Ricardo Laingo, Jr., fondly known as Jun, is a 35-year-old proud native of Miputak, Dipolog City, Zamboanga del Norte. A father to one child and the youngest of five siblings, Jun’s life is a testament to perseverance, humility, and hope.
“Ako ang bunso sa limang magkakapatid. Mangingisda noon ang tatay ko, habang naglalako naman ng isda ang nanay ko. Ngayon ay hindi na sila nagtatrabaho dahil matanda na rin sila,” Jun shares.
Life was tough during his elementary and high school years, as he had to fish every weekend just to afford his allowance. With the support of kind teachers, he pulled through, and it’s something he’s truly proud of.
In 2010, he began working as an agency-hired security guard, and after several assignments, he was stationed at Security Bank Dipolog Branch, where he would spend the next 8 years guarding the very institution he dreamed of joining as an employee.
“Isa sa mga dahilan kung bakit pinili kong maging Security Guard habang ipinagpapatuloy ang pag-aaral ay dahil pangarap ko talagang maging isa sa mga empleyado ng Security Bank bilang isang teller,” Jun recounts.
In 2018, Jun’s dream began to take shape when he was granted a scholarship by the Security Bank Foundation under the “Regalo Mo, Kinabukasan Ko”, a scholarship program for the Bank’s agency-hired personnel and their children. While continuing his job as a guard, he enrolled at Dipolog City Institute of Technology, pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science degree. Despite the demands of his work and family life, he powered through and graduated ‘With Honors’ on July 2, 2022, at the age of 32.
“Napakalaki ng naitulong nito sa akin at sa aking pamilya upang ako’y makapagtapos ng kolehiyo. Malaki ang utang na loob ko sa Foundation, lalo na sa mga opisyal ng bangko na tumulong at nag-endorso sa akin bilang iskolar.”
After a short stint working at a major motorcycle dealer company in the country, Jun received the opportunity he had long prayed for. On March 3, 2025, he was officially hired as a Teller at Security Bank Dipolog Branch, finally stepping inside the bank not in uniform, but behind the counter.
“Sobrang dami ng nabago. Labing-isang taon akong security guard, at ngayon ay isa na akong teller,” he says with pride. “Kaya naman sobrang nakaka-proud, dahil sa wakas ay nakamit ko rin ang matagal ko nang pinapangarap.”
His story is not just one of personal success, it is a reflection of what’s possible when someone is given the right opportunity and support.
“Sana ay hindi magsawa ang Foundation sa pagtulong sa mga estudyante para makapag-aral. Hiling ko rin na lalo pang umunlad ang Foundation dahil marami pa ang nangangarap na makapagtapos ng pag-aaral.”
Looking back on his journey, Jun says, “Ang pinakamahalagang aral na natutunan ko ay ang manatiling mapagpakumbaba.” And now, as he begins his new chapter, he makes a promise: “Pinapangako ko po na gagampanan ko nang maayos ang aking trabaho.”
From a scholarship grantee and security guard to a proud teller at Security Bank, Jun is a living proof that dreams do come true, with faith, determination, and a helping hand.
Security Bank Foundation continues to empower dreamers like Jun through its various scholarships programs. Learn more at www.securitybank.com/foundation/sbfi-scholars-for-better-communities.
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