AS THE saying goes, "Destiny is not a matter of chance. It is a matter of choice. It is not a thing to be waited for; it is a thing to be achieved.”
This has been the mantra that guides Professor Rinante L. Genuba, EdD, of Agdao District, Davao City in his life's journey.
Rinante is the eldest of four children of a fisherman and a plain housewife. They lived in Tabina, Zamboanga del Sur.
Because of sheer determination and hard work, Rinante graduated as salutatorian at Saint Ambrose High School in Tabina. He then became a scholar at the Mindanao State University (MSU) in Marawi City way back in 1992.
"It was chaotic at that time as MSU officials had bickering, and there were change in the university’s administration too, as Ramos (former President Fidel Ramos) became the president of the country. I was worried thus I decided to transfer to Davao City since I also have a relative here. Our life in Tabina was so difficult that we’re living in a hut without floor, just imagine that,” Rinante narrated.
He added that he did not stay long in his uncle’s house at S.I.R. since they had a misunderstanding just because he was not able to comply immediately with his uncle’s request.
“Mao to naulaw ko ug nigawas ko (I was ashamed so I left),” he recalled.
Rinante narrated that he made the Osmeña Park his home, where he used to bathe at its comfort room, and do his daily routine there.
He said amidst all those hardships, he still persevered believing that one day he will succeed in life.
"Kay giingon baya nga bulahan kadtong di gyod mo-surrender luyo sa pagsulay (It is said those who never give up in the midst of trying times will be blessed)," Rinante said.
He remembered applying for a scholarship at the Private Education Student Financial Assistance (Pesfa) then located at the former PTA Grounds, now known as People's Park. Unfortunately, the application was declined since Pesfa only caters to students who are coming from Region 11.
"I came from Region 9 (Zamboanga Peninsula), so they said I couldn't avail of the scholarship," Rinante said.
He added that he tried to convince Pesfa that time by keeping on going back to its office, since he was already living in Davao City for a few years already.
"Until such time nga naluoy na lang gyud sila kay maglimpyo-limpyo naman ko sa ilang office, gitagaan ko nila'g slot, number 1 pa gyud nga mo-grant sa scholarship (They took pity on me and I was given a scholarship slot)," he said.
Since his favorite was numbers, he enrolled in an Education course and majored in Mathematics at the University of Mindanao (UM) as a scholar. He used his meager allowance from Pesfa for his daily needs and sustenance.
He recalled walking to San Pedro Cathedral to pray that one day God will deliver him from the situation he was in.
"Mao tong sa unahan likod sa Tesoro's Printing Press naa man to'y boarding house diha sa una, tigsilhig ko, nagpakiluoy ko sa tag-iya na makatulog ko, hangtud gipapuyo ko nga walay bayad (There's a boarding house behind Tesoro's Printing Press, I would sweep for the owner and begged then I got to sleep for free)," he said.
He used to do the laundry of guest relations officers (GROs) to be able to buy his food. He also recalled eating porridge, especially when the GROs have no customers for the day.
Through his perseverance, Rinante graduated with Bachelor of Secondary Education (BSED) major in Mathematics degree in 1997 as a cum laude.
He then finished his Master of Education in Teaching Mathematics (MaEd-Math) and in 2004 he also finished his Doctor of Educational Management (EdD).
Today, Dr. Genoba is a regular professor at the graduate school of UM.
He is also currently the director of the Assumption College of Davao's sister school company, the Assumption Polytechnic College of Southern Mindanao (APCSM) located in Barangay Tigatto, Buhangin District, Davao City.
Aside from that, he had built his parents a decent house just a stone's throw away from his own boarding house in Agdao.
"Perseverance, hard work and never surrender in life's trials and, of course, (have) faith in God," he added.