MANILA, Philippines – The first ever graduate of the Commission on Higher Education’s scholarship grant hopes to give back by teaching in her own hometown.

Gay Mayrell Abrogena recently earned her Bachelor of Education degree from the Mariano Marcos State University.

She will be taking the Licensure Exam for Teachers (LET) later this year, a step she never thought she would ever experience 4 years ago, due to poverty.

Rough start

Abrogena is the youngest and only daughter in a family of 5. 

Every day was a struggle to overcome. The money her parents earned was just enough for their daily expenses.

Abrogena thought that she could not go to college.

She knew that her family’s savings were not enough to cover the cost of a college education. Two of her brothers finished vocational courses, and the other two only reached high school.

Brighter days ahead

Abrogena, along with 6 other grantees, was recognized during CHED’s 20th anniversary celebration on May 20.

“Hindi ko ma-explain yung feeling na nabigyan ako ng scholarship na ito,” she recalled. (I can’t explain the feeling I had when this scholarship was awarded to me.)

The Students’ Grants-in-Aid Program for Poverty Alleviation (SGAP-PA) aims to help reduce poverty in the country by increasing the number of college graduates through financial aid. 

Abrogena recalled how she had to adjust during her freshman year. As a scholar, she had to abide by the grade requirements set by CHED.

“Sa una, nahihirapan ako pero habang tumatagal ay okay naman na,” Abrogena said. (At first, it was difficult, but I was able to adjust in the long run.)

The future looks bright as she narrated the things she wants to do. Abrogena is looking forward to teaching in her childhood hometown. She also wants to help her family financially. 

The first-ever college degree holder in her family is grateful for the support she has received. She cited her parents as her inspiration. 

“Nagpapasalamat ako sa kanila. Kung wala sila, hindi ko ipagpapatuloy at matutupad itong mga pangarap namin,” the future teacher told Rappler. (I’m thankful because if it weren’t for them, I won’t be able to pursue our dreams)

For 4Ps beneficiaries

The selection process prioritizes students from households under the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps). (READ: Struggling out of the poverty trap)

Abrogena’s sister-in-law, whose family is under the program, urged her to try to get the scholarship. 

Also known as Conditional Cash Transfer (CCT), this welfare program of the Department of Social Welfare and Development caters to qualified poor families with young children. 

4Ps households from more than 600 municipalities receive 500 pesos a month for health and nutrition, in addition to the 300 pesos per child per month for education expenses. (Read: Pantawid program working well?)

Each student under the SGAP-PA is given almost 60,000 pesos per school year in tuition, book allowance, and stipends. In return, the students are required to render service for two years in the country.

Since its establishment in 2012, the SGAP-PA has funded more than 4000 beneficiaries. They are mostly enrolled in priority programs in various state universities and colleges (SUCs).

As the program’s first graduate, Abrogena is hopeful that she won’t be the only one beaming with pride. She believes people should not let poverty hinder them from achieving life goals.

“Mag-aral ng mabuti at matutupad lahat ng pangarap niyo,” she advised children coming from poverty-struck families. (Study hard and all your dreams will come true.) – Rappler.com