How a security guard worked his way to the bank counter

Dreams in uniform

MANILA, Philippines — Ricardo Laingo Jr., a 35-year-old father from Dipolog City in Zamboanga del Norte, has fulfilled his dream of becoming a teller at Security Bank’s Dipolog branch—after 11 years working as a security guard.

Raised in a fishing family, Laingo worked weekends to afford school. “I’m the youngest of five siblings. My father was a fisherman while my mother sold fish,” he said.

In 2010, he began working as a security guard. For years, he was stationed at Security Bank Dipolog branch, where he dreamed of becoming a teller. “One of the reasons I chose to become a security guard while continuing my studies was because it was my dream to be an employee of Security Bank as a teller,” he added.

In 2018, he received a scholarship from Security Bank Foundation’s “Regalo Mo, Kinabukasan Ko” program, allowing him to pursue a degree in computer science. Despite a demanding schedule, he graduated with honors in 2022.

In March 2025, after a short stint at a motorcycle dealership, Laingo was hired as a teller at Security Bank. “So much has changed…I was a security guard for 11 years and now, I am a bank teller.”

From security guard to scholarship grantee to bank teller, Laingo’s journey reflects how sustained support, personal grit, and belief in one’s potential can lead to lasting change.

Security Bank Foundation continues to support individuals like Laingo through its scholarship programs — recognizing that education opens doors to greater opportunities.