MICHAEL DELA CRUZ
2
H e used to be a janitor at the Department of Labor and Employment - National Capital Region (DOLE- NCR) way back in 1992. Back then, Michael dela Cruz has earned praises among the officials and staff at the DOLE NCR due to his hard work, diligence and humility. Behind those good qualities, Michael has an ambition, just like anybody else – that of being successful in life. With the adage, “Nasa Diyos ang awa, nasa tao ang gawa”, Michael put this quote into action. After work, Michael continued to pursue his education in agriculture. Likewise, Michael possessed that drive of learning other skills, which in later years were put to good use. He apprenticed at his uncle’s upholstery shop. He recalled, “Isang pares ng tsinelas ang ibinayad sa akin ng tiyuhin ko noon.” Nevertheless, he learned the rudiments of carpentry and sewing as well at that upholstery shop. At that time, Michael got married and he became more zealous to provide for his wife and their future children. He saw that upholstery business fetched a good income and so, he put up his own shop just outside his home in Bagong Barrio in Caloocan. Soon neighbors saw his good craftsmanship and many came to him for his services. At that time, Michael earned a measly ₱200.00 a day. Wanting to earn more, he approached the DOLE CAMANAVA Field Office for financial assistance. He was endorsed to the Public Employment Service Office (PESO) and the PESO after evaluation, recommended that he was qualified as a beneficiary of the DOLE Integrated Livelihood and Emergency Employment Program (DILEEP). Michael was granted an ₱8,000.00 worth of Starter KIT consisting of circular saw and jig saw for his upholstery livelihood project in 2016. MICHAEL DELA CRUZ: E-KWENTO NOVEMBER 2019 1 DOLE Camanava Field Office staff with Mr. Micahel dela Cruz
Transcript of MICHAEL DELA CRUZ
H e used to be a janitor at the Department of Labor and Employment - National Capital Region (DOLE-
NCR) way back in 1992. Back then, Michael dela Cruz has earned praises among the officials and
staff at the DOLE NCR due to his hard work, diligence and humility.
Behind those good qualities, Michael has an ambition, just like anybody else – that of being successful in
life. With the adage, “Nasa Diyos ang awa, nasa tao ang gawa”, Michael put this quote into action.
After work, Michael continued to pursue his education in agriculture. Likewise, Michael possessed that
drive of learning other skills, which in later years were put to good use.
He apprenticed at his uncle’s upholstery shop. He
recalled, “Isang pares ng tsinelas ang ibinayad sa
akin ng tiyuhin ko noon.” Nevertheless, he learned
the rudiments of carpentry and sewing as well at
that upholstery shop.
At that time, Michael got married and he became
more zealous to provide for his wife and their future
children. He saw that upholstery business fetched
a good income and so, he put up his own shop just
outside his home in Bagong Barrio in Caloocan.
Soon neighbors saw his good craftsmanship and
many came to him for his services. At that time,
Michael earned a measly ₱200.00 a day.
Wanting to earn more, he approached the DOLE
CAMANAVA Field Office for financial assistance.
He was endorsed to the Public Employment
Service Office (PESO) and the PESO after
evaluation, recommended that he was qualified as
a beneficiary of the DOLE Integrated Livelihood
and Emergency Employment Program (DILEEP).
Michael was granted an ₱8,000.00 worth of Starter
KIT consisting of circular saw and jig saw for his
upholstery livelihood project in 2016.
MICHAEL DELA CRUZ:
E-KWENTO NOVEMBER 2019 1
DOLE Camanava Field Office
staff with Mr. Micahel dela Cruz
E-KWENTO NOVEMBER 2019 2
From his net income totaling ₱30,373.25 in 2016, his income increased to ₱182,611.92 in 2018.
His wife, Lilibeth, resigned from her work and eventually helped him in their business.
With the growing demand for his services, Michael
hired a helper and one contractual worker.
According to him, he averages a net income of
₱30,000.00 monthly. Thus, he was adjudged as one
of the regional winners in the 2018 Individual
Category of the DOLE Kabuhayan Award.
Today, two of his three children have graduated in
college and have jobs.
“I have not only met the basic needs of my family
but I have acquired additional equipment, a vehicle
and a 60 square meter lot in Valenzuela for
business expansion,” Michael enthused.
As a graduate of the “Kapatid Mentor Me” Program
of the Department of Trade and Industry, he now
mentors several out-of-school youth in their
community. He conducts summer apprenticeship to
several youth and pays them ₱200.00 a day.
Indeed, Michael reaped the fruits of his hard work,
diligence and perseverance.
It is now payback time to return that opportunity
given to him by his uncle to others to learn the ropes
of upholstery making. In retrospect, Michael said
that pair of slippers is seemingly random but it
symbolized power to reach his potential. –END
EDITORIAL BOARD
Chairperson: Director Ma. Karina Perida-Trayvilla
Editor-in-Chief:
Content:
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Michael dela Cruz’ Family
