STORIES FROM OUR SCHOLARS
At a time like this, graduation ceremonies never fail to amaze and inspire us. It is never an end but a sign that you have completed a big step in life. This day is a momentous day for all of the graduates, knowing somehow that these students came from a different background in life. Everyone has shed sweat, blood and tears to achieve the goal of finishing their course.
Today, 6 from first batch of ASF scholars will graduate and we, at ASF are more than proud of them. They were treated like our sons in the course of their studies because their families are living in farthest islands in North Eastern Palawan.
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Jorimy is one of our scholars. He was born and raised in an Island-community called Barangay Manamoc which is the farthest island village of the municipality of Cuyo, Province of Palawan. It is about 45 nautical miles from mainland Cuyo. In a normal day, one will see seaweed farmers tying up propagules for planting, children running around in a white sandy beach, women fetching water from dug wells and birds singing in the morning and hogs laying in damp soil. Indeed, life in the island is peaceful and simple but like other young boys in this place, Jorimy dreamt of doing well in life to support the needs of his family.
His father is a seaweed planter and a fisherman and his mother is a housewife. He finished his secondary education at Manamoc National High School year 2014. Upon knowing that ASF is offering scholarships for Technical- Vocational Course, he didn’t waste the opportunity. “I took the exam and interview which were done by the staff of DualTech Training Center (Sir Ding and Sir Jo). There were almost 30 of us youths who took the exam and interview and I was lucky because I was one of those who passed.”, Jorimy narrates.
Thankful that he got the scholarship, the challenge didn’t end there. “We were 15 in the first batch of scholars that studied at DualTech. When we started our BSTP (Basic Stage Training Program) it was hard to adjust because we did not expect that the school is very strict, but we did not give up.”, Jorimy said. Every day was a challenge to him, adding all the pressure, financial hardships and home sickness but it didn’t stop him from giving his best to finish the journey. He is driven by his dreams.
Photo Credit: DualTech Center
“When I graduated last October 1, 2016, I feel excited even when my father was not able to attend because of bad weather in Palawan, but I am more than thankful that God has helped me finish through my studies and I offer this for my family and relatives because they are my inspiration.”, Jorimy intimated. In Manamoc and in other small islands in the area, you are considered lucky if you are able to continue thru college after finishing high school. It is a harsh reality that not everyone in Jorimy’s batch in highschool can continue their education due to poverty. Most of them are expected to help their parents and eventually take over in raising hogs or planting seaweeds for a living while some work in a nearby island.
Jorimy’s journey through his chosen track transformed him into a person who realized his full potentials. “This scholarship has taught me to persevere more in life. Studying is so much a challenge but being uneducated is far more difficult. I have learned how to sacrifice a lot of things, to be patient, punctual and humble. I learned the importance of work and prayer, and most especially faith in God.”, Jorimy said. He is now employed at the same company where he took his on-the-job training.
At the end of each passing day in our own battles, Jorimy encourages everyone to never ever give up and to be continually fueled by our aspirations. “Pursue your dreams. Don’t lost hope. Keep your dream as your inspiration. Do not be afraid to fail instead be afraid to waste your time in senseless things. Make your weaknesses your strength. I made it, and I believe you can too.” – Jorimy.