Sir Jerom: An Unsung Hero of NCLC

By: Yasmine Anne Sison

“Mabait siya na masipag at pogi! Strikto siya sa mali, ‘pag tama naman, pasok agad!”
This is the take of Joshua Apans, a friendly guard, on Jerom San Diego—a security guard at
National Christian Life College—based on their four months (more or less) of working together.
Brother Jerom is one of the guards whom you, a student of the school in which he works, may
not know of. Or if you are not a student at NCLC, you most certainly must learn of the shy man who has
a lot to hide behind his tender smile, and the dimple-like crease near his mouth that comes into sight
with it. His appearance comes off quite harmless, and you could say that he is a tad shy.
It was the day his identity just had to be made known to everyone. Brother Jerom was quite
reluctant about it though as he processed the information that he was to be interviewed about his
personal life. He mentioned that it could be bad if the things about him end up an issue someplace.
At first, it was evident he did not wholeheartedly acknowledge the idea of the interview. He
wondered why him, why not others? Why not the ones who had worked for the school longer?
However, being the good man that he is, he politely obliged to give answers.
Before serving the school for two years, he worked many jobs including working at SM Sta. Mesa
and working in a sardine factory. He claims to have come from Navotas City and studied at Kapitbayan
Elementary School, Kaunlaran High School and is an undergraduate of the University of Manila. Despite
not finishing college, he became a loving father of a daughter in the first grade who also attends
National Christian Life College. What’s more is that—according to him—he is soon to be happily wedded
this October 2018, to his fiancée of five years who resides in Molave, Marikina Heights, Marikina City
and works as a promodiser. They had waited long and had gone through a lot of things that hindered the
marriage, but the time has finally come. He even flashed his silver ring, though quite shyly, it was
obvious he was proud of it.
The 30-year-old man (born January 31, 1988) claims that his being here is purely a product of his
faithfulness. His Christianity. He chose to sacrifice for the school—which is under the Pentecostal
Missionary Church of Christ in the 4th Watch—to serve with heart and to help in intensifying his ministry
for the church.
His buddy, Brother Joshua who was earlier mentioned, also adds that they had learned a lot. Not
solely in ensuring the safety of students, but also in the integration of good morals that they learned at
the school. In working their jobs, they also come across a bunch of influential pastors whom they learn
much from.
With all of this, we can agree that Brother Jerom is undoubtedly someone people can look up to
for his honest individual. Anyone would be able to tell that he loves his job, that he loves his position,
and would choose it any time over anything else.