FORMER SPES BENEFICIARY, NOW A MUNICIPAL TOURISM OFFICER OF IBAAN, BATANGAS

DOLE-Batangas
Mar 30
3 min read

From an early age, Kier Vincent Real of Ibaan, Batangas, had always been on the lookout for part-time work to help support himself while managing his studies.

Sometime in 2022, while casually scrolling through his Facebook feed, the then-student stumbled upon a temporary employment opportunity posted by the Local Government Unit (LGU) of Ibaan, Batangas.

What seemed like a simple job post turned out to be a life-changing opportunity, one that would shape the direction of his future career.

“Bilang isang estudyante mula sa simpleng pamilya, malaking hamon sa akin ang pagsabayin ang pag-aaral at pagtatrabaho upang matustusan ang pang-araw-araw na pangangailangan…Nalaman ko ang tungkol sa programa sa pamamagitan ng isang anunsyo sa opisyal na Facebook page ng PESO Ibaan at Mayor Joy Salvame. Mula roon, sinimulan kong asikasuhin ang mga kinakailangang dokumento at nagsumite ng aplikasyon bilang SPES beneficiary,” he narrated.

For Kier, the goal was simple yet profound: to secure a job that would allow him to continue supporting his family and funding his education.

After a thorough evaluation by the Public Employment Service Office (PESO) and the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), Kier was selected as one of the qualified, underprivileged, but deserving students to become part of the Special Program for the Employment of Students (SPES).

Through the program, Kier not only achieved his goal of earning extra income during school breaks he also gained valuable life skills and meaningful work experience, which he says will serve as a strong foundation as he prepares to transition into the professional world.

“Bukod sa pinansyal na tulong na lubos kong ikinapasalamat, naging daan ang programa upang magkaroon ako ng mas matibay na pundasyon sa buhay.Natutunan kong i-manage ang oras, tumanggap ng responsibilidad, at pahalagahan ang bawat pagkakataong ibinibigay. Natutunan ko ang tamang work ethics, pakikitungo sa iba't ibang tao, at kung paano maging isang epektibong lider. Mas tumibay ang aking confidence sa sarili at nakita ko ang halaga ng serbisyo publiko. Dahil dito, naging malinaw sa akin na gusto kong tahakin ang landas ng paglilingkod sa bayan,” Kier stated.

Kier’s early experience in public service became a stepping stone that equipped him with the relevant skills and competencies needed to qualify for a position within the Local Government Unit (LGU) of Ibaan, Batangas.

Building on this foundation, he later joined the Government Internship Program (GIP), where he gained further experience and deepened his commitment to public service.

Today, after years of dedication and continuous learning, Kier proudly serves as the Municipal Tourism Officer and the Local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (LDRRM) Assistant, a testament to how opportunities like SPES and GIP can lead to meaningful, long-term careers in government service.

“Tumutulong ako sa pagsasagawa at pagpapatupad ng mga programa at aktibidad kaugnay sa turismo at disaster risk reduction. Kabilang sa mga gawain ko ang paggawa ng reports, pakikipag-ugnayan sa mga opisyal at partner agencies, at paglahok sa mga aktwal na operasyon ng tanggapan. Ang aktwal na karanasang nakuha ko bilang SPES at GIP Enumerator ang naging susi upang mapansin ang aking potensyal,” he added.

Like thousands of other SPES beneficiaries, Kier did not just dream of a better life, he worked hard, persevered, and eventually achieved his goal of securing gainful employment in public service.

Today, his story stands as a powerful reminder of how institutionalized government programs designed to empower the youth through employment can truly change lives, one beneficiary at a time. #