In 1939, he started to serve the
Government as Stenographer and Special Deputy Provincial Sheriff of
Iloilo and in 1941 he is the 1st Lt. Emergency Provincial Guard of 3rd Administrative District of
Iloilo. During the outbreak of
World War II, Jose with
Tomas Confesor joined the Resistance Movement in
Panay against the Japanese invasion. He was the Intelligence Officer of the 3rd Administrative District of
Iloilo. During the later part of the year, he was commissioned as Junior Officer of the Provincial Commander at Durog,
Leon,
Iloilo. On October 5, 1945, Jose Cabalum Sr., opened the National Commercial School now known as
Cabalum Western College. The founder taught Typewriting, Stenography, Bookkeeping and Business English & Correspondence. He was the School Director from 1947 to 1961 whilst working for Insular Life Assurance as an underwriter. He pursued in rendering service to the
Government, signifying his love of country and fellowmen. In 1962 to 1963, Jose served as Chief of Land Tax Division at Treasurer’s Office in
Iloilo City. From 1964 to 1966, he was transferred to the Court of Agrarian Relations, Branch 11,
Roxas City, as Deputy Clerk of Court and continue his services as Deputy Clerk in
Iloilo City up to 1967. In 1969 to 1971, he became Chief Deputy Assessor of
Iloilo City and promoted as Assistant City Assessor of
Iloilo City from 1972 to 1979. As College President from 1979 to 1991, he valued education as the primordial factor to one’s success. He sponsored scholarship programs to financially poor but deserving students and helped finance the outreach program of the college. After his term as College President, his service continued as Chairman of the Board of Trustees from 1992 to 1996. Much of his desires to impart his acquired knowledge and expertise, he authored several book in Typewriting, Stenography, Personal Development, Business English & Correspondence and Civil Service Reviewer for Professional & Sub-Professional examinations. == Awards and recognitions ==