
Sometimes the most beautiful connections are forged in unexpected places. Allow me to
share the heartwarming tale of how I met my former colleague, now beloved wife, Jaydee
Grefaldeo-Gaton. One fateful day, I met my spouse, Jaydee, in an unexpected way. We were
colleagues at work, and it turns out she had a crush on me during that time. I must confess, she
managed to win me over with her charisma and charm. Our journey together has been filled with
love, laughter, and shared dreams.
Within our humble family, we cherish the values of togetherness and spiritual nourishment.
As Catholics, each Sunday, we gather as a unit to attend mass, finding solace, guidance, and a
deeper connection to our faith. This shared experience instills in us a sense of purpose and provides
a foundation for moral grounding and spiritual growth.
My late father, George Agregado, held a distinguished position as a director in the Bureau
of Customs in the Philippines. Alongside him, my mother, Doris Gaton, faithfully served as his
secretary, providing invaluable support in their professional journey. From their union, three
beautiful sons were born, each with a unique path carved out for them. At 10 years old, my father
died. Leaving us with my two brothers, one is Jose Gaton, who recently overcame a daunting
obstacle when he was diagnosed with a brain tumor. Gratefully, he has emerged triumphant in that
battle, he is now slowly reclaiming life and pursuing his aspirations. My second sibling, Jose
Galahad Agregado, has found his calling as a Mechanical Technician, contributing his skills and
knowledge in Calamba, Laguna. In the wake of our father's passing, our mother found solace and
companionship in the embrace of another man. Together, they welcomed a son, we named Clyde
John Portes, who currently thrives as a Grade 9 student.
After my father died, we moved back in Matnog. the injustice of our situation manifested
in a painful reality—we were denied the chance to visit my father's wake and mourn alongside his
legal family. In returning to Matnog, we discovered the simplicity and strength that emanates from
a tight-knit community.
This is where my story began as a determined and diligent child. Growing up amidst
financial hardships, I learned the value of hard work and the pursuit of knowledge. Each day, I
embarked on a solitary journey to school, traversing the rugged terrain on foot, as my family lacked
the means to provide transportation.
At times when there are fees needed to pay at the school, I would assist my uncles in their
modest coconut work. Mostly for three days, we would process COPRA or known as "LUKAD"
from our community. We would climb, harvest the coconuts from the tree, and meticulously
remove the coconut meat using a special knife, moving the coconut shell, breaking the coconut
into pieces, and drying the kernel under controlled conditions.
The COPRAs would then be carefully collected and placed in a sack, which I would carry
upon my head. Little did I know that this routine, borne out of necessity, would inspire a creative
solution to another challenge I faced. With no bag to carry my borrowed books from the school
library, I resorted to using the same method I employed for the coconuts. Balancing the weight of
knowledge upon my head, I treasured each book as if it were a precious treasure, understanding
that education was my pathway to a brighter future.
From the 20PHP my mother would borrow from our neighbor, I would treat myself to a
small indulgence. The 10 PHP will be the transportation fee back and forth, I would buy the
remaining 10PHP will serve as my lunch, and my lunch will always be a refreshing iced water,
partnered with a delectable Choc-Nut. At times when my friends or classmates see me over
lunchtime, they would invite me to their house to eat with them. I am always grateful to them until
now. These experiences instilled in me a profound appreciation for the value of education,
friendship, and the importance of financial responsibility.
Graduated from Matnog Elementary School in 2005 and Matnog National High School in
2009 as an academic achiever, I pursued my Bachelor’s degree after two years of pausing from the
academe. Before entering college and with the eagerness in helping our family, I thought and
encouraged my mother that I try on being a tricycle driver. My mother was consistent in
encouraging me to finish my studies. But to finance myself to being a college student, I then
worked for my uncle’s humble canteen as a dishwasher and waiter for one year. After that, I
proudly have been voted to be the Barangay SK Chairman. From that, I was granted a scholarship
at Sorsogon State College with the course, Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering. After
my three-year term as SK Chairman, I was anxious because my scholarship is about to end,
however, God has plans for me, and I was then granted another scholarship given by Pantawid
Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps). I was one of the pioneer graduates of the 4Ps Scholarship
Program at Sorsogon State College at that time. This paved way to being a Registered Electrical
Engineer.
Motivated by the desire to uplift my family from the grips of poverty and create a better
life for myself, I embarked on a relentless pursuit of knowledge. During the September 2015 RME
Examination, I topped the exam as the tenth placer at the National level. Ten days after the
graduation in March 2016, I took the risk of taking REE Exams, thankfully, with little time for
review, I passed the REE Examination. Believing in lifelong learning, I pursued my post-graduate
studies at Mapua University as a Master of Science in Electrical Engineering student.
Education became my beacon of hope, illuminating the path toward a brighter future. With
unwavering determination, I strived to complete my studies, knowing that it would be the key to
unlocking opportunities and making a meaningful impact in the lives of those I held dear.
The hardships endured during my formative years shaped my character and ignited a fierce
determination within me, and becoming a Professional Electrical Engineer has also inspired me to
continue in the academe as Instructor 1, at the same school where I graduated. From June 2016, I
am designated as Instructor 1, a faculty of the Technology Department from 2016 to 2022, and a
faculty of the College of Engineering and Architecture from 2022 to the present. I was also
designated as the Area Chairman of Electrical Technology from 2017 to 2018. A member of the
Technical Working Group of the Bids and Awards Committee, and Inspection Committee. I was
also designated as the Head – Electrical Maintenance and Electrical Consultant from 2018-2022.
My seven years as an Instructor 1 gave me opportunities to help aspiring RMEs as well,
which I believe is the most significant achievement I did as their mentor. This brought SorSU to
the top-performing school in the Philippines for two consecutive RME Examinations. I thoroughly
enjoy playing basketball during my leisure time as it provides me with a much-needed sense of
relaxation and enjoyment. Being a devoted fan of basketball games, I am particularly inspired by
the incredible athlete, Stephen Curry. Not only does he possess remarkable skills on the court, but
he also serves as an admirable role model due to his unwavering dedication to his craft and his
strong commitment to his family. It is truly inspiring to witness how he cherishes his loved ones
while maintaining a high level of professionalism and excellence in his work. I find great
inspiration in his ability to balance his personal and professional life.
I am fortunate to have had a former colleague who has played a significant role in my life,
serving as both a mentor and a father figure named Sir Oscar Carniola. As someone who grew up
without a father, I found invaluable guidance and life lessons from him. He exemplified what it
means to be an exceptional individual and a devoted parent. Inspired by his influence, my
aspiration is to become an inspiration to young engineers as I age, fostering personal growth and
helping them become better individuals. Eventually, I strive to be recognized as a man of integrity,
a loving family man, and a catalyst for inspiring future generations of electrical engineers to reach
their full potential. This is also has been my desire to pursue a career as a professional electrical
engineer that stems from my deep aspiration to create a meaningful and positive impact.
I am dedicated to upholding the integrity and dignity of the electrical engineering
profession. I will embrace ethical standards, engage in continuous professional development,
prioritize safety and sustainability, foster mentorship and collaboration, advocate for the
profession, and make ethical decisions. Through these efforts and through my TER (Technical
Evaluation Report) entitled, Design and Analysis of the Underground Distribution System of
Sorsogon State University, Sorsogon City Campus, I aspire to improve the Electrical System of
SorSU, by introducing new technology. I plan to take on more significant responsibilities in the
University, oversee engineering designs, ensure compliance with regulations, and safeguard our
school’s safety. Ultimately, I chose this to make a meaningful impact within my electrical
engineering profession. Committing to submitting this TER before the deadline will be my top
priority.