Former SPES baby now an acting supervisor: Making a Difference in the Real World

Jeremy Manuel Caballero, Acting Warehouse Supervisor of the National Food Authority, Misamis Occidental Sub-office – 15 June 2023 at the National Food Authority Warehouse, Gango, Ozamis City, Misamis Occidental (Photo by: GMD/DOLE-X MOPFO)

Former Special Program for Employment of Students (SPES) beneficiary, Jeremy Manuel Caballero, 34 years old, has made his way to success and is now the Acting Warehouse Supervisor of the National Food Authority (NFA) Misamis Occidental Sub-office.

“The SPES program has given me the opportunity to develop my work ethics in a real working environment," described Jeremy Manuel Caballero regarding his experience as a beneficiary of the program from 2008 to 2010.

Jeremy, 34 years old, from Purok 7, Gango, Ozamiz City, extended his deepest gratitude to the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE-X) Misamis Occidental for giving him the opportunity to have gainful and productive employment while being a student.

"I'm always proud to say that I have been part of this program, and it helped me grow to become more successful in my life's journey," Caballero said.

As a SPES baby, Jeremy was able to alleviate his parents’ financial burden as the income he earned through the program contributed to covering his academic needs at the time. With the program running during the summer or school break, Jeremy could purchase school supplies in preparation for the resumption of classes. While Jeremy faced challenges in managing his time effectively, the program helped him in overcoming these difficulties through program training, hard work, and perseverance.

"The only thing I learned from my journey in life is to put God first in everything that you do, and everything will follow through," Caballero said.

He also gave a message to aspiring student youth to always be thankful, no matter how small or big the blessing, and be an inspiration to other people.

“I'm always honored to say that I've been part of this program that helped me realize my dreams of success. I couldn’t be prouder with where I am today”, he added.

Taking baby steps, Caballero rose through the ranks to become the Acting Warehouse Supervisor of the National Food Authority's (NFA) Misamis Occidental Sub-office. In all his pursuits, he has put into practice the knowledge he has gained from being a SPES baby.

The Special Program for Employment of Students (SPES) of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) offers temporary employment opportunities with the goal of helping financially disadvantaged students earn income to support their educational expenses while achieving valuable work experiences in a variety of industries and agencies. (LMR with added reports of ARC/DOLE-X MisOcc PFO)

From Left to Right: DOLE- X Mis. Occ. PFO Administrative Assistant VI, Gil M. Daluz, Acting Warehouse Supervisor of the National Food Authority, Misamis Occidental Sub-office,Jeremy Manuel Caballero, and DOLE-X Mis. Occ. PFO Provincial Chief Ebba Borbon-Acosta, during the turnover of the One-Time Grant of Rice Assistance (OTRA) through the National Food Authority on 15 June 2023 at Ozamis City, Misamis Occidental (Photo by: GMD/DOLE-X MOPFO)