In what is considered as a truly inspiring story of hardwork and sacrifice, Jennifer Gonzales Manrique, a former pump attendant at Direk Fuels Panggulayan branch in Oriental Mindoro, has made her mark by securing the 9th rank in the recent Licensure Examination for Professional Teachers at the Elementary Level.

Jennifer, hailing from Sto. Niño, Pinamalayan, Oriental Mindoro, was not just any pump attendant.

While working at the gas station, she was also pursuing her studies at the Southwestern Institute for Business & Technology (SIBTECH).

Her story is one of determination and resilience, as she successfully balanced her responsibilities at Direk Fuels station and her commitment to her education over a span of four years.

Direk Fuels, recognizing her dedication, even adjusted her work schedule on several occasions to ensure her studies were not compromised, shared Romel “Direk” Bernardo, owner of Direk Fuels.

In appreciation of her achievement, the local government unit (LGU) of Pinamalayan headed by Mayor Aristeo Baldos Jr. handed Manrique a plaque of recognition. Her alma mater, SIBTECH, gave her P30,000. Direk Fuels also gave Manrique cash award equivalent to a month’s salary when she was employed at the gasoline station.

Jennifer’s success story doesn’t stop here. She is one among five former pump attendants at Direk Fuels who have now earned their college degrees, Bernardo added.

As Jennifer embarks on her new journey, her story stands as a beacon of inspiration for young individuals everywhere, proving that with hard work and perseverance, success is indeed achievable, Direk Bernardo, a Rotary Club President, said.