“Kung wala ko kapangisda sauna di me kasud-an apan karon nga naa na koy permanenteng trabaho pinaagi sa DSWD-SLP, dili lang panud-an akong mahatag sa akong pamilya kon dili apil nasad ang ilang mga panginahanglanon nga lisod naku mahatag sauna (If I could not go fishing before, we would not have viand. But because of the opportunity that DSWD-SLP has given me, I could not only provide for the viand to my family but also the things they need that I failed to give them before),” said Jose Alex A. Baal.

Jose is from Northern Poblacion, San Francisco, Camotes Island, Cebu. This island is one of the tourist attractions in Cebu province where fishing and farming are the main sources of income.

He is married to Merly Baal, 42, a housewife. They have (3) children namely, Aj Mherl Baal, 7, Grade 3, Precious Jade Baal, 5, Kindergarten and Julius Baal 3, day care.

Jose was a farmer in their town for almost 10 years. He used to plant and harvest corns, from which his family relies most of its income. He roughly earned Php 3,000.00 a month from farming. For them to survive, he went fishing everyday solely for his family’s consumption.

Merly, his wife, has no work. She has been taking care of their children. Their life before showed how poverty dwelt in their lives.

In October 2016, the DSWD through the SLP provided a Skills Training on Security Services NCI to the qualified SLP participants in the municipality. Partnered with the Lancer Security Agency in Cebu City, the activity took the standard 21 days of training.

Jose showed distinct competence during the training. He displayed genuine interest to learn techniques and ways to become a better trainee. As a result, he excelled in his performance during the training. Out of 25 participants from Camotes Island who joined the training, Jose was recognized as the sharp shooter of the batch which gave him an edge over his co-trainees.

On January 3, 2017, his effort paid off when the main branch of a foam company hired him as its head of guards. “Kalipay ug pasalamat akong gibati sa maong programa sa DSWD SLP kay nakakita na intawn kog regular nga trabaho. Naa nakoy ikabuhi sa akong pamilya.” (I am happy and thankful to the DSWD SLP for I now have a stable job. I can proudly say that I can now sustain the needs of my family)

After Jose got hired as the head guard of the company, he immediately transferred his family in Talisay City, Cebu from Camotes Island for them to be together in their new home.

“Nagpasalamat kami sa Ginoo kay naghatag gyud Siya og pamaagi nga nakaapil si Papa sa SLP, unya naa na siya’y trabaho. Lipay kaayo mi kay makakaon nami og lami nga pagkaon ug makapalit na si Papa og mga duwaan namo (We thank God for He make ways for Papa to be part of the SLP, and now he has permanent work. We are happy because Papa can now buy good food and toys for us),” said Aj Mherl, eldest of the Baal children.

Jose is now working in the company for more than a year. He receives a good monthly salary with the inclusions of SSS, PhilHealth, Pag-Ibig and other benefits provided to employees.

As a bread winner, Jose always saves money for his loved ones especially for his children’s educational expenses. ###

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