ROXAS CITY, Capiz — What began as a simple application encouraged by a friend turned into a life-changing opportunity for 22-year-old Jiesther John Fernando, who is now one of the first beneficiaries of the Bagong Pilipinas Barangay Presidential Scholars Program in Barangay Punta Tabuc.
Fernando, an incoming fourth-year Bachelor of Industrial Technology major in Electrical Technology student at Capiz State University, was among 16 qualified applicants screened for the scholarship. Only five scholars were ultimately selected through a raffle draw designed to ensure a fair and transparent selection process.
“I was the second pick among the lucky five,” Fernando said, recalling the moment his name was drawn.
He credited his friend and classmate, Roger Ignacio, for encouraging him to apply and helping him complete the documentary requirements. Coincidentally, Ignacio also became one of the scholarship recipients after his name was drawn third.
Coming from a modest household in Barangay Punta Tabuc, Fernando said the scholarship came as an unexpected blessing. His mother is a homemaker while his father works as an agent for a frozen food company.
“Wala gid ko mag-expect nga may makabulig nga kapareho sini nga assistance,” he said, thanking Ferdinand Marcos Jr. for the educational assistance.
Fernando shared that financial hardships forced him to stop schooling after the first semester of his freshman year. He also witnessed two of his siblings leave college after starting their own families, making him even more determined to earn a degree.
The PHP20,000 scholarship grant will help shoulder his educational expenses during his final year, particularly his on-the-job training in Iloilo.
Beyond finishing his studies, Fernando already has plans for the future.
“I will also help my younger sister continue her education once I start working after graduation,” he said.
He also expressed appreciation to the officials of Barangay Punta Tabuc for ensuring a transparent selection process that gave deserving students equal opportunities to receive assistance.
Now processing the documents for the release of his grant, Fernando looks forward to completing his college education and beginning a career in his chosen field.
For him, life’s setbacks need not define one’s future. Instead, they can become stepping stones toward achieving long-held dreams, especially when opportunity and determination meet.|With report from PIA
