By Jovit D. Caballero

Rafael “Paeng” Roque Jr., a 28-year-old Document & Record Management Senior Associate from the Compliance and Business Excellence Department, has gained recognition among many colleagues at NLEX Corporation as their primary egg supplier. Managing egg-laying hens on their modest farm, Paeng is steadily mastering the intricacies of poultry farming as they aim to expand their business to provide a brighter and more prosperous future for his own family. But just like chickens, their origins are marked by the famous saying “Isang Kahig, Isang Tuka.”

Paeng was raised in a rural barangay in Malolos, Bulacan, embracing a simple lifestyle. His father holds the position of Maintenance Head at a nearby hospital while his mother prepares meals for the patients. Their earnings are just enough to sustain Paeng and his older sister’s daily necessities. His parents’ hardships and the daily knock of moneylenders on their door became Paeng’s eye-opener to explore all possible ways to supplement their income. 

At a very young age, Paeng delved into challenging tasks typically unsuited for someone his age. During his elementary years, simultaneous with his academics and track and field engagements, he and his peers frequented vacant lots to scavenge scrap metals and materials, which they could then sell at a junkshop. On weekends, he and his friends scour fishponds for leftover fish to sell to neighbors at lower rates. Despite the risks involved, Paeng would navigate rivers and currents to aid fishermen in setting their nets for a small fee. Occasionally, when fortune smiled upon them, his father and mother bought a tricycle and used it for public transport as a side hustle while Paeng assisted him as a barker. 

While maintaining his status as a track and field varsity athlete in high school, Paeng sought employment as a laborer on construction projects in nearby barangays. Additionally, he persisted in fishing to provide for his family’s daily meals and provide extra income, all while actively participating in various fun run events with cash prizes to support his educational expenses. Subsequently, he graduated from high school and received recognition as “Athlete of the Year.” 

Following his high school graduation, Paeng pursued Bachelor of Science in Education with a Major in Physical Education at college, securing a full scholarship as a varsity player. As his university’s track and field representative for major sports events, coupled with a monthly allowance, his parents ensured he did not engage in additional sideline jobs. However, as clever as he is, Paeng’s resourcefulness shone through as he found ways to support his other financial needs by selling prepaid mobile load to his schoolmates and participating in inter-barangay underground man races. Despite these ventures, Paeng excelled in his athletic career, earning the title of Region 3’s Fastest Athlete and representing his region in the Philippine National Games. 

After finishing his undergraduate degree in 2016, Paeng caught the attention of Sir Pio Tumpang, who recruited him into the tollways industry. Initially employed by Savvice Corporation (formerly Southbend Management Services, Inc.) as a utility worker who simultaneously handles office tasks and documentation, Paeng pursued opportunities within NLEX. Motivated by this realization, he took a leap of faith and applied for a project-based position under the Project Management Department, assuming the role of a document controller. During this time, he crossed paths with Sandra of the Supply Chain Management Department, his future spouse. 

One and a half years later, Paeng secured a permanent position within the CBE, where he continued the same role. This advancement brought forth numerous opportunities for Paeng and his partner. Leveraging his increasing savings, Paeng embarked on renovating their aging house in 2019 and established a small sari-sari store and rice business for his mother, alongside a modest chicken and duck enterprise for his father. Additionally, he purchased two tricycle whom he operated and ventured into a short-lived money-lending business with some excess funds. During the pandemic, he also spearheaded a charity event giving food supplies throughout his barangay.  

In 2021, he tied the knot with Sandra, and they take pride in planning their dream wedding using their hard-earned funds. This marked the beginning of a series of fortunate events in their life as a couple. They have already acquired their own home and a car, and more recently, they obtained a vacant lot intended for constructing apartments. Additionally, they took a risk by taking over a struggling business – an egg farm. Through sheer determination, they managed to revive it, and it now serves as an additional source of income. Presently, they oversee nearly 300 egg-laying hens, supplying eggs to family, friends, and local markets. Fueled by this unexpected success, the couple is contemplating expanding into chicken breeding. 

Paeng’s narrative embodies an unfolding and classic rags-to-riches tale – transitioning from assisting in others’ enterprises to establishing their own ventures. It is indeed inspiring to find captivating cleverness in the idea of a kid battling overwhelming odds. From zero to hero, nothing to something – truly, it is EGG-cellent! 

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