John Erl Jaramilla with his parents during his graduation from Polytechnic University of the Philippines-TaguigEmpower scholar John Erl Jaramilla recently graduated from the Polytechnic University of the Philippines-Taguig with a degree in mechanical engineering, according to First Gen Corporation’s EmPOWER employee volunteers core team.
Jaramilla also placed fourth in the February 2023 certified plant mechanic licensure examination with a rating of 86.85%.
Other than being a diligent student, Jaramilla worked day and night to help in providing for the needs of his family by selling through their sari-sari store and online store. There came a time when he wanted to stop his studies due to family problems. The burden to finish his degree was lessened when Jaramilla’s professor introduced him to First Gen. With his eagerness and enthusiasm to apply, the EmPOWER core team did not hesitate to grant him a scholarship. Jaramilla was an EmPOWER scholar throughout his college years.
The scholarship gave him hope to pursue his dreams. Jaramilla shared that he was able to focus on his studies because he had the books and materials he needed for his engineering classes. Moreover, the “online kamustahan” of First Gen helped him to become a more hardworking student as First Gen employees and co-scholars make sure to support each other.
Currently, Jaramilla is working as a maintenance engineer and preparing for the upcoming mechanical engineer licensure examination. He also plans to serve the country through the Philippine Coast Guard.
(Story/Photos by: Dianne Datu)