A down to earth and motivated gentleman is making name in the City of Dipolog, Zamboangadel Norte. He is one of the outstanding personalities in the city; a good-looking and vigorous person, a man who rose from hard work: JUDGE KENNETH PAMATONG ROSAL.

A son of a tailor and a sari-sari store owner and the youngest among 5 siblings who lives a very simple life in a humble 5th class Municipality of Rizal in Zamboanga del Norte, he finished his studies and reached what he is right now because of his experiences and hard work.

His struggle began in 1991 when their shanty was razed by fire, which left them with almost nothing. Unable to even spend for the basic needs, education was far his reach. This encouraged him to work during summer vacation from years 1991 to 1994 in order for him to pursue college.

Unmindful of the difficulties of being a working student, he continued to work and study all at the same time, and this is where he got his inspiration to become what he is now.

While other young people of his generation were busy in their happy-go-lucky summer fun-filled activities, young Kenneth was working double time to help in his education expenses.

His first job was at Southern Island Oil Mill, which he was employed under the Summer Job Program which he worked for two summers of 1991 and 1992. Later in the years 1993 and 1994 he further sought help of the Provincial Government of Zamboanga del Norte to assist him in finding a summer job that could help him finish his tertiary education. It was then that he was introduced to one of the programs of the Department of Labor and Employment, the Special Program for the Employment of Student (SPES).

Kenneth was assigned at DOLE Zamboanga del Norte Field Office (DOLE-ZDNFO) and was tasked to assist in the evaluation of SPES basic requirements such as Birth Certificate, school certification and Income Tax Return/ Barangay Certification of all student-beneficiaries employed by the Provincial Government. Satisfied with his earnings, he even managed to save a dime, and as a remembrance of his hard work, even bought a cassette tape from the first salary he earned, since Judge Rosal is also a music lover, a rocker.

With his experience in DOLE-ZDNFO, opportunities were now at a hands� reach. Employed for two years under the SPES program, his self-esteem and well-being were gradually developed and improved. He became acquaintedand familiar with the rules in the government, public office and established rapport with the people in the Provincial Capitol which later became his officemates. He was grateful with the facilitation of Ms. Judith T. Benedicto, a staff of ZDNFO and the former DOLE-ZDNFO Head Engr. Elias A. Cayanong who were instrumental in equipping him with skills that he developed during his working experience in DOLE.

As time came to reap the sacrifices, he graduated his Bachelor of Laws at AndresBonifacio College,in Dipolog City.After graduation and while preparing for the Bar review classes, he was employed as Secretary to the Dean of College of Law at AndresBonifacio College. Later,he became Private Secretary of then Governor Isagani S. Amatong and became the Information Officer of the Office of the Governor. In 2003,after passing and became member of the Bar, he started his profession as a private lawyer. He was the Legal Counsel of the TVI Resource Dev�t of the Phil of the same year. From the year 2005 to 2012,he was the consultant of the Local GovernmentUnit of Dipolog and in the years 2013-2015, he became the consultant of the PGO under the governorship of Gov. Roberto Y. Uy.

As he is a hardworking fellow, he is also a faculty member of the Andres Bonifacio College, School of Law handling Political Law.He was also elected President of the Integrated Bar of the Philippines, ZaNorte chapter in 2013 to present. At the age of 42, he was then appointed Judge of the Municipal Trial Court in Cities (MTCC), Branch 2, in Dipolog City.

He was thankful for the experience, for the Government�s program such as SPES, helping young people pursue education through employment during summer vacation, which served as a vehicle in achieving their dreams. During our short interview, he remembered and mentioned a quotation from our National Hero, Dr.Jose Rizal to inspire youth towards success- �Of the 10 Rules to Success, the first rule is hard work and the other 9 rules are more hard work�.