In a moment filled with pride and tears, 25-year-old Kenneth Calma, a production worker at Mekeni Food Corporation, walked across the stage to receive his diploma and medal as magna cum laude, graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from the Pampanga State University last August 12.
Behind the applause and academic honors lies a story of resilience, sacrifice, and a young man’s deep love for his family.
From factory floor to academic glory
For Kenneth, earning a college degree was not only a personal triumph-it was the fulfillment of his entire family’s dream. Born and raised in Balubad, Porac, he is the son of Rosito and Reyna Calma, a barangay tanod and a homemaker. Growing up with eight siblings, Kenneth knew early on that life would be difficult-but he also knew that hope would always keep them going.
His siblings worked hard to support the family: Linuel and Genesis served as house boys for Mekeni’s executives, Lito and Adrian Garcia; Merwin worked in the warehouse; and Jennica and Jivon joined the packaging section. His brother Rosito Jr., through the help of the Garcia family, earned a degree in Accountancy from Holy Angel University and became the family’s breadwinner until illness forced him to stop working. Kenneth’s twin, Kevin, was not able to finish his studies.
Amid these challenges, Kenneth made a promise to himself – to continue what others could not, and to change the course of their family’s life.
Juggling work, school, dreams
Even as a senior high school student, Kenneth was already working. He started as an on-call worker at Mekeni, doing odd jobs-sweeping floors, carrying goods, and even cleaning homes-just to earn extra income for the family.
In 2020, he became a regular employee at Mekeni as a checker in the packaging section. But when the Covid-19 pandemic hit in 2021, he resigned to pursue his dream of becoming a teacher. He enrolled at Don Honorio Ventura State University (now Pampanga State University) while still working part-time in Mekeni’s warehouse. By 2023, he returned to the company as a full-time production worker.
His daily routine was grueling: working from 6:00 P.M. to 2:30 A.M. sometimes longer, then heading straight to school for classes from 7:00 A.M. to 4:00 P.M. Sleep was a luxury. There were times when exhaustion got the best of him, and he would doze off in class. Yet, despite the fatigue, Kenneth remained one of the top students. His professors saw his potential-and his perseverance.
Faith, family, and the fire to succeed
There were moments when Kenneth felt like giving up. He admitted that he initially hid his studies from his supervisor, fearing he might lose his job. But the thought of his mother’s dream-to have a teacher in the family-kept him going.
‘Wala po lahat ng ito kung wala ang nanay ko at pamilya ko. Lahat ng ginagawa ko ay para sa kanila. Gusto ko pong baguhin ang takbo ng buhay namin,’ he tearfully shared.
And indeed, he did. After years of sleepless nights, long shifts, and endless sacrifices, Kenneth proudly graduated Magna Cum Laude-a success not only for himself but for his entire family, community, and the company that believed in him.
The Mekeni family: More than just an employer
Kenneth expressed deep gratitude to Mekeni Food Corporation, which provided not just employment but encouragement and moral support.
‘Sobrang thankful po ako. Kung wala ang Mekeni, baka hindi po ako nakapagtapos. Malaki po ang naging bahagi nila sa buhay ko,’ he said.
Pruds Garcia, President of Mekeni, lauded Kenneth’s achievement:
‘Kenneth’s story is a testament to perseverance and the power of community. At Mekeni, we strive to offer not just jobs, but opportunities for personal and professional growth. We are proud to have been part of his journey.’
He added, ‘Ang tagumpay ni Kenneth ay tagumpay ng bawat Mekeni employee na nangangarap. We celebrate not just his academic success, but the courage it took to pursue it.’
A message to dreamers
During his graduation, Kenneth stood proudly beside his parents, Rosito and Reyna, who beamed with pride. Their son-once a factory worker who juggled jobs and classes -had finally made it.
To those who dream of breaking the cycle of hardship, Kenneth has this message:
‘Kung gusto mo talaga ang isang bagay, paghihirapan mo ‘yon. Habang bata ka, mag-aral ka. Hindi habang buhay malakas tayo.’
His story reminds us all that nothing is impossible when fueled by hard work, patience, and faith.
So, if you are reading this and carrying the weight of your family’s hopes-keep going. Like Kenneth, you too can turn the tables. You too can rise.