Victoria, Oriental Mindoro – Nanay Teresita Roldan and her son Arjay, natives of the Mangyan Tadyawan tribe from barangay Villa Cerveza, serve as a beacon of inspiration for everyone. Today, July 14, Arjay successfully graduated from Senior High School at Macatoc National High School (MacHigh), where Governor Bonz Dolor served as the guest speaker.
Nanay Teresita expressed her joy and pride as her son finally graduated. Despite the hardships they have faced, she firmly believes in the presence of a higher power that sustains them. She bravely navigated the challenges of providing education for her children as a single parent, after her spouse passed away.
Nanay Teresita recalled moments of tears and loneliness, but she chose to stand strong, knowing that her tears wouldn’t solve anything. She was determined not to let her children follow the same path of not having the opportunity to study, which fueled her determination to be a steadfast parent to Arjay and his siblings.
As Nanay Teresita and Arjay walked side by side during the graduation ceremony, their faces beamed with joy and seemed to touch the skies. She expressed her gratitude to all the teachers who played a significant role in her son’s educational journey and to Governor Bonz for his inspiring words. Although the governor’s assistance might not have been direct, she described him as a kind and helpful person.
Governor Bonz is known for his commitment to supporting all indigenous Mangyan communities and his goal to eradicate illiteracy through his zero illiteracy program. Nanay Teresita’s determination to educate her children, exemplified by Arjay’s graduation, aligns perfectly with Governor Bonz’s aspiration to empower every Mangyan to read and write.
The people of Oriental Mindoro take great pride in Nanay Teresita and Arjay. Their strong values and belief in the transformative power of education serve as an inspiration to everyone. May there be more individuals like them, who hold education in high regard, to shape a brighter and successful future.
