Cotabato Foundation College of Science and Technology

𝐊𝐍𝐎𝐖𝐋𝐄𝐃𝐆𝐄 𝐈𝐍 𝐒𝐄𝐑𝐕𝐈𝐂𝐄 l “When knowledge serves the society, it becomes an act of worship.”

Maguindanao del Sur Vice Governor Hon. Hisham S. Nando, this year’s keynote speaker at the 47th Commencement Exercises of CFCST–Malidegao External Campus, urged the Class of 2026 to put the knowledge, skills, and education they have gained into meaningful action by uplifting the communities to which they belong.

Speaking under the theme, "Shaping Future-Ready Graduates: Advancing Digital Innovations for Sustainable Progress,” he integrated the principles of the Islamic faith into his address and encouraged the graduates to pair their acquired knowledge with wisdom, ethical conduct, and righteous actions.

“Digital innovation, guided by values, is a powerful tool for education, economic growth, peace building, and sustainable development,” he emphasized, adding that the pursuit of knowledge is among the noblest of missions.

He also expressed his gratitude to the parents for their sacrifices and unwavering support. “You sacrificed so your children can succeed.”

A total of 624 graduates proudly marched across the stage during the commencement exercises held on June 17, 2026, at the Datu Montawal Covered Court. This year, CFCST–MEC produced one Magna Cum Laude, Bachelor of Science in Information Technology (BSIT) graduate Angel Mae Badal, and 27 Cum Laude graduates.

Among those who attended the event were CFCST College President Dr. Ali K. Dilangalen; Datu Montawal Mayor Hon. Datu Vicman Montawal; Board of Trustees (BOT) Member Dr. Helen Puno; Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Bainorie S. Mantawil; Director for Instruction Dr. Rizza Rhea Ringconada; CFCST-MEC Supervisor Dr. Mahirah B. Lumambas; college deans; faculty members from the Main Campus; personnel from the Admission and Records Office; and other key officials.

Earlier in the day, Sheikh Kholaifi Abdulwahab officiated the baccalaureate services, offering spiritual guidance and words of wisdom to the graduates as they prepared to embark on a new chapter in their lives.

𝐑𝐎𝐎𝐓𝐒 𝐎𝐅 𝐂𝐇𝐀𝐍𝐆𝐄 l The Cotabato Foundation College of Science and Technology (CFCST), through its Custodial Care Program (CCP), partnered with the Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP)–North Cotabato Chapter and Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office (PENRO)–Region XII for the Nationwide Synchronized Tree Planting Activity on June 14, 2026, at the CFCST compound.

Under the theme “Together for Nature, Together for Tomorrow,” the activity united stakeholders and volunteers in planting 400 jackfruit seedlings and 200 kamagong seedlings in designated areas across the campus. The initiative was spearheaded by Dr. Ali K. Dilangalen, CFCST President, and Judge Lily Lydia A. Laquindanum, IBP-North Cotabato Chapter President.

Read more by clicking the link in the comment section. 👇

📸: Beverly Tumindog, CCP

𝐒𝐓𝐔𝐃𝐄𝐍𝐓 𝐅𝐎𝐂𝐔𝐒 💫
𝐀𝐧𝐠𝐞𝐥 𝐌𝐚𝐞 𝐌. 𝐁𝐚𝐝𝐚𝐥
𝐁𝐚𝐜𝐡𝐞𝐥𝐨𝐫 𝐨𝐟 𝐒𝐜𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐢𝐧 𝐈𝐧𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐦𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐓𝐞𝐜𝐡𝐧𝐨𝐥𝐨𝐠𝐲 (𝐁𝐒𝐈𝐓) l 𝐂𝐅𝐂𝐒𝐓 𝐌𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐝𝐞𝐠𝐚𝐨 𝐄𝐱𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐂𝐚𝐦𝐩𝐮𝐬
𝐌𝐚𝐠𝐧𝐚 𝐂𝐮𝐦 𝐋𝐚𝐮𝐝𝐞 | 𝟏.𝟒𝟏𝟗 𝐆𝐖𝐀

Angel’s typical morning before heading to school was simple. A cup of coffee is all that it takes for her to feel energized, ready to face the challenges ahead. It also brought to mind the well-known coffee brand tagline, “𝘗𝘢𝘳𝘢 𝘬𝘢𝘯𝘪𝘯𝘰 𝘬𝘢 𝘣𝘶𝘮𝘢𝘣𝘢𝘯𝘨𝘰𝘯?”—a question that resonated deeply within her.

For indeed, Angel wakes up not only for herself. She rises each day with the purpose of creating a better future for her family. Being the eldest in a brood of five, she carries the profound sense of responsibility on her shoulders, albeit not as a burden but as a source of motivation.

Despite growing up in a province with limited resources and access to technology, Angel’s passion for the field was evident from an early age. Her natural curiosity drove her to explore how computers worked and how technology could be used to drive change and make life more convenient. “𝘐 𝘩𝘢𝘷𝘦 𝘢𝘭𝘸𝘢𝘺𝘴 𝘣𝘦𝘦𝘯 𝘧𝘢𝘴𝘤𝘪𝘯𝘢𝘵𝘦𝘥 𝘣𝘺 𝘤𝘰𝘮𝘱𝘶𝘵𝘦𝘳𝘴 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘸𝘢𝘺𝘴 𝘵𝘦𝘤𝘩𝘯𝘰𝘭𝘰𝘨𝘺 𝘤𝘢𝘯 𝘪𝘮𝘱𝘳𝘰𝘷𝘦 𝘱𝘦𝘰𝘱𝘭𝘦'𝘴 𝘭𝘪𝘷𝘦𝘴,” she enthused.

As she grew older, Angel became captivated by programming, coding, computer systems, and emerging technologies, eager to understand the concepts behind them and their real-world applications. Propelled by the desire to turn her curiosity into meaningful innovation, she went on to pursue BSIT, where she naturally thrived. In fact, her thesis project, the ECAS or Electronic Cashiering System, which aimed to automate and streamline the process of handling financial transactions on campus, will be adopted by the school the following semester.

“𝘖𝘯𝘦 𝘭𝘦𝘴𝘴𝘰𝘯 𝘐 𝘭𝘦𝘢𝘳𝘯𝘦𝘥 𝘥𝘶𝘳𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘤𝘰𝘭𝘭𝘦𝘨𝘦 𝘪𝘴 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘴𝘶𝘤𝘤𝘦𝘴𝘴 𝘪𝘴 𝘯𝘰𝘵 𝘢𝘣𝘰𝘶𝘵 𝘣𝘦𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘴𝘮𝘢𝘳𝘵𝘦𝘴𝘵 𝘱𝘦𝘳𝘴𝘰𝘯 𝘪𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘳𝘰𝘰𝘮, 𝘪𝘵 𝘪𝘴 𝘢𝘣𝘰𝘶𝘵 𝘣𝘦𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘱𝘦𝘳𝘴𝘪𝘴𝘵𝘦𝘯𝘵,” she shared, adding that her small consistent efforts enabled her to learn more and improve along the way. In 5–10 years, she sees herself in a position where she can contribute to impactful IT-related projects, mentor others, and continue developing innovative solutions through technology.

“𝙉𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙧 𝙗𝙚 𝙖𝙛𝙧𝙖𝙞𝙙 𝙤𝙛 𝙢𝙖𝙠𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙢𝙞𝙨𝙩𝙖𝙠𝙚𝙨 𝙗𝙚𝙘𝙖𝙪𝙨𝙚 𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙮 𝙖𝙧𝙚 𝙥𝙖𝙧𝙩 𝙤𝙛 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙡𝙚𝙖𝙧𝙣𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙥𝙧𝙤𝙘𝙚𝙨𝙨. 𝙆𝙚𝙚𝙥 𝙢𝙤𝙫𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙛𝙤𝙧𝙬𝙖𝙧𝙙, 𝙗𝙚𝙡𝙞𝙚𝙫𝙚 𝙞𝙣 𝙮𝙤𝙪𝙧𝙨𝙚𝙡𝙛, 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙧𝙚𝙢𝙚𝙢𝙗𝙚𝙧 𝙩𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙨𝙢𝙖𝙡𝙡 𝙘𝙤𝙣𝙨𝙞𝙨𝙩𝙚𝙣𝙩 𝙚𝙛𝙛𝙤𝙧𝙩𝙨 𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙧𝙮 𝙙𝙖𝙮 𝙘𝙖𝙣 𝙡𝙚𝙖𝙙 𝙩𝙤 𝙜𝙧𝙚𝙖𝙩 𝙖𝙘𝙝𝙞𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙢𝙚𝙣𝙩𝙨 𝙞𝙣 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙛𝙪𝙩𝙪𝙧𝙚,” she stated.

From a young girl in a province with limited resources to a promising IT professional whose work is set to make a lasting impact on her community, Angel's story is a testament to the power of perseverance, passion, and purpose one small, consistent step at a time.

𝘾𝙤𝙣𝙜𝙧𝙖𝙩𝙪𝙡𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣𝙨, 𝘼𝙣𝙜𝙚𝙡!

𝐔𝐍𝐈𝐓𝐘 𝐈𝐍 𝐃𝐈𝐕𝐄𝐑𝐒𝐈𝐓𝐘 l “Seek first to understand then to be understood…As educated men and women and all genders, harinawa na kayo ang maging mitsa ng pagkakaintindihan at pagkakaunawaan ng ating pagkakaiba…It is the diversity that makes us beautiful.”

These inspiring words were delivered by Dr. Carl E. Balita during the 47th Commencement Exercises of the Cotabato Foundation College of Science and Technology (CFCST). In his address, he highlighted the institution’s unique identity as a home to the tri-people communities, Muslims, Christians, and Indigenous Peoples, whose peaceful coexistence exemplifies CFCST’s enduring commitment to inclusivity, mutual respect, and unity in diversity.

A total of 1,027 graduates were conferred their bachelor’s degrees during the commencement exercises held on June 16, 2026, at the BHFMP Gymnasium. This year’s ceremony marked a historic milestone as the CFCST Class of 2026 produced four Magna Cum Laude graduates: Rosel Harold Magbanua, Rea Joy C. Dalumatan, Rolyn Grace V. Mamon, and Xyrra Lilah M. Lita.

With the theme, “Shaping Future-Ready Graduates: Advancing Digital Innovations for Sustainable Progress,” Dr. Balita encouraged the graduates to embody the values represented by the acronym CFCST: Competence with Character, Future Thinking and Intercultural Intelligence, Courage, Self-Love, and Tolerance.

One of the most poignant moments of the program came when Dr. Balita asked graduates whose parents had never had the opportunity to wear the academic regalia they were wearing, as well as those who were the first in their families to earn a college degree, to stand.

“Palakpakan ninyo ang mga magulang ninyo. Sa araw na ito, daig pa nila ang gumradweyt,” he said, drawing heartfelt applause from the audience. He reminded the graduates that education remains the great equalizer in life.

“Write your story and direct the movie in your mind with you as the main character. The world is waiting for you,” he urged them.

Another touching moment occurred when he invited Faith Agustin Antang, a Bachelor of Science in Community Development graduate, to join him on stage. Acknowledging her beauty and potential, Dr. Balita offered her a Civil Service Examination review scholarship and a temporary job at his review center. A teary-eyed Faith expressed her gratitude with a nod and a smile.

The emotionally charged commencement ceremony was marked by a touching tribute to parents, honoring their sacrifices and dedication. It concluded with the singing of the graduation song as the Class of 2026 prepared to embark on a new chapter as future-ready citizens.

Meanwhile, the CFCST Malidegao External Campus will hold its Baccalaureate Service and Commencement Exercises tomorrow, June 17, 2026, at the Datu Montawal Covered Court.

𝐒𝐓𝐔𝐃𝐄𝐍𝐓 𝐅𝐎𝐂𝐔𝐒 💫
𝐑𝐨𝐬𝐞𝐥 𝐇𝐚𝐫𝐨𝐥𝐝 𝐏𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐜𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐌𝐚𝐠𝐛𝐚𝐧𝐮𝐚
𝐁𝐚𝐜𝐡𝐞𝐥𝐨𝐫 𝐨𝐟 𝐏𝐡𝐲𝐬𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐥 𝐄𝐝𝐮𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 (𝐁𝐏𝐄𝐝) l 𝐂𝐅𝐂𝐒𝐓 𝐌𝐚𝐢𝐧 𝐂𝐚𝐦𝐩𝐮𝐬
𝐌𝐚𝐠𝐧𝐚 𝐂𝐮𝐦 𝐋𝐚𝐮𝐝𝐞 | 𝟏.𝟒𝟑𝟒 𝐆𝐖𝐀

For Rosel, the woman she has become now was a far cry from the little girl she once was.

Born August 30, 2003, and third in a brood of seven, Rosel described herself as an introvert growing up. She hardly socialized, and her constant companions were her notebooks and lessons. She had been a consistent honor student since elementary. For her, every medal, certificate, and recognition served as a form of personal validation.

However, college became a turning point. Determined to step beyond the boundaries she had built around herself, Rosel challenged herself to go out of the box that used to encase her and began to embrace opportunities beyond her comfort zone. Tall and regal in her bearing, she joined beauty pageants, where she was crowned Ms. College of Education in 2024 and bagged first runner-up as Hiyas ng CFCST 2025.

Beyond the stage, Rosel also discovered a passion for sports, particularly volleyball. What started as a simple interest evolved into another avenue for growth, teaching her the value of teamwork, discipline, and perseverance.

Rosel gained a deeper understanding of herself. She learned that growth often begins where comfort ends and that there was so much more to life than the limits she once imposed on herself.

“𝘛𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘦 𝘪𝘴 𝘮𝘰𝘳𝘦 𝘪𝘯 𝘭𝘪𝘧𝘦 𝘵𝘰 𝘦𝘹𝘱𝘦𝘳𝘪𝘦𝘯𝘤𝘦. 𝘛𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘦’𝘴 𝘢 𝘭𝘰𝘵 𝘰𝘧 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨𝘴 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘸𝘦 𝘯𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳 𝘦𝘹𝘱𝘦𝘤𝘵 𝘵𝘰 𝘣𝘦 𝘸𝘰𝘳𝘵𝘩 𝘵𝘳𝘺𝘪𝘯𝘨,” she reflected.

Rosel was fortunate enough to grow up in a family where appreciation was abundant. Her mother singlehandedly provided for them, and though there were times when resources were scarce, she grew up to be content but ambitious towards grabbing opportunities that would propel her growth as an individual.

Growing up, there were occasions when her mother could not attend her recognition ceremonies because of work commitments. But that did not deter Rosel from determining to excel. “𝘐 𝘸𝘰𝘳𝘬 𝘩𝘢𝘳𝘥 𝘪𝘯 𝘮𝘺 𝘴𝘵𝘶𝘥𝘪𝘦𝘴 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘩𝘦𝘳.” Every achievement became a tribute to her mother's sacrifices, a reflection of her gratitude for the woman who worked tirelessly to provide for their family.

Looking ahead, Rosel dreams of passing the licensure examination and eventually teaching abroad, where she hopes to broaden her horizons while making her family proud. For now, she continues to embrace every challenge and opportunity that comes her way, guided by a simple mantra that has shaped her outlook on life: “Always sail where your boat floats.”

“𝘕𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳 𝘤𝘭𝘰𝘴𝘦 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘥𝘰𝘰𝘳𝘴 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘯𝘦𝘸 𝘰𝘱𝘱𝘰𝘳𝘵𝘶𝘯𝘪𝘵𝘪𝘦𝘴 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘭𝘦𝘢𝘷𝘦 𝘳𝘰𝘰𝘮 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘯𝘦𝘸 𝘭𝘦𝘢𝘳𝘯𝘪𝘯𝘨𝘴. 𝘌𝘹𝘱𝘦𝘳𝘪𝘦𝘯𝘤𝘦 𝘪𝘴 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘣𝘦𝘴𝘵 𝘵𝘦𝘢𝘤𝘩𝘦𝘳,” she stated, eagerly anticipating the new world that awaits her.

𝘾𝙤𝙣𝙜𝙧𝙖𝙩𝙪𝙡𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣𝙨, 𝙍𝙤𝙨𝙚𝙡!

𝐒𝐓𝐔𝐃𝐄𝐍𝐓 𝐅𝐎𝐂𝐔𝐒 💫
𝐑𝐞𝐚 𝐉𝐨𝐲 𝐂. 𝐃𝐚𝐥𝐮𝐦𝐚𝐭𝐚𝐧
𝐁𝐚𝐜𝐡𝐞𝐥𝐨𝐫 𝐨𝐟 𝐒𝐜𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐒𝐨𝐜𝐢𝐚𝐥 𝐖𝐨𝐫𝐤 (𝐁𝐒𝐒𝐖) l 𝐂𝐅𝐂𝐒𝐓 𝐌𝐚𝐢𝐧 𝐂𝐚𝐦𝐩𝐮𝐬
𝐌𝐚𝐠𝐧𝐚 𝐂𝐮𝐦 𝐋𝐚𝐮𝐝𝐞 | 𝟏.𝟒𝟒𝟏 𝐆𝐖𝐀

Born on November 26, 1996, in the quiet town of President Roxas, Cotabato, Rea Joy once carried the familiar dreams of many young hopefuls. She envisioned herself stepping into the field of education, pursuing a Bachelor of Secondary Education major in English. In her heart, the classroom was more than a profession. It was a calling place where words could inspire, lessons could transform, and a teacher could quietly shape futures.

But life, as it often does, did not follow the script she carefully wrote.

The program she long prepared for did not open its doors. Instead, she found herself guided toward an unfamiliar path, Bachelor of Science in Social Work. At first, it felt like a deviation, a quiet interruption of a dream she thought was already defined. Yet what seemed like a closed door gradually revealed itself as a different kind of beginning.

“Gusto ko talaga mag BSE major in English pero meron talagang hadlang, yun pala God is guiding me papunta sa BSSW.”

Rea Joy’s life was never unfamiliar with service. A graduate of Bachelor of Theology and deeply immersed in church ministry, she had long lived a life shaped by compassion, faith, and care for others. Ministry had already taught her how to listen to pain that is not always spoken, and how to extend help that goes beyond words.

Over time, the language of Social Work began to feel less foreign. Empathy, advocacy, and service were not new lessons for her. They were lived experiences, already woven into her daily life of ministry.

Slowly, resistance gave way to understanding. What once felt like a detour became direction.

Behind this journey, however, Rea Joy was carrying more than academic responsibilities. She was also a wife and a mother, roles that brought both joy and immense challenge. Balancing marriage, motherhood, ministry, and student life demanded strength that could not be measured by ordinary standards. There were nights when exhaustion lingered longer than sleep, and days when responsibilities seemed to overlap without pause.

Yet in the middle of these demands, she did not walk alone.

Her family became her anchor, especially her mother, whose unwavering support helped carry the weight of her journey. When responsibilities felt overwhelming, when time and energy seemed insufficient, her family stood as a steady source of encouragement, reminding her that her dreams were still worth pursuing. Their support became the quiet strength behind her persistence, the unseen force that helped her continue even when the road felt heavy.

“My family and the ministry inspire me,” she shared, a simple statement that carries the depth of years filled with both struggle and grace.

The journey was not without hardship. Financial constraints, academic pressure, and personal battles often tested her endurance. Balancing school requirements with the responsibilities of being a wife and mother required a level of sacrifice that only those who have lived it can fully understand. There were moments of doubt, moments when the burden of everything felt almost too much to carry.
Yet through it all, her faith remained her grounding force.

“To be a pastor and serve in the ministry is quite challenging, but God is faithful. Through all the struggles, financial problems, academic pressure, and personal trials, He guided me for four years.”

Those four years became more than a pursuit of a degree. They became a season of becoming. A time when roles, responsibilities, and redirections all converged into a deeper understanding of purpose.

Today, Rea Joy looks toward the future with quiet determination. She aspires to become a Registered Social Worker, to serve communities through the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), and perhaps one day return to the academe as an educator. The dream she once held has not been lost, but transformed, expanded by experience, strengthened by service, and deepened by lived compassion.

𝑪𝒐𝒏𝒈𝒓𝒂𝒕𝒖𝒍𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏𝒔, 𝑹𝒆𝒂 𝑱𝒐𝒚!

𝐒𝐓𝐔𝐃𝐄𝐍𝐓 𝐅𝐎𝐂𝐔𝐒 💫
𝐑𝐨𝐥𝐲𝐧 𝐆𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐞 𝐕. 𝐌𝐚𝐦𝐨𝐧
𝐁𝐚𝐜𝐡𝐞𝐥𝐨𝐫 𝐨𝐟 𝐏𝐡𝐲𝐬𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐥 𝐄𝐝𝐮𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 (𝐁𝐏𝐄𝐝) l 𝐂𝐅𝐂𝐒𝐓 𝐌𝐚𝐢𝐧 𝐂𝐚𝐦𝐩𝐮𝐬
𝐌𝐚𝐠𝐧𝐚 𝐂𝐮𝐦 𝐋𝐚𝐮𝐝𝐞 | 𝟏.𝟒𝟕𝟏 𝐆𝐖𝐀

The beat of the music echoed through the hall in their local high school as then fourteen-year-old Rolyn stepped onto the rough floor. Her heart raced, but her feet moved with confidence. Ever since she was little, hip-hop had been more than just music to her; it was a way to express herself, tell her story, and forget her worries.

Dancing has become her way of life, so it was not surprising when she took the route befitting her in college, taking up a Bachelor of Physical Education.

She was pretty, talkative, and energetic. Beneath her bright personality, however, was a story of resilience. Growing up in a broken family and raised by a single mother came with challenges. “𝘐 𝘮𝘢𝘥𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘢𝘴 𝘢𝘯 𝘪𝘯𝘴𝘱𝘪𝘳𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘮𝘰𝘵𝘪𝘷𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯 𝘵𝘰 𝘬𝘦𝘦𝘱 𝘨𝘰𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘴𝘵𝘶𝘥𝘺 𝘩𝘢𝘳𝘥,” she shared.

Born September 4, 2003, at the municipality of Arakan, Rolyn was fourth among five siblings. Her mother works at the local government, and though it was a decent job with appropriate pay, it was not enough to cover the educational expenses of her and her siblings. Her father would support them financially from time to time; but the family would still find themselves plagued with financial constraints.

Determined to finish college and pursue a better opportunity after graduation, Rolyn ventured into business to help support her educational expenses. Along the way, she discovered that her talents extended far beyond the dance floor. While her feet moved gracefully to the rhythm of music, her hands possessed a different kind of magic, one that could generate income and alleviate her ordeal. At night, after school, she would create beautiful handmade, fuzzy-wired, satin flowers and sell them to friends and colleagues. While in the process of doing so, she would also scan her notes to study, making sure she would be ready for the next school day.

“𝘐 𝘯𝘦𝘦𝘥 𝘵𝘰 𝘬𝘦𝘦𝘱 𝘨𝘰𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘣𝘦𝘭𝘪𝘦𝘷𝘦 𝘪𝘯 𝘮𝘺 𝘱𝘶𝘳𝘱𝘰𝘴𝘦, 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘢𝘭𝘭 𝘮𝘺 𝘴𝘢𝘤𝘳𝘪𝘧𝘪𝘤𝘦𝘴 𝘸𝘪𝘭𝘭 𝘵𝘶𝘳𝘯 𝘪𝘯𝘵𝘰 𝘴𝘶𝘤𝘤𝘦𝘴𝘴 𝘰𝘯𝘦 𝘥𝘢𝘺,” Rolyn expressed, optimistic. She recognized the sacrifices of her mother and hoped to one day repay all her efforts.

Early on, Rolyn dreamed of becoming a PE teacher, inspired by her sister who also chose the same profession. This aspiration became even more pronounced during her practicum at the same school she graduated high school from. There, she discovered genuine fulfillment in teaching dance to Grade 9 students, guiding them with patience, passion, and a drive for excellence until they ultimately triumphed in a school competition.

“𝘎𝘳𝘢𝘣𝘦 𝘬𝘢 𝘴𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘴𝘧𝘺𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘮𝘢𝘨𝘵𝘶𝘥𝘭𝘰 𝘯𝘪𝘭𝘢. 𝘏𝘢𝘱𝘱𝘺 𝘬𝘰 𝘢𝘴 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘪𝘳 𝘤𝘰𝘢𝘤𝘩,” she shared, her eyes beaming, a testament that she already found her life purpose.

Rolyn cannot wait to finally be able to teach professionally. The licensure exam still awaited her, a final challenge between her and the future she had long worked for.

And yet, her competitive spirit assures her that the future holds great things ahead.

“𝙆𝙚𝙚𝙥 𝙜𝙤𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙣 𝙬𝙝𝙚𝙣 𝙞𝙩’𝙨 𝙝𝙖𝙧𝙙. 𝙎𝙢𝙖𝙡𝙡 𝙥𝙧𝙤𝙜𝙧𝙚𝙨𝙨 𝙞𝙨 𝙨𝙩𝙞𝙡𝙡 𝙥𝙧𝙤𝙜𝙧𝙚𝙨𝙨. 𝘼𝙣𝙙 𝙙𝙤𝙣’𝙩 𝙛𝙤𝙧𝙜𝙚𝙩 𝙩𝙤 𝙩𝙖𝙠𝙚 𝙘𝙖𝙧𝙚 𝙤𝙛 𝙮𝙤𝙪𝙧𝙨𝙚𝙡𝙛 𝙗𝙚𝙘𝙖𝙪𝙨𝙚 𝙮𝙤𝙪𝙧 𝙢𝙚𝙣𝙩𝙖𝙡 𝙝𝙚𝙖𝙡𝙩𝙝 𝙢𝙖𝙩𝙩𝙚𝙧𝙨,” Rolyn ended with a soft smile, carrying with her not just dreams, but also the courage to keep going. One step, one beat at a time.

𝘾𝙤𝙣𝙜𝙧𝙖𝙩𝙪𝙡𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣𝙨, 𝙍𝙤𝙡𝙮𝙣!

𝐒𝐓𝐔𝐃𝐄𝐍𝐓 𝐅𝐎𝐂𝐔𝐒 💫
𝐗𝐲𝐫𝐫𝐚 𝐋𝐢𝐥𝐚𝐡 𝐌. 𝐋𝐢𝐭𝐚
𝐁𝐚𝐜𝐡𝐞𝐥𝐨𝐫 𝐨𝐟 𝐏𝐡𝐲𝐬𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐥 𝐄𝐝𝐮𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 (𝐁𝐏𝐄𝐝)
𝐂𝐅𝐂𝐒𝐓 𝐌𝐚𝐢𝐧 𝐂𝐚𝐦𝐩𝐮𝐬
𝐌𝐚𝐠𝐧𝐚 𝐂𝐮𝐦 𝐋𝐚𝐮𝐝𝐞 | 𝟏.𝟒𝟕𝟓 𝐆𝐖𝐀

Not all stories of excellence begin with privilege. Some begin with absence, distance, and a quiet kind of strength that grows in the middle of hardship.

Xyrra Lilah M. Lita, born on November 26, 2003 in Malatab, Antipas, North Cotabato, is one of those stories.

As the eldest of two siblings, she learned early what it means to carry responsibility not just for herself, but for the people she loves most. Life, for her, was never fully whole in the traditional sense. At just two or three years old, her father left. Soon after, her mother had to work abroad to sustain their needs, leaving Xyrra and her sibling under the care of their grandparents.

But even in distance, love remained constant.

“I am who I am today because of my mother and grandmother,” she shared, words that carry years of sacrifice, longing, and gratitude.

Her mother, a single parent without a stable job, became her greatest inspiration. Not because life was easy, but because she made it look possible. “Inspirasyon ko po yung nanay ko kasi single mom siya pero nakaya niya kaming itaguyod,” Xyrra said, her admiration unmistakable.

Like many young dreamers, Xyrra once looked beyond the horizon. She dreamed of becoming a flight attendant, of flying, traveling, and one day lifting her family out of hardship through success.

“Gusto ko maging flight attendant pero wala po kaming sapat na pera,” she admitted quietly.

That dream had to be set aside, not because it was too big, but because reality demanded a different path. She chose Bachelor of Physical Education (BPED) at Cotabato Foundation College of Science and Technology (CFCST), a decision grounded in practicality, not certainty.

Yet sometimes, what feels like a compromise becomes a calling.

In the rhythm of movement, music, and teaching practice, something awakened in her. During her internship, she discovered a version of herself she had never fully seen before, one that belonged in front of a classroom.

“Narealize ko po nung nag-intern ako na gusto ko at masaya pala maging guro,” she said.

What began as a fallback became a passion. Through BPED, she found joy in expression, dancing, singing, and connecting with learners in ways that felt natural and alive.

Looking ahead, she envisions herself as a licensed professional, working abroad, not just for personal success, but for the one dream that never changed: to give her mother the life she has always deserved.

Her journey is not a straight line. It is a sky she once dreamed of flying through, a road she was forced to walk instead, and a destination she is now reaching on her own terms.

And in every step, Xyrra quietly proves that sometimes, the strongest honors are not just earned in classrooms but in the courage it takes to keep going.

𝘾𝙤𝙣𝙜𝙧𝙖𝙩𝙪𝙡𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣𝙨, 𝙓𝙮𝙧𝙧𝙖!