Porac, Pampanga — IN a moment filled with pride and emotion, 25-year-old Kenneth Calma, a production employee at Mekeni Food Corporation, graduated Magna Cum Laude with a degree in Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from Pampanga State University last August 12. But behind the medal and the applause is a story of grit, sacrifice, and unwavering love for family.
From production floor to academic honors: Kenneth Calma, a dedicated production worker at Mekeni Food Corporation, graduates Magna Cum Laude from Pampanga State University batch 2025.
For Kenneth, earning a college diploma was not just a personal dream— it was also the dream of his entire family. Born and raised in Balubad, Porac, he is the son of Rosito and Reyna Calma, a barangay tanod and a devoted housewife. Growing up in a household with eight siblings, life was never easy. But it was always filled with hope.
Kenneth’s siblings worked tirelessly to support the family. Linuel and Genesis served as house boys for Mekeni’s Executive Officers, Lito and Adrian Garcia. Merwin worked in the warehouse, while Jennica and Jivon joined the packaging crew. His brother Rosito, with the help of the Garcia family, graduated with a degree in Accountancy from Holy Angel University and became the family’s breadwinner, until illness struck. While his twin brother, Kevin, was not able to finish his studies.
At a young age, Kenneth knew that the card he was dealt with was not easy. Yet, he never let that stop him. While still in Grade 12, he began working as an on-call worker at Mekeni, doing everything from sweeping warehouse floors to carrying goods and cleaning homes. He was determined to help, to contribute, and to dream.
In 2020, Kenneth became a regular employee at Mekeni, working as a checker in the packaging section. Then he resigned in 2021 at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, but he continued part-time work in the warehouse while enrolling at Don Honorio Ventura State University (now Pampanga State University) to pursue a degree in Elementary Education. In 2023, he reapplied and returned to Mekeni as a production worker.
His days were long and his nights even longer. Kenneth worked from 6 PM to 2:30 AM, often extending his shift just to earn a little more for tuition. After a few hours of sleep, he would go to school from 7 AM to 4 PM. The exhaustion was real, he often fell asleep in class, but his teachers understood. He was excelling, despite the odds.
There were moments of doubt, even depression. Kenneth admitted that he initially kept his studies a secret from his supervisor, afraid of losing the job he loved. But he held on, driven by a promise to himself and to his mother, who always dreamed of having a teacher in the family.
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.”
Kenneth Calma proudly receives his diploma and Magna Cum Laude medal from Pampanga State University, joined by his supportive parents, Rosito and Reyna Calma — a powerful testament to perseverance, hard work, and the unwavering support of family.
To those who feel like the “last card” who dreams of changing the fate of their family, Kenneth offers this message:
“Kung gusto mo talaga yung isang bagay, paghihirapan mo ‘yon. Habang bata ka, kailangan mag-aral ka. Hindi habang buhay malakas tayo.”
So, if you are reading this and carrying the weight of your dreams and your family’s hopes—keep going. Like Kenneth, you too can turn the tables. You too can rise.
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