SPES BABY FROM MALVAR, BATANGAS NOW A LICENSED PRACTICING TEACHER

For Ms. Beavi Irene M. Custodio of San Pedro II, Malvar, Batangas, with great hardwork and perseverance, nothing will be impossible in reaching her dreams of becoming a professional teacher.

To have another source of funds for her studies, 16-year-old Bea braved herself to apply in the Special Program for the Employment of Students (SPES) back in 2017.

“I learned about SPES based on the announcement of our LGU. At that moment, it was 2017, 16 years old. I became interested in applying since little that anybody knows, I want to help my family to suffice my educational needs. Up until last 2022, I experienced the greatness of the abovementioned program,” Ms. Bea shared.

With her outstanding performance as a SPES beneficiary in their local government unit in Malvar, Batangas, Ms. Bea was able to avail the program four times until she finished her studies.

More than being able to finance her studies, Ms. Bea shared the priceless benefits of being a part of the SPES.

“In addition to the financial assistance that I used to pay for my tuition and non-school fees as well as the materials as a pre-service teacher, the experiences of being a SPES baby led its way in honing myself to be a student-leader. Being SPES president for three consecutive years gave me the confidence to communicate with other people, have patience in handling responsibilities and building the values of integrity and commitment for work and service,” she remarked.

Eventually, Ms. Bea reaped the fruits of her hardwork and graduated as Magna Cum Laude of her batch and just last December 2023, she passed the licensure examination for teachers and now teaches at a private institution in Tanauan City, Batangas.

With sincere gratitude, Ms. Bea shared her outpouring thanksgiving to the people and institution that became a part of her great success today.

“To the Department of Labor and Employment, thank you for being one of my companions in achieving my dreams. Thank you for letting me reach my dreams in becoming the professional teacher I am aiming for. Thank you for your warm embrace to the students like me who are continuously doing their best to finish their studies. Thank you for your assistance not only financially but more importantly the personal development in serving with  other people because of your programs and services,” Ms. Bea uttered.

Teacher Bea’s story is one of the many stories of the hundreds of SPES beneficiaries in the province of Batangas who continue to strive in funding their studies to eventually achieve that success that they are aiming for.

This 2024, DOLE BPO aims to cater more students and out-of-school youths from different private and public institutions with the goal of enhancing youth employability in the province.