From Factory Floors to Remote Work: How LeapUp Helped Justine Gapud Rewrite His Career Story 

"Supporting Angat Kabuhayan is not just helping individuals. It's transforming lives and families as well." — Justine Gapud, LeapUp Graduate

For many young Filipinos, changing careers can feel impossible.

You spend years in a job that pays the bills but leaves little room for growth. You hear friends talk about opportunities in the BPO industry or remote work, but without experience or guidance, those opportunities seem out of reach.

That was the reality for Justine Gapud.

Before joining LeapUp, Justine worked as a production operator in manufacturing companies in Calamba, Laguna. His work was physically demanding, and while he was grateful to have a job, he knew there were opportunities beyond the factory floor. His friends were already working in the BPO industry, sharing stories about better pay and career growth. He wanted to take that leap—but he didn't know where to start.

A Facebook Post That Changed Everything

Sometimes, life-changing opportunities appear in the simplest ways.

Justine discovered Angat Kabuhayan's free training program through a Facebook post shared by their local Sangguniang Kabataan page. Encouraged by his friends, he decided to give the two-day training a chance.

"It was only two days," he recalled. "I thought, why not try it?"

That one decision became the turning point in his career.

Understanding an Entirely New Industry

For someone coming from manufacturing, the BPO industry felt unfamiliar.

During the training, Justine gained a clearer understanding of what the industry looked like, the opportunities available, and the career paths that were possible. More importantly, he realized that people like him—without previous BPO experience—could successfully transition into the sector with the right preparation.

The training gave him confidence that he belonged in an industry he had once only heard about through friends.

Landing His First BPO Job

Not long after completing the program, Justine applied for a customer service role at Optum.

He received an offer of ₱20,300 per month, a significant increase compared to what he earned in manufacturing. The compensation package included allowances, night differential, and employee benefits that made a meaningful difference in his financial situation.

For many people, that first job offer represents more than just a salary.

It represents confidence.

It represents opportunity.

It proves that changing careers is possible.

Giving Back to Family

While his older brother remained the family's primary breadwinner, Justine immediately found ways to contribute.

He helped buy groceries and supported their household budget, while also learning the importance of balancing family responsibilities with taking care of his own financial future.

This wasn't just about earning more.

It was about becoming someone who could help lighten the load for his family.

From Customer Service Representative to Virtual Assistant

Many career journeys stop after landing the first job.

Justine's didn't.

After gaining experience in the BPO industry, he continued developing his skills and eventually secured an opportunity as a Virtual Assistant with an international agency. Working remotely, he now earns in US dollars while enjoying significantly better work-life balance and the flexibility to choose between part-time and full-time opportunities.

His journey tells an important story.

LeapUp wasn't the destination.

It was the stepping stone.

The confidence, communication skills, and career foundation he built during the program opened doors that once felt impossible.

More Than Training—A Chance to Transform Lives

When asked what he would say to companies and local government units considering supporting Angat Kabuhayan, Justine didn't talk about himself first.

Instead, he spoke about impact.

"Supporting Angat Kabuhayan is not just helping individuals. It's transforming lives and families as well. I'm living proof of that."

From being unemployed, to working in manufacturing, to becoming a customer service representative, and now building a career as a virtual assistant, his journey demonstrates what becomes possible when young Filipinos are given access to skills, mentorship, and opportunity.

Every training program is more than a classroom.

It's a bridge to employment.

It's a pathway toward financial independence.

And for many graduates like Justine, it's the beginning of a future they once believed was out of reach.

Building More Stories Like Justine's

At Angat Kabuhayan, we believe talent exists everywhere. Opportunity doesn't.

Through LeapUp, we continue working with local governments, corporate partners, and community leaders to equip Filipino youth with digital skills, career readiness, and continuous coaching that lead to meaningful employment.

Because behind every graduate is a family whose future can change.

And behind every partnership is another story waiting to be written.