For Gil Laurence Aranco, the journey to success was never straightforward. At 24 years old, he has already made a name for himself in the tech industry, working as an Associate Technical Specialist II at Alliance Software, Inc. But behind his achievements is a story of resilience and the power of technical education.
Born and raised in Subangdaku, Mandaue City, Gil grew up in a household that struggled financially especially during the pandemic. His father had an unstable source of income, and his mother worked as a public school teacher. As a twin, he faced a difficult reality—his family couldn’t afford to send both him and his brother to college. Pandemic made things even harder, but when he learned about CITE Technical Institute, Inc. he saw an opportunity that could change his future. After passing the screening process, he enrolled in the 3-year Diploma in Computer Engineering Technology program, opening doors to a world of possibilities.
At CITE, Gil quickly distinguished himself as a hardworking student. Under the Dual Training System (DTS), he spent 15 months of in-school training honing his skills in computer programming and networking. He earned his National Certifications in Computer Systems Servicing II and Electronic Products Assembly Servicing II, and passed the institutionalized assessment for Animation II, all while working on small-scale web development projects outside school.
He made it a habit to maximize his time—taking extra lessons, improving his technical skills, and eventually becoming a Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) offered at CITE. At first, he considered pursuing a career in networking, but fate had other plans.
During his in-plant training at Alliance Software, Inc., one of the largest and most respected software outsourcing companies in the Philippines, Gil started as a hardware technician. However, his potential did not go unnoticed. His supervisor encouraged him to explore low-code programming, a growing field in software development. Taking the challenge head-on, Gil immersed himself in low-code development platform, and learned the ropes of system analysis and application development. His hard work paid off—upon graduating in 2022, he was promoted to Associate Technical Specialist II, becoming a key player in Alliance’s low-code projects using Mendix platform.
Now, Gil collaborates with top caliber developers on various low-code applications, ensuring that systems run efficiently for the company’s clients. His biggest milestone so far is the development of an HR recruitment app, which he built from the ground up and is currently awaiting client approval. He also mentors in-plant trainees from CITE who are assigned to software development projects.
He continues to enhance his skills by attending in-house training and advanced examinations provided by the company, proving that learning never stops. Looking forward, he hopes to pursue further studies at a university to expand his expertise in software development.
Beyond his career, Gil never forgets where he came from. Now earning a stable income, he supports his family giving back for the sacrifices his parents made. He firmly believes that success is not just about talent but about perseverance and having the right mindset.
His advice to students: “Follow your passion, stay curious, and never stop practicing. Programming is not just about learning codes—it’s about persistence, problem-solving, and growth. Learn from your mistakes, seek knowledge from those around you, and always stay open to new challenges.”
Gil also credits CITE for shaping his discipline and his former mentor and instructor Jorge Larobis for work ethics. From waking up early, to attending Holy Mass at CITE, and learning the importance of punctuality and commitment, his time at CITE molded him into a responsible and hardworking professional.
His story proves that CITE education is a game-changer, opening pathways for those who are willing to put in the effort. From a student struggling to find opportunities to a trailblazer in low-code programming, Gil’s journey is a living proof of how technical skills, determination, and the right training can pave the way for a brighter future.
Photos show Gil giving an inspirational talk and a photo op with the trainees of Low Code Programming.