Former barber in Legazpi City become the first doctor in their village

 To people who knew him from his humble beginnings in his village in Barangay Bagacay in Legazpi City, Jess Dexisne is now a licensed physician. Dr. Jess knew he will become a doctor someday because of his dream. Despite the challenges he had to face, he did not allow poverty to block his dream to be a doctor.

Growing up from a poor family is a biggest challenge for an inspiring doctor, but Dr. Jess never stop for his goal. He juggles work and school. Since high school and even his college years, Dr. Jess worked as a barber.

His journey before he achieved his dream is far from ordinary, there were times that things get rough and he was forced to quit his studies. He had to work harder to save money so he could go back to school again.

Source: Jess Dexisne / FB

Jess, who was the eldest of the six siblings received sponsorship from Children International, a global anti-poverty charity organization that helps children from poor families. With the helped also of Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) he was able to finish his nursing degree at the Immaculate Conception College as a working student for 6 years.

It was in 2009 when his family got delisted from 4Ps when he obtained his medical degree. He decided to pursue his medical degree at the Ago Medical and Educational Center-Bicol Christian College of Medicine (AMEC_BCCM) in Legazpi City where he got a scholarship. 

Despite of this scholarship, Jess  had to work hard to shoulder all his other school expenses. He continued to work at a barbershop.

"Sa buhay po, napakarami talagang pagsubok — madadapa, matatalo, malulungkot po tayo — pero kailangan po natin itong pagdaanan para lumakas tayo. Ang pangaral na matututunan natin sa pagkabigo ay gawin na lang natin itong panggatong para sa ating mithiin, para maabot ang ating mga pangarap. Marami po tayong kakayahan, kapasidad at abilidad. 'Wag po natin itong sayangin. Quitting is never an option," Dr. Jess said.

His hard work paid off. Last October 2020, Jess passed the Physician Licensure Examinations.

His father is a farmer while his mother is a domestic helper in Saudi Arabia for two years.