INSPIRING: Former Ice Candy Vendor/Palamig Seller becomes a Judge of Atok-Tublay, Benguet

Photo Courtesy || James Abalos Fernandez

Cordillera - Here is a true inspiring story of Attorney James Abalos Fernandez who didn't give up on his dream of becoming a lawyer despite the financial hardship he experienced during his school days. 

Read Atty. Fernandez's inspiring story as he recounts his journey from being an ice candy vendor to becoming a municipal court judge in Tublay and Atok, Benguet.

"I was born to a poor family in our province, Kalinga. My father is a carpenter and my mother is an ambulant vendor. My father died when I was 10 years old. After his burial, I started selling ice candy in the neighborhood. This is so to help my mother in our daily expenses. From elementary to high school, I used to sell banana cue, barbeque, palamig, halu halu, lumpia and hot cake. I help my mama cook the food she sells in the neighborhood and other places near Bulanao to barter for rice or vegetables. My mother was a very industrious woman!

In college, I was also a working student. I was a grantee of Special Program for Employment of Students (SPES) during summer and became student assistant in our school library during school days in order for me to have money to use for my daily need.

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I enrolled in law school while working as an employee of Baguio LGU particularly with the accounting office.

I passed the bar in 2014 and became a Public Attorney in 2016. Yesterday, March 20, 2023, we, the newly appointed MTC Judges, had our meet and greet with Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin. This is the beginning of my new journey!

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I am very grateful to all the people who have helped me to be in this position right now especially to my Mom, my family and relatives, my bosses and colleagues in my work, acquaintances and to all my friends. I dedicate my success to my parents, who are now both in heaven. I hope I made you proud up there, Mama and Papa!

Of course I am very thankful to our Lord God who is always there keeping His promises to help, strengthen and uphold me."