Service Provided By: PESO Catbalogan
Being raised in poverty made me feel that dreaming big was a luxury I could not afford. Every day was a struggle to find money for transportation, food, and books. Because of financial hardship, there were times when I even had to rent school uniforms and internship attire. Life was constantly difficult, but quitting was never an option for me.
A SPES Journey of Grit and Gratitude
The Special Program for Employment of Students (SPES)—and later, the Government Internship Program (GIP)—brought a glimmer of hope into my life. Through these programs, I learned discipline, professionalism, and resilience. I came to understand the importance of doing every task with excellence and following instructions with care and commitment.
Every peso I earned was saved with a purpose. When I had saved enough, I was finally able to buy my own laptop—a simple tool that became my silent companion through sleepless nights of studying and countless college projects.
Beyond the financial support, these opportunities strengthened my self-esteem, deepened my faith, and showed me that ordinary beginnings can lead to extraordinary achievements.
Today, I look back with gratitude and pride. My story is one of perseverance—turning struggles into strengths and dreams into reality. I did not only earn a diploma; I am now a Licensed Professional Teacher and am currently pursuing my master’s degree. For some, SPES and GIP may be ordinary government programs, but for me, they gave me the chance to pursue my dreams.
I stand as a testimony that poverty does not stop a person from becoming successful. With hard work, faith, and the right support, what once seemed like an obstacle can become the very foundation of one’s purpose.
Department of Labor and Employment
Regional Office No. VIII