Some say that teaching is the noblest yet one of the hardest professions out there. One has to have the skills, knowledge, heart, and preparation to do it well. This is why when Mr. John Philip Aporado got hired under Department of Labor and Employment’s (DOLE) Special Program for Employment of Students (SPES), he did not shy away from putting his degree into practice.

The 20-year-old beneficiary is taking up Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education and is currently in his sophomore year.

In spite of his busy schedule, he still manages to work for the Malabon City Library where he is responsible in assisting students to different collection of books and arranging learning sessions and programs.

However, getting in was not easy in any way, Mr. Aporado shared.

“’Yung pag-apply at tsaka gutom noong time ng screening ay tiniis ko po. Marami po ang nag-apply, umaga pa lang nagsisimula na hanggang sa umabot po ng hapon,” he said.

If it was not for his financial needs so he could continue his studies, he would not have applied and worked under SPES. Fortunately, this employment turned out to be a blessing in disguise.

Not long after getting hired, Ms. Rita Rivera, the head of Malabon City Library, saw his potential and tasked him to responsibilities closer to his passion – teaching.

He now teaches reading and conducts storytelling sessions with students from Acacia Elementary School—part of the Malabon City Library’s “Books on Wheels” and “Brigada Pagbasa” project initiative.

Now, he is all thanks to DOLE for the support he receives.

“Dahil po sa inyo, marami pong mga kabataan ang natutulungan. Hindi lang po siya basta makakatulong financially, makakatulong din po siya para po ma-improve ang students sa kanilang future interests,” he said.

“Ang payo ko sa mga mag-aapply sa SPES ay tatagan lang po nila then i-grab lang po nang i-grab ‘yung mga opportunity na nakabukas,” he added.

SPES is DOLE’s youth employment-bridging program which aims to provide temporary employment to poor but deserving, out-of-school youth, and dependents of displaced or would-be displaced workers during summer, Christmas vacation, or any time of the year to augment the family’s income to ensure that beneficiaries can pursue their education.

END / Jalen Lewis Boco and Jenerito Bautista