From a small town in Apayao to national recognition, Mr. Johnlee De Guzman Baletbet has proven that dedication and perseverance can turn challenges into remarkable achievements. Once engaged with the Department of Labor and Employment-Cordillera Administrative Region (DOLE-CAR) as a Child Labor Profiler, Mr. Baletbet now stands tall as the Most Outstanding Coach of the Year 2024 at Luna National High School.
From Pudtol, Apayao, Mr. Baletbet participated in the Child Labor Prevention and Elimination Program (CLPEP) of DOLE in 2019 through the DOLE Government Internship Program (GIP) for half a year. This was a life-changing experience that helped form his values of perseverance, patience, and public service. Looking back at his nurturing experience with DOLE-CAR and the CLPEP, Mr. Baletbet said, “It is there that I gained valuable lessons from my co-workers and clients. The work tested my patience and love for my work, which have significantly helped me become successful today.”
Now working as a teacher and extra-curricular activities coach to students, Mr. Baletbet has guided his pupils to victory on several events. His proudest moment was when Luna National High School won its very first Apayao National Championship in the 2024 National Festival of Talents held in Naga City, Cebu. Through his affirmative coaching of students, Ms. Bernadeth D. Guimba won the first prize in the Read-a-thon Filipino (Sulat-Bigkas ng Talumpati).
His coaching skills are not only applied to sports and journalism, as his teams have received provincial, regional, and national honors. During the 2025 Cordillera Administrative Region Athletic Association (CARAA) Meet in Benguet, Mr. Baletbet’s team was awarded a bronze medal in Wushu. His athletes also performed well in Pencak Silat (2 bronze, 5 silver), boxing (2 gold, 1 bronze), and Wushu (3 gold, 2 bronze) at the provincial level.
Behind curtains, Mr. Baletbet’s road to success was not easy. Being the third of five children in a family of farmers, he had major financial struggles. To fund his college years in 2017, he held part-time jobs as a service crew in several fast-food chains in Tuguegarao City. After graduation, he gained experience as a Store Supervisor and Sales Representative before returning to Apayao to start his teaching profession.
In 2022, he was promoted to Teacher I and gradually rose to Teacher III. In addition to his teaching responsibilities, Mr. Baletbet obtained his Master’s degree in 2024, an achievement that further cemented his dedication to education and public service.
Mrs. Imelda A. Burigsay, Principal of the Luna National High School, commended Mr. Baletbet’s commitment: “Mr. Johnlee is one of the most vibrant and bright teachers we have. His enthusiasm for his work does not only inspire his students but also his co-employees and supervisors.”
For Mr. Baletbet, the success and recognition stem from his belief and perseverance. He attributes his humble start in life and adversities to the formation of his resilience. “All my plans and aspirations are gradually being achieved, thanks to the blessings of the Almighty God. The tribulations of my past have made me the man I am today,” he declared.
Mr. Johnlee De Guzman Baletbet’s tale is a strong testament that adversity may be a stepping stone to success. His story inspires his colleagues, students, and community to believe that dreams can become realities with hard work and unrelenting faith. By LEO III Marcelo C. Saleo-An, Jr., with edit from Daryl B. Ponard
