Age not a barrier to education: 3 sisters pursue college through 'Asenso Pamilya' program

by Shaine Mae R. Nagtalon

Mercy T. Candawan, 49, Gloria L. Tuling, 68, and Josephine Tibor, 45, all from Santa Cruz, Tangub City, are currently enrolled in Bachelor of Science in Agriculture majoring in Animal Science, farmers who recognized the need for further education to enhance their agricultural practices and animal husbandry skills. (PGMO)

As old as the adage, age should never be a barrier to education, three sisters from Santa Cruz, Tangub City, pursued their college dreams through "Asenso Pamilya: One Family, One Professional" program of the Misamis Occidental provincial government.

Mercy T. Candawan, 49, Gloria L. Tuling, 68, and Josephine Tibor, 45, all from Santa Cruz, Tangub City, are currently enrolled in Bachelor of Science in Agriculture majoring in Animal Science. They are farmers who recognized the need for further education to enhance their agricultural practices and animal husbandry skills.

The "Asenso Pamilya" program, initiated by the provincial government of Misamis Occidental under Governor Henry Oaminal, offers free education and financial support to families aiming to have at least one professional graduate. This initiative has been a crucial motivating factor for many, including these three sisters.

In an interview, Mercy Candawan expressed her gratitude for the program, which has provided financial support and eased her burden as she supports her own children.

“Nalipay gyud kaayo mi nga usa mi sa naka-avail kay naa gyud mi financial support ug dili ra gyud ko magkalisod kay naa sad ko’y estudyante. Gusto gyud pod namo mo avail ani kay kung wala’y trabaho akong bana may change pod akong anak nga mahatagan pod,’’ she said.

(We are very happy to be beneficiaries of this program. The financial support ensures that I don't struggle, even though I have a student to support," she said. "We wanted to avail of this opportunity because, if my husband is out of work, my children will have a better chance)

Mercy highlighted the significant impact of the program, noting that no young person in their community has an excuse not to attend school anymore.

“Gibuhat naman gyud ni Gov, ug naa naman gyud ang ayuda sa team Asenso. Nadasig gyud mi nga mo padayon sa pag-eskwela sa kolehiyo tungod aning programaha,’’ she added.

(Governor Oaminal and Team Asenso have ensured that financial support is available.We were encouraged to continue our college education because of this program)

The sisters emphasized that age is not a barrier to achieving their dreams.

“Dili gyud babag (ang among edad) sa tinuod lang, ug ang pagkugi ra gyud ang buhaton para makab-ot imong pangandoy ug mahimong professional,’’ she expressed.

(Age is not an obstacle. It's about determination and hard work to reach your dreams and become a professional," Mercy shared. "We are very thankful to Governor Oaminal and all the support given to poor students and everyone in need)

Gloria Tuling echoed Mercy's sentiments, expressing her gratitude to the governor. She explained that their decision to pursue education was driven by their desire to better manage their livestock and improve their farming practices.

“Kini among pag-eskwela isa ni isip modelo sa mga kabatan-onan, katong mga bata nga dili ganahan mo eskwela. Ni eskwela man gani ang mga tigulang sila pa kaha nga mga batan-on. Unsa paman ang atong gipangita, libre na ug naa naman tanan, ug naa nay gobyerno nagsuporta,’’ she shared.

(Our schooling serves as a model for the youth, especially those who are reluctant to go to school," Gloria said. "If the elderly can study, why not the young ones? Everything is provided for free, and the government supports us)

Josephine Tibor also extended her thanks to Governor Oaminal, saying, “Daghan kaayong salamat gov sa imong suporta sa mga kabatan-onan nga kami pod naka avail pod mi mga (edaran) medyo retire na pero among pasalamat nga usa gyud mi nga naka avail kay gusto gyud pod mi nga mahimo pong usa ka professional ug mahimong modelo sa mga bata nga (kadtong) dili bitaw ganahan mo eskwela nga kami mao’y makahatag og inspiration nila nga madasig sila aron mahimo pod silang professional,’’ she added.

(Thank you so much, Governor, for your support to the youth and for including us older folks. We want to be professionals and serve as role models for children who are hesitant to go to school. We hope to inspire them to pursue their education and become professionals)

The expanded "Asenso Pamilya" program is empowering 2,338 first-year college students from Misamis Occidental, providing crucial support in partnership with the Northwestern Mindanao State College of Science and Technology (NMSCST).

This initiative ensures that these students can pursue their educational dreams and significantly impacts the community, demonstrating the administration's commitment to inclusive education and development.(SN/PGMO)

The expanded "Asenso Pamilya" program is empowering 2,338 first-year college students from Misamis Occidental, providing crucial support in partnership with the Northwestern Mindanao State College of Science and Technology (NMSCST). (PGMO)