HILARY HOSIA
When it comes to photocopiers, printers and fax machines, Rafael Juntila at Majuro’s Office Mart is probably the most well-versed technician in the country. And it’s not surprising, considering his 40 years on the job keeping electronic equipment functioning for government offices, businesses and private individuals.
The way Rafael explains the functionality and level of care needed to maintain and run the machines attests to the opening statement of this article: “These are more than just machines,” Rafael said, pointing to one of the photocopiers he was working on. “These things have a brain of their own,” he said while showing a a still-wrapped hard drive from one of the lockers.
Rafael also said the machines are extremely vulnerable to the power outages, adding the power fluctuations affect the machine’s operation and lifespan. “There are lens inside the machines, like mirrors, that can easily erode when not kept in the right temperature, too,” he said.
Although Rafael will be retiring to his homeland in Philippines in December, he considers Majuro his home after 40 years of living and working in RMI. The father of five and who has 10 grandchildren said he will remain in touch with the Office Mart team and whoever needs technical assistance online.
During his 40 years in Majuro, Rafael has been to virtually every government office and private business that has photocopiers and printers.
Most notably is his vital role with the Ministry of Education, Sports and Training. As required by international standards, the Education Ministry is required to upgrade its photocopiers and printers, which requires a local technician to undergo assessment and upgrade courses in Japan prior to the transaction of new equipment.
In other words, before the Ministry of Education can purchase new machines, they are required by the vendor company to undergo a course in Japan in order to qualify for their machines. Which means, Rafael is part of Education’s purchase requisition or PR in government finance terms.
It is during these assessment trips to Japan that technicians like Rafael share their experiences with the machines to the manufacturers and engineers of the machines. Rafael said some of the malfunctions he experienced with the machines in RMI are not seen elsewhere, which puzzled and caused excitement among the engineers who are able to model their newer versions based off testimonials from regional techs like Rafael.
“We are the field workers for the machines and most of the troubles we encounter are not covered in the manual,” Rafael said. “Either way, all obstacles and malfunctions not included in the manual were fixed by self ingenuity.”