Irene Luntayao, 20
The eldest of five siblings in a family where fishing is the primary source of livelihood, Irene couldn’t help but feel extremely blessed for getting a WMPC scholarship that enabled her to complete B.S. Secondary Education at Western Mindanao State University in Zamboanga City.
“I really studied well for me to be able to get the scholarship which WMPC offered, knowing that I belong to a less fortunate family. It made a difference in my life. My parents were able to send me to college with the help of WMPC,” Irene says, the gratitude evident in her voice. “Education is very important. For me, it is one of the greatest treasures that can be achieved. As they say, this is a gift of knowledge that cannot be stolen and can bring you closer to your dreams.”
For Irene, completing her education is a goal that goes beyond personal benefit—it’s a means to help others.
“My dream is simple—to find a good job and to help send my siblings to school so they can also reach their dreams. My dream is also to help other people in my own little way, especially those who are less fortunate,” she shares.
Her dream also extends to her beloved Mindanao. Like her fellow scholars, Irene is unsettled by how Mindanao is perceived.
“I feel sad because other people think that it is not a safe place, although we cannot blame them because of what’s happening in Marawi. I just hope that people will not judge everything about Mindanao (just for that). I am proudly born and raised here,” she states.
Like the other young Mindanaoans, Irene feels the need to step in and contribute to Mindanao’s progress as a region. “I hope and pray that Mindanao will rise again and to soon attain peace. Peace, through education, is what I can contribute. As a teacher, I can be a powerful catalyst for change. I will share my knowledge to students and help them learn how to respect themselves and other people to reduce bullying and discrimination,” Irene thoughtfully remarks.
These young women are clear examples that show there is no better weapon than education to combat prejudices and poverty. By giving voice to these young women who are empowered by education and driven by their passionate hope and dreams, the future looks encouraging, making one believe that indeed, Mindanao can live up to being the “Land of Promise.”