“Dreams do come true,” says Maria Adoracion Remo Octavio — lovingly called Dory — as she proudly uploaded her graduation photo on Facebook, marking a milestone not just for herself but also for countless Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) who dare to dream.
Dory, a domestic worker in Hong Kong, made history by placing second in the June 2025 Special Professional Licensure Examination for Teachers of the Philippines. The Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) announced the results last Friday.
Dory, a graduate of AMA University Online Education (OEd), achieved an outstanding score of 89.20%, sharing the second spot with three other top examinees. The top rank was secured by Jison A. Reyno of Binalbagan Catholic College with a score of 90.60%.
On Facebook, Dory — also known as Mariyah to some of her friends — humbly expressed her gratitude for the result. She kept her celebration simple, true to her soft-spoken nature.
“Thank you, Lord. Pasado na, top 2 pa,” she wrote. (“Thank you, Lord. I didn’t just pass, I made it to the top 2.”)
She also extended her appreciation to the people who reached out to her:
“Thank you sa lahat ng bumati, nag-chat, at nag-comment. Hindi ko na po kayo maiisa-isa,” (“Thank you to everyone who congratulated me, sent messages, or left comments. I can’t thank you all individually.”)
Humble Beginnings, Unwavering Dreams
Dory’s journey is nothing short of inspiring. Originally from Camarines Sur, she was just 23 years old when she left the Philippines in 2009 to work as an OFW in Hong Kong. Like many Filipinos, she set aside her ambitions to help her family financially.
But Dory was no ordinary student. She had shown academic promise early in life, having graduated as valedictorian in elementary school. Despite years of working long hours as a domestic helper, her passion for learning and her desire to become a teacher never faded.
The long hours, the physical exhaustion, and the distance from her family could have easily discouraged anyone from pursuing higher education. But for Dory, the dream remained alive.
The AMA Advantage: Supporting Students Anywhere in the World Anytime
When the opportunity to return to school came through the AMA Computer Learning Center in Hong Kong, Dory seized it wholeheartedly. As a full-time domestic helper, she found hope in AMA’s flexible class schedules, weekend programs specifically designed for OFWs, and a highly supportive learning environment that allowed her to pursue her studies without giving up her livelihood.
For two years, Dory attended face-to-face weekend classes at AMA Hong Kong, where the diploma program was carefully structured to meet the unique needs of working students abroad. When she transitioned to AMA University – Quezon City campus under Online Education (OEd) program, she discovered an educational system that truly accommodated the realities of OFWs like her. Through AMA’s modular, self-paced curriculum, accessible online platform, and flexible scheduling, she was able to continue her studies while fulfilling her demanding duties as a domestic worker.
Dory’s academic journey was not easy—it spanned 15 years of balancing work and education, a testament to her resilience and determination. Thanks to AMA’s responsive online faculty, international support centers, and OFW-friendly policies, Dory completed her Bachelor of Secondary Education (BSEd) in 2024.
AMA Computer Learning Center in Hong Kong, and AMAU OEd, AMA’s strong commitment to providing accessible, quality education for OFWs and working professionals abroad, played a crucial role in Dory’s success.
Dory was fortunate to return to Manila in October 2024 to personally receive her diploma—a rare opportunity for many OFWs. Her graduation fulfilled a lifelong dream, made possible by her determination and AMA’s flexible, accessible education—an inspiring story for OFWs everywhere.
The Road to the LET
After years of balancing work and study, Dory was ready to take the Licensure Examination for Teachers (LET). Since the exam was no longer offered in Hong Kong after the pandemic, she needed to travel to Taiwan.
At first, her elderly ward—her beloved popo—hesitated to let her go. But with patient, tearful persistence, Dory gained her employer’s approval.
When the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) later released the official results, Dory’s efforts were more than rewarded. She not only passed the LET—she placed second nationwide, securing one of the top spots in one of the Philippines’ most competitive licensure examinations.
Her achievement was more than just a personal victory—it was a triumph that resonated across the OFW community, proving that distance, hardship, and circumstance cannot stand in the way of a determined heart.
Her story is a powerful reminder that with courage and determination, no distance or challenge is too great.
Dory’s story is proof that distance and hardship can’t stop a determined heart. Thanks to AMA’s flexible, globally accessible programs, OFWs like Dory can now pursue higher education while working abroad.
