This Construction Worker Raised an Engineer—Now They’re Building Homes Together

Fernando Sr. and his son, Ferd, at a DMCI Homes construction site.

When Fernando “Ferd” Peña Jr. was growing up, his father, Fernando Sr., often reminded him: “Kung anong pangarap ang gusto mong abutin, abutin mo.” 

 

Those words, simple yet deeply meaningful, became Ferd’s compass as he pursued his lifelong dream of becoming an engineer. 

 

Today, that dream has come full circle. Ferd is now a licensed engineer at DMCI Homes, the same company where his father has devoted years of his life as a construction worker. 

 

A Father’s Influence 

 

As a young boy, Ferd would often accompany his father to construction sites. His father is a hardworking capataz or foreman who has been with DMCI Homes since 2006. 

 

Ferd vividly recalls watching his father at work, coordinating crews and helping bring DMCI Homes condominiums to life. Those early experiences ignited his curiosity and admiration for the field, inspiring him to one day be part of the same world. 

The Peña family during Ferd’s graduation in college.

Ferd’s journey, however, was not without challenges but with the help of DMCI Homes’ David M. Consunji (DMC) Scholarship Program for skilled workers, his dream turned into reality. 

 

Building Opportunities Through Education 

 

The DMC Scholarship Program is one of DMCI Homes’ Corporate Social Responsibility initiatives under Kaakbay—a focused and branded framework that embodies the spirit of partnership and compassion. 

 

Kaakbay supports the education of the dependents of the company’s capataz and foremen, who play a vital role in DMCI Homes’ construction sites. 

 

Launched in 2019, the program has opened doors for many families, producing graduates who now excel in various fields. 

 

Ferd is one of them. With the scholarship’s support, he completed his BS Construction Engineering Management degree at the Technological Institute of the Philippines in Quezon City and successfully passed the licensure examination in 2023. 

Fernando Sr. passing on wisdom to his son, Ferd.

For Ferd, the DMC Scholarship meant more than financial assistance—it was a lifeline during uncertain times. 

 

“Malaking tulong ang scholarship para sa akin at sa magulang ko dahil nasuportahan nito ang pinansyal na pangangailangan ng aking pag-aaral,” he shared. 

 

He recalled how it helped cover crucial expenses such as textbooks for his online classes at the height of the pandemic. “Napakalaking tulong lalo na sa pagbili ng mga libro na higit na kailangan sa aking kurso,” he added. 

 

A Legacy of Hard Work and Hope 

 

Behind Ferd’s achievement is his father’s unwavering dedication. As a capataz at Acacia Estates in Taguig City, Fernando Sr. has exemplified diligence, patience, and pride in his craft, values that he has passed on to his son. 

 

“Ang DMCI Homes ay naging tunay na katuwang namin sa pagtupad ng aming mga pangarap,” he said. 

Fernando Sr. and Ferd beaming with pride while building dreams together.

Now, Fernando Sr. and Ferd share more than a family name; they share the same company, the same values, and the same passion for quality homebuilding.

 

Building Dreams Together 

 

For DMCI Homes, stories like the Peñas’ embody what being Kaakbay truly means: empowering hardworking Filipinos and helping their families rise together. The DMC Scholarship continues to build on this mission, proving that every structure the company builds also carries with it stories of hope, perseverance, and dreams fulfilled. 

 

As Ferd continues his professional journey as an engineer, he carries his father’s enduring wisdom, words that have now come to life: “Kung anong pangarap ang gusto mong abutin, abutin mo.” 

 

Today, the Peñas stand as living symbols of what DMCI Homes’ Kaakbay philosophy is all about, empowering families and helping them rise together. 

 

DMCI Homes is the Philippines’ first Quadruple A real estate developer known for building quality resort-inspired communities in Mega Manila, Baguio, Boracay and Davao City. The company’s portfolio boasts more than 70 properties since it was launched in 1999.  

 

To learn more about DMCI Homes’ pre-selling and ready-for-occupancy projects and special promos, call (632) 5324-8888. You can also visit leasing.dmcihomes.com to know more about opportunities in leasing and rent-to-own programs of DMCI Homes. News and other updates are also posted on the company’s official website and social media accounts on Facebook, X, Instagram, and YouTube.