For Karl Andrey Banzon, a fresh graduate with a Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering from Cebu Technological University in Danao City, life after college was not the smooth journey he had hoped for. Despite his academic credentials, job hunting felt like facing a wall—hundreds of applications, stiff competition, and one common hurdle: lack of experience.

“I knew I had the skills, but I didn’t have the chance to prove them,” Karl shared.

Just when uncertainty was beginning to dim his hopes, the Cash-for-Work Program (CFWP) under the KALAHI-CIDSS of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) gave him the opportunity he had been waiting for.

He was able to work at the Dean’s Office College of Education of the Cebu Technological University-Danao Campus under the CFW Program. What began as temporary employment turned out to be a launchpad for his future.

Through the program, Karl has not just earned a modest income—he has gained valuable real-world experience. He learned how to navigate the professional environment, build workplace ethics, and collaborate effectively. These lessons went far beyond his technical background and helped shape him into a confident, career-ready individual.

“The Program made me realize that success isn’t just about what you know but about how you work with others, how you stay committed, and how you grow from every opportunity,” he said.

Armed with both his degree and new-found confidence, Karl eventually landed a job as an application development associate in a private company. Now, he helps design and maintain software applications, working alongside a team of developers to build efficient systems—living proof that hard work and the right opportunity can change everything.

Karl’s journey is a powerful reminder that even one chance—like the one offered by KALAHI-CIDSS—can be the bridge between dreams and reality. For every struggling graduate, his story offers hope: your breakthrough could be one opportunity away. ###