Life was uncertain for a young boy from Orense, Bauan, Batangas, who grew up in a family of fishermen struggling to make ends meet. Poverty was a constant reality, and dreams often felt out of reach. But for 30-year-old Ren-Ren De Chavez, now a Fire Protection Engineer at AESG in Dubai, those early struggles became the foundation of a story defined by resilience, faith, and perseverance. Over the past eight years as an Overseas Filipino Worker (OFW), he has transformed his life, rising from humble beginnings to become a highly skilled fire safety specialist working on international projects.
Ren-Ren grew up as the fourth of six siblings in a family that lived day to day. “Isang kahig, isang tuka,” he recalls, describing their struggles to make ends meet. His father was a fisherman, and his mother sold fish in the market while taking on odd jobs to support their family. Despite the hardships, his parents were his first inspiration. “I dreamed of telling them one day, ‘Inay, Tatay, you don’t have to work anymore; I’ll take care of us.’ That dream motivated me to persevere.”
He excelled academically, graduating high school as First Honorable Mention. However, financial constraints forced him to delay his college education. At 15, too young for regular employment, Ren-Ren joined his father in fishing and octopus hunting. “Though I became known as the youngest octopus hunter in our barangay, seeing my friends go to school while I carried my paddle and bucket saddened me,” he shares. Still, he remained determined to improve their circumstances.
Finding a way forward
When Ren-Ren’s family could no longer afford his sibling’s college education, he became a private tutor to help support them. Although he initially dreamed of becoming an engineer, financial realities led him to pursue a two-year Architectural Design course. He graduated as an outstanding student and began working as a designer/estimator.
At 21, Ren-Ren decided to seek opportunities abroad. His first job was in Saudi Arabia, but his stint was cut short by a recession, forcing him to return home. “It was disheartening, but I trusted that God had better plans,” he says. Soon after, a new opportunity emerged in Dubai, where he was directly hired as a Mechanical Designer at NAFFCO.
Ren-Ren’s career in Dubai marked a turning point. Within two years, he achieved his dream of building a house for his parents and supporting his youngest sibling’s education. Despite facing personal challenges, including heartbreak and struggles as a breadwinner, Ren-Ren found solace in his faith and the support of fellow OFWs. “They became my family,” he says. “Their encouragement reignited my drive to pursue my dreams.”
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Ren-Ren took the bold step of pursuing higher education while working full-time. He completed professional diplomas in Electrical and Mechanical Engineering, earning top honors, and eventually obtained a Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering in just one year through online studies.
“I would wake up at 3 AM to attend classes,” he recalls. “It was exhausting, but my faith and determination kept me going.” His hard work paid off when he became an NFPA Certified Fire Protection Specialist, a globally recognized qualification, which led to his promotion as a Design Engineer. He furthered his education by completing a Master’s Degree in Engineering Management in 2024.
Thriving as a fire protection engineer
Today, Ren-Ren works as a Fire Protection Engineer at AESG, a leading international consultancy. His role involves designing and implementing fire safety systems for high-profile projects in the UAE and Saudi Arabia. “What I appreciate most about my job is the opportunity to make a real difference in ensuring the safety of people and properties,” he explains. “The dynamic nature of the work keeps me engaged, and the collaboration with multidisciplinary teams broadens my expertise.”
Ren-Ren’s passion for fire protection stems from a deep commitment to safeguarding lives and properties. “The most satisfying aspect of my work is knowing that the systems I design prevent loss of life and minimize damage in emergencies,” he says. “Seeing these systems in operation reinforces why I chose this profession.”
Ren-Ren’s journey was not without obstacles. From the loneliness and cultural restrictions he experienced in Saudi Arabia to the financial and emotional struggles of starting over in Dubai, he faced numerous challenges with resilience and faith. “When I asked God for strength, He gave me challenges,” he reflects. “When I prayed for wisdom, He gave me problems. God doesn’t always give us what we ask for, but He provides what we need.”
A significant turning point came in 2019 when a long-term relationship ended, leaving him unmotivated. “That year was the toughest of my life,” he admits. “But it was also a turning point. I realized I could either let it define me or rise above it. With the support of fellow OFWs and my renewed faith, I found the strength to keep going.”
A vision for the future
Looking ahead, Ren-Ren dreams of returning to the Philippines to start a business focused on fire protection and safety. “I want to use my expertise to improve safety standards in our country,” he shares. He also plans to establish training programs to raise awareness about fire safety and mentor aspiring engineers. “Sharing my experiences and knowledge with the next generation is one way I hope to give back.”
Ren-Ren’s advice to fellow OFWs is rooted in his own experiences. “Stay focused on your dreams,” he says. “Every sacrifice you make brings you closer to your goals. Plan wisely, take care of your well-being, and build strong relationships. Above all, trust that God has a plan for you. Our struggles shape us into who we are meant to be.”
