“ Deo’s knowledge and experience in railway projects run deep. A graduate of the Technological Institute of the Philippines, he has been working overseas since 2006 as an engineer in Saudi Arabia and later in Denmark in 2015.

“Sir, baka kailangan niyo ng tagalinis ng TBM (tunnel boring machine) (maybe you need someone to clean the TBM)?”

What started out as a silly and funny comment on a social media post led to the 360-degree turnaround of the life of Engr. Deovanni Miranda, a seasoned overseas Filipino worker (OFW) based in Denmark.

Deo recalls seeing a photo of a cutter head prototype for the Metro Manila Subway Project on social media, to which he replied with levity. But instead of it drowning in the lengthy thread, his comment raked up likes and responses from other OFW. It was a lighthearted comment for Deo, but perhaps one that resonated a deep desire for the husband and father to return home.

Fast forward to a few months, Deo and his fellow OFW were at the ASEAN Convention Center in Clark, Pampanga, shaking hands with officials from the Department of Transportation (DoTr) on prospective engagements for the government’s “Build, Build, Build” program.

This time, their message was clear: they want to come home and share their years of skilled expertise to the Duterte administration. For Deo, it was time to serve the country.

The dialogue proved to be fruitful as Deo was finally coming home to fulfill his dream of supporting the government’s projects, and at the same time, be closer to his family in Antipolo City.

Hence, on 4 November, Deo became Engineer IV for the LRT-2 East and West Project Teams.

Deo’s knowledge and experience in railway projects run deep. A graduate of the Technological Institute of the Philippines, he has been working overseas since 2006 as an engineer in Saudi Arabia and later in Denmark in 2015.

Life in Europe was a dream for him, as he served as M&E Construction coordinator and M&E lead commissioning engineer for the Copenhagen Metro Team I/S, assigned under the Copenhagen Cityringen Metro Project. His family was well taken care of. They got a house and car, and free hospital services and tuition for his children.

During his stint in Denmark, Deo saw how the projects he is helping to build in other countries can also be done back in the Philippines. His desire to return and contribute outweighed the lucrative life he had in Europe.

Last week, Deo started a new life as a public servant, happy and content that he is now back home with his family, and with a job that is centered on giving the Filipino people a comfortable life.

At the DoTr’s monthly flag-raising ceremony, Secretary Arthur Tugade told Deo’s story to everyone. Standing in front of his new co-workers, Deo said his sole reason for exchanging the good life abroad to come back home was to support the projects of the Duterte administration.

“Bayan ko naman (My country this time),” Deo said.

And so aside from his work in the railways sector, Engr. Deo is now on a mission to entice more OFW to return home and work for the country.

“Ibalita mo. ‘Yung konting kaalaman, okay na ‘yan. Pero, ‘yung konting kaalaman, offset niya ‘yung malaking pagmamahal sa bayan. Pwede na tayo mag-umpisa dun (Tell them about it. A little knowledge is enough. But a little knowledge offsets one’s love for the country. We can already start on that),” Secretary Tugade enthused.

The railway engineer who in jest offered a TBM cleaning service is now ready to make his mark on projects for the Filipino people.

Engr. Deo Miranda, we welcome you with open arms to the DoTr family as we begin to work together towards a better life for the Filipino people!