“I was once a street kid who never thought that my life will change,” says Jeffrey Pineda, once DSWD Pantawid Admin Aide.

Jeffrey Pineda or “jepoy” as his friends call him, a 27-year old entrepreneur, was formerly a street youngster who never thought that his life would change. “I experienced to be a scavenger, a construction worker and a laborer. Until I realized that I must do something for my future.”

Jeffrey said “I enrolled in Sharing Computer Access Locally and Abroad (SCALA). After the six-month training, I was recognized as one of the Most Outstanding Trainees in our batch. I had my on-the-job (OJT) in April 2011 at the DSWD Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program. “

“I continued to volunteer in DSWD Pantawid to enhance my knowledge in computer and to learn more about the program. Because of grit and perseverance, I was hired as encoder and was assigned in accounting.”

“My hard work paid off. I gave my first salary to my mom to buy our dinner and kept the remaining for our other expenses. Since then, I never stop dreaming, I worked wholeheartedly and many had recognized my dedication. I became a breadwinner up until I have my own family. “

He, also expressed that diligence is one of the key factors to be recognized. “I have survived through striving and doing any tasks assigned to me.”

“I was really blessed to be part of SCALA and DSWD FOVI, who also had taught me to have grit and dedication. “

Recently, Jeffrey has a food business, the result of his sweats, that by some means according to him, could help them in their daily and future expenses.

“Really, poverty is not a hindrance to pursue our goals if we are determined to become successful,” Jeffrey finally said. /REIZYL JOY BALAYO/MERRYJEZZELBRENDIA/DSWD6