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MY PERSONAL LIFE STORY A Journey of Perseverance, Service, and Commitment to Ordinary Filipino Workers My life has been a journey shaped by perseverance, sacrifice, faith, and t…
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MY PERSONAL LIFE STORY A Journey of Perseverance, Service, and Commitment to Ordinary Filipino Workers My life has been a journey shaped by perseverance, sacrifice, faith, and the belief that every person deserves dignity, fairness, and an opportunity to live a better life. I have experienced different challenges—as a worker, a security professional, an overseas Filipino worker, a public servant, a husband, a father, and an advocate for the rights of ordinary Filipino workers. Each chapter has taught me valuable lessons about life, responsibility, and service to others. Humble Beginnings and the Value of Education I was born on April 6, 1956, in Panolo-on, Sapad, Lanao del Norte. Like many Filipinos who grew up in modest circumstances, I learned early that life would not always be easy and that achieving one's dreams would require determination, patience, and hard work. My educational journey was not confined to one institution or one stage of life. I pursued Agricultural Technology at Mt. Apo Science Foundation College before continuing my studies in Commerce, majoring in Management, at Columban College in Olongapo City. Later, driven by my desire to understand the law and its role in society, I pursued a Bachelor of Laws degree at Virgen de los Remedios College in Olongapo City. Balancing education with work and family responsibilities was never easy. Nevertheless, I believed that education was an investment not only in my own future but also in my ability to contribute meaningfully to society. Although I did not ultimately become a member of the Bar, my legal education gave me a deeper appreciation of justice, due process, human rights, and the importance of the rule of law. I came to understand that knowledge of the law should not be measured only by professional titles, but also by how it is used to help others. Years in Security and Law Enforcement My professional journey began in the security field. I worked in security and protective services at the former United States facilities in Subic Bay, where I gained practical experience in physical security, law enforcement, investigation, emergency response, and personnel supervision. These years taught me discipline, alertness, responsibility, and the importance of protecting people and property. I also underwent various professional training programs that strengthened my knowledge and skills in security operations. In October 1992, I joined the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) Law Enforcement Department as a Security Officer III, Salary Grade 18. During my years of service, I held several responsibilities, including Shift Supervisor, Investigator, Supervisory Investigator, Officer-in-Charge of the Internal Affairs Branch, and Assistant Officer-in-Charge of the Intelligence and Investigations Division. My work involved investigating incidents and complaints, supervising personnel, gathering and evaluating information, preparing reports, and helping maintain discipline and order within the organization. I was fortunate to receive commendations and recognition for my performance, including recognition for outstanding supervisory service. I also served on various committees involved in discipline, performance evaluation, and personnel selection. Those years were among the most formative in my professional life. They taught me that public service requires more than authority or position. It demands integrity, fairness, accountability, and the courage to do what is right—even when doing so is difficult. However, my years in public service were not without challenges. I eventually experienced political pressures that led to my departure from SBMA. Leaving an institution where I had devoted many years of my professional life was a painful experience. Yet, I learned that setbacks do not necessarily mean the end of one's purpose. Sometimes, they become the beginning of a different path. Life as an Overseas Filipino Worker Like many Filipinos seeking better opportunities and a way to support their families, I also experienced working abroad. In 1996, I worked in Hong Kong as a Security Guard Control Officer. It was another opportunity to learn how to work in a different environment, adapt to another culture, and meet the demands of employment outside the Philippines. My overseas journey later brought me to Iraq in 2004, where I worked in security-related assignments with international contractors. I served as a Lead Guard under DynCorp International and subsequently as a Security Consultant with Erinys International. Working in Iraq was a very different experience. The environment was challenging and demanded discipline, vigilance, sound judgment, and the ability to work under pressure. My responsibilities included security supervision, personnel training, protection, and escort operations. Being an overseas Filipino worker, particularly in a challenging environment, gave me a deeper appreciation of the sacrifices made by Filipinos working abroad. Behind every overseas worker is often a family waiting at home, children whose education must be supported, parents who need assistance, and loved ones whose future depends partly on the worker's sacrifices. I understood that earning a living abroad was never simply about receiving a salary. It was also about separation from family, personal risks, uncertainty, and the responsibility of providing for those we love. Those experiences strengthened my respect for Filipino workers, whether employed overseas or here in our own country. I came to appreciate that every worker deserves protection, fair treatment, and recognition of his or her contribution to society. Family: My Greatest Responsibility and Source of Strength Beyond my professional experiences, the most meaningful part of my life has always been my family. I am blessed with my wife, Crisanta, and our seven children, as well as nine grandchildren. Like any family, we have experienced both happy moments and difficult seasons. We have faced the responsibilities of raising children, meeting everyday family needs, and dealing with life's unexpected challenges. My family has been my source of strength throughout my journey. Their patience, understanding, and sacrifices have helped me continue whenever circumstances became difficult. As a husband and father, I have always believed that providing for a family means more than earning money. It also means being present, accepting responsibilities, making sacrifices, and doing one's best to give the next generation opportunities for a better future. There were times when work demanded long hours and when professional responsibilities competed with family obligations. There were also moments when personal and accumulated. It is also measured by the love we give, the responsibilities we fulfill, and the values we pass on to our children and grandchildren. My family reminds me why I continue to work, serve, and contribute in whatever way I can. Returning to Public Service and Continuing to Serve After my overseas employment and other professional experiences, I continued to seek opportunities where I could use my knowledge and experience in public service. I worked in the private security sector, serving in supervisory and branch operations positions. These assignments allowed me to apply my experience in personnel management, security administration, and organizational operations. In May 2016, I entered another chapter of public service as a Court Decongestion Officer assigned to Regional Trial Court Branch 73 in Olongapo City under the Office of the Court Administrator of the Supreme Court. My responsibilities involved assisting in case inventory, monitoring court proceedings, conducting legal research, preparing reports, and supporting efforts to improve the administration and disposition of cases. This experience gave me a closer understanding of the challenges faced by ordinary people seeking justice. I saw how delays in the resolution of cases could affect families, livelihoods, and the lives of litigants. It strengthened my belief that justice should not only be available in principle; it must also be accessible and delivered within a reasonable period. My subsequent involvement in court mediation and other public service assignments further reinforced my belief in peaceful dispute resolution, accountability, and the importance of institutions that serve the public. I also had the opportunity to contribute to public service in connection with the Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA), serving as a Technical Assistant to a member of its leadership. These experiences allowed me to continue learning about public administration, institutional responsibilities, and the importance of serving the public interest. A Commitment to Ordinary Filipino Workers One of the most meaningful directions my life has taken is my involvement in labor advocacy. Over the years, I have become increasingly concerned about the situation of ordinary Filipino workers, particularly those who have limited knowledge of their legal rights and little access to assistance when they experience workplace injustice. I have seen workers struggle with illegal dismissal, unpaid wages and benefits, unfair working conditions, workplace discrimination, contractual employment concerns, and difficulties in exercising their right to organize. I have also witnessed how challenging it can be for ordinary employees to approach government agencies, understand legal procedures, prepare complaints, and assert their rights against employers with greater resources and institutional support. These experiences strengthened my commitment to helping workers through my involvement with Alyansa ng Manggagawa at Pilipinong Organisado (AMAPO) and the National Trade Union Center Philippines (NTUCP). My work has included assisting labor organizations and workers in understanding their rights, preparing complaints and legal documents, participating in labor-related discussions, and seeking appropriate assistance from government institutions such as the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), the National Conciliation and Mediation Board (NCMB), and the National Labor Relations Commission (NLRC). I do not claim to have all the answers, nor do I consider myself a perfect person. My legal education and years of experience have given me useful knowledge, but I recognize that every labor dispute requires careful study, proper evidence, respect for due process, and adherence to the law. My guiding principle is simple: ordinary workers should not be deprived of justice merely because they lack money, influence, or access to legal assistance. I believe that workers deserve to be heard. Their grievances should be taken seriously, their rights should be respected, and their organizations should be allowed to exercise the freedoms guaranteed by law. For me, labor advocacy is not simply about opposing management or taking sides in workplace disputes. It is about promoting fairness, encouraging lawful collective bargaining, protecting legitimate workers' rights, and helping both labor and management understand their respective responsibilities. I believe that a fair and just workplace benefits not only employees but also employers, businesses, communities, and the country as a whole. Faith, Service, and the Meaning of a Life Well Lived My personal journey has also been guided by my Catholic faith. My involvement in parish service as an Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion has given me another opportunity to serve others and strengthen my relationship with God. Faith has taught me humility, compassion, patience, and the importance of helping people without expecting anything in return. As I look back on my life, I recognize that it has been a combination of opportunities, sacrifices, achievements, disappointments, and lessons. I have worked in different environments, served in government, experienced employment abroad, pursued higher education, raised a family, and become involved in helping workers who seek justice. I have also experienced setbacks and disappointments. Some dreams were fulfilled, while others took a different direction. There were moments when I had to start again, adjust to changing circumstances, and find new ways to remain useful to society. But I have learned that one's worth is not determined by the number of positions one has held, the titles attached to one's name, or the recognition received from others. A person's life becomes meaningful when the knowledge, experience, and opportunities he has gained are used to make a positive difference in the lives of others. Looking Forward: A Continuing Mission of Service At this stage of my life, I no longer measure success simply by career advancement or personal achievements. I measure it by the people I have been able to help, the lessons I have shared, the responsibilities I have fulfilled, and the positive contributions I can still make. I remain committed to learning, serving, and assisting ordinary Filipino workers, particularly those who need guidance in understanding and asserting their rights under the law. I hope to continue using my education, professional experience, and practical knowledge to help labor organizations become stronger, encourage peaceful and lawful labor relations, and promote respect for the dignity of every worker. I also hope that the younger generation will understand that education, hard work, integrity, and compassion are essential in building a better society. We may not all have the power to change the entire system, but each of us can make a difference in the lives of the people we encounter. My life has taught me that service does not end when one leaves a government position, retires from a job, or reaches a certain age. As long as we have the ability, the willingness, and the heart to help others, there is still meaningful work to be done. My journey is far from perfect, but it has given me a purpose: to continue serving, to stand for fairness, and to help ensure that ordinary Filipino workers are treated with dignity and justice.
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