Five-time SPES beneficiary finds way to the Senate

After successfully passing the Civil Engineering licensure examination, Myra Balbuena Galono, who benefited from the Department of Labor and Employment’s (DOLE) Special Program for Employment of Students (SPES) for five consecutive years, is now making her mark in public service.

Currently, she serves as a staff member in the office of Senator Loren Legarda, contributing to media-related tasks and preparing briefings, with roots in Antique Province.

Engineer Galono attributes her professional achievements to the foundational training she received at DOLE.

“The knowledge, skills, and experiences I gained as a SPES beneficiary have undoubtedly shaped me into a committed government employee,” she acknowledges.

Amidst a modest upbringing, her family managed to weather financial hardships by running a small business. To ease the financial strain on her parents and support her own education, Myra took on various jobs, including working as a sales agent for cosmetic products, a student assistant, and a dedicated “SPES baby” over the course of five summers.

For Myra, SPES was more than a program; it was a beacon of hope that enabled her to dream.

“I consider myself a living testament to the program’s valuable impact,” she states. Her first earnings from SPES went towards a down payment for a motorcycle, a symbol of independence and mobility. Subsequent earnings from the program supported her daily academic expenses, allowing her to concentrate on her studies without financial distress.

Her involvement with DOLE also honed her leadership abilities. Myra led the SPES organization in the Municipality of Sibalom, Antique, for four years, spearheading initiatives such as Waste Segregation, Tree Planting, and River Clean-up, alongside celebrating SPES Day.

Her commitment was recognized when she received the Most Outstanding SPES Beneficiaries Award, a testament to her diligent leadership.

The five transformative years as a SPES beneficiary not only honed Myra’s social consciousness but also provided practical experiences at the Municipal Engineering and Assessor’s Offices, complementing her Civil Engineering studies.

Now as a civil engineer, Myra reflects on the lessons from her SPES days, emphasizing hard work, responsibility, and the drive to effect positive community change. Adversity, for her, is not a setback but a source of strength, offering opportunities for growth, resilience, and success.

“During my SPES days, I learned that determination could triumph over financial challenges. Life may not always give you what you need but being resourceful opens doors. Every opportunity, be it a contest, a job, or a scholarship, is a step towards growth and improvement,” Myra shares.

She encourages young people to seize every opportunity with enthusiasm and commitment, advising, “Embrace every chance with dedication and passion.”

Myra expresses her deep appreciation to the Department of Labor and Employment and the Local Government Unit of Sibalom, Antique, for the opportunities provided to her as a SPES beneficiary throughout her college years.

“Thank you for believing in the potential of every Myra Galono out there,” she says with conviction, recognizing that the support through SPES has not only facilitated her personal achievements but has also empowered countless other young individuals to pursue their dreams.