Hope sprung in the eyes of Damayan’s first batch of scholars during the commencement exercises of the Nonformal Education Services of the Department of Education (DepEd) held at the Folk Arts Theater in Manila last Thursday. They went through functional literacy and Philippine Educational Placement Test (PEPT) reviews for one year.
"I am very thankful for the opportunity given to us by The STAR," said 20-year-old Lucy Dimaculangan, one of the scholars. "I have learned a lot of practical and useful things."
Dimaculangan, a working student from Marikina City, was initially forced to forego her high school education due to financial constraints. She said she has learned to work hard and be optimistic in reaching for her dreams.
"Lumakas ang loob ko (I gained courage). And if I finish school and get a good job, I will help my parents who were left in Quezon (province)," she said.
Dimaculangan said she has long forgiven her parents for being unable to provide for her education and basic needs and that of her siblings.
Another scholar, Michael Pasion, is a 16-year-old newspaper vendor from San Juan who stopped going to school when he was in the fifth grade. He said if he passes the PEPT, he will soon enter high school and one day fulfill his dream of becoming a policeman.
"Gusto kong matulungan ’yung anim ko pang kapatid (I want to help my six siblings)," he said.
Efrelita Sapitanan, 14, a native of Bacoor, Cavite, was inspired by reporters and editors working for The STAR and said she wants to be a journalist if given the chance to go on to college.
Another graduate of the DepEd, 15-year-old Jaybien Mechado, works as a helper in a canteen. He lives in Port Area, Manila.
Mechado, who wants to be a computer programmer someday, said he has 10 other siblings and only his mother — who works as a babysitter — is the breadwinner of the family.
Theresa Unilongo, 18, said she wants to finish college to help her family. She lost her mother seven years ago. Since her father is jobless, she worked at a bakeshop while going through the DepEd program. Her aunt has adopted her younger sister since her father cannot support both of them.
Other Damayan scholars are Cheradie Fortes, Regie Bernales, Marivic Raymundo, Ferlita Sapitanan, Ace Salazar, Rowen Tambong, Rommel Rivera, Arthur Sanchez and Reynaldo Raymundo.
Damayan volunteers said the scholars were selected from qualified aspirants who applied last February 2003.
They said this is part of the expansion program of Damayan, created by the late STAR founding chairwoman Betty Go-Belmonte, to help people in need.
DepEd voluntary instructor Diosalinda Pagtananan led STAR volunteers in educating the scholars using accredited educational modules.