SPES Beneficiary Overcomes Poverty, Becomes CPA

Born into a poor family in Bagabag, Nueva Vizcaya, Shadie V. Veñegas found hope through the Special Program for Employment of Students (SPES), offered by the Local Government Unit of Sibalom and the University of Antique.

Her perseverance and determination led her to achieve her dream of becoming a Certified Public Accountant (CPA).

Shadie graduated with a degree in Accountancy from the University of Antique. To fund her review, she worked at a bank for a year, saving her salary for the process.

Her sacrifices bore fruit when she passed the May 2024 Certified Public Accountant Board Examination.

“It was challenging, full of doubt and anxiety, but with determination and faith, I became one of the 3,155 passers of the May 2024 CPA exam—and the sole passer from my alma mater out of 11 takers,” she said.

Shadie’s determination to overcome poverty was rooted in her life experiences. At eight years old, her family relocated to Sibalom, Antique, seeking a better future but faced even greater hardships.

She recalled nights spent sitting to avoid the rain leaking through their roof and meals shared with just one pack of noodles.

Her parents sold fish to support the family, but it was not enough. To supplement their income, Shadie and her mother washed clothes, cleaned houses, and worked as dishwashers in the neighborhood.

Despite the financial struggles, frequent water and electricity disconnections, and studying by flashlight, Shadie remained committed to excelling in school.

Her situation improved when she discovered SPES, a program of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) that provides financial assistance and work opportunities for students. Shadie joined SPES during her Grade 12 year and worked with the local government unit of Sibalom for two consecutive years (2018-2019) and again in 2021 at the University of Antique.

“For someone like me who was struggling to make both ends meet, SPES was a beacon of hope. The program not only offered financial assistance but also opened the door to invaluable work experience,” she shared.

She fondly recalled learning to use a typewriter, a seemingly outdated but essential tool in some offices. Through SPES, she also developed organizational, file management, and time efficiency skills, which sharpened her attention to detail and instilled a strong sense of responsibility.

DOLE-VI Regional Director Atty. Sixto T. Rodriguez Jr. congratulated Shadie for her remarkable achievement.

“Passing a board exam is not only a measure of intellect but also of resilience, discipline, and relentless determination. Your success reflects your commitment to excel, and I am confident this is just the beginning of an even more accomplished journey ahead,” Rodriguez said.

Shadie remains determined to uplift her family from poverty through hard work, positivity, and the lessons she learned as a student and SPES beneficiary.

“Adversity has shaped many of the world’s most successful people, and I aspire to join their ranks in God’s perfect time,” she said proudly.