Job mismatch: How a university cum laude became a ‘gasoline boy’

Alkindar J. Amil working at a gas station in Zamboanga City. Courtesy of Amil

MANILA – A "gasoline boy” amazed netizens recently with his response when a local media outlet in Zamboanga City asked him about his views on the string of oil hikes amid the turmoil in the Middle East.

Alkindar J. Amil gave an answer that was more informed than the usual 'man on the street'.

“Actually, hindi na yan mako-kontrol ng mga DOE (Department of Energy) kung mag-increase man bawat litro [presyo] ng mga gasoline stations. It is because wala talaga supply.” 

(It is out of DOE’s control already if there are increases in every liter of fuel in the gasoline stations. It is because there is a scarce on supply.)

Asked about the rising cost of fuel, Amil responded not with complaints, but opined about the limits of the effectiveness of the DOE's interventions amid global supply chain disruptions. 

“Unless, the DOE will prepare the price protection sa mga gasolinahan, at saka, prepare din sila na dapat may mga consistent supply [ng gasolina] sa mga bawat gasolinahan. That was the time na pwede sila mag sabi na wag itaas ang presyo," Amil said.

"At the same time, wala nang dumadating na order [supply ng gasolina] from Middle East. Alam din nila na hanggang April 15 na lang ang fuel ng Pilipinas,” he further explained. 

(Unless the DOE prepares price protection with the gasoline stations and makes sure that there is enough supply, only then can they ask these gasoline stations not to increase fuel prices. But there is no supply coming from the Middle East. They also know that our supply only lasts until April 15)

Alkindar J. Amil graduates from the Mindanao State University, Sulu Campus. Courtesy of Amil

Educational attainment 

The internet blew up with Amil’s eloquence and informed answers to the interviewer's questions. There is a reason for this. Amil is a cum laude graduate of Mindanao State University, Bachelor of Science in Fisheries.

“Pumasok lang ako sa gasolinahan dahil wala pang opening sa BFAR [Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources]. Mahirap din makapasok sa gobyerno. Nine years ago na po yun.” 

(I only chose to work at a gas station because there were no openings yet at BFAR. It’s also hard to get into the government — that was nine years ago.

He revealed that it was due to his job as a gasoline attendant that he learned about why and how oil price hikes or rollbacks happen. He wanted to be able to explain to their customers the factors behind oil prices.

Job and education disparity 

Amil is clearly overqualified for his job, which highlights the issue of job mismatches in the country. 

Amil said that if given an opportunity, he would gladly accept other work aligned to his hard-earned education, as he has always dreamed of becoming a fisheries educator or being employed in the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR).