PINKY Rose Alipoyo never thought she would make it to college due to financial challenges.
Alipoyo, 21 years old, is a Civil Engineering graduate from Cebu Institute of Technology-University.
With only her mother raising her, providing her with everything she needed, Alipoyo said she never felt the hardships of life until she asked her mother if she could study college.
Alipoyo remembered it was summer after her high school graduation. She asked her mother when she would be enrolling in college and if she could really pursue college, yet her mother could not answer her.
Alipoyo said that was when her anxiety if she could still finish her studies started to envelop her mind.
“Nakaana ko nga powerful gyud diay ang kwarta kay wa man katubag ako’ng mama pagpangutana nako if makaskwela ba ko,” said Alipoyo. (I realized that money is very powerful because when I asked my mom if I could study in college, she couldn’t answer.)
Instead of thinking too much of her disappointment, Alipoyo chose to seek any scholarship she could apply for until she found one and she was accepted.
Her college life ran smoothly. All her school expenses were covered by her scholarship. She had a monthly allowance, and she was enjoying her degree program. But when she reached her fourth year in college, that was when her challenges started.
Aside from the academic challenges since her subjects were becoming harder back then, that was also the time she was diagnosed with extrapulmonary tuberculosis.
Alipoyo said despite the physical pain she was feeling, she had no choice but to get up and join her classes.
Her whole fourth year college life revolved around going to the doctor, taking her medicines, and trying her best to comprehend and catch up on her lessons. Despite all these, she graduated.
“I was disappointed because only a few points were needed for me to get a Latin award,” she said.
It’s the same experience with the fisherman turned soon-to-be- engineer Edward Mon Tumongha.
Like Alipoyo, Tumongha is a graduate of Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from the University of San Jose–Recoletos.
When Tumongha reached high school, he already knew how impossible it would be for him to continue his studies. True enough, after his first year in high school, he was left with no choice but to stop. He stopped studying for four years.
Within those four years, Tumongha worked as a fisherman and carpenter. It was because of his exposure in carpentry that he got interested in engineering.
Being a resident in a coastal area in the town of Consolacion, Cebu, Tumongha worked as a fisherman for two years.
Tumongha recalled when he and his friend, on board a small boat, almost got hit by a cargo ship because they did not notice it.
“We jumped off because they were only a few meters away and the ship was heading our way,” said Tumongha. “There I realized how hard it is to look for a livelihood, to earn money,” he added.
After four years, Tumongha decided to go back to school despite being way older than his classmates. Fortunately, he said, his teachers were very supportive and helpful.
Because of the trust he got from his teachers, Tumongha said he worked hard not to disappoint his teachers.
His studies then continued until he reached college for which he got a scholarship.
Driven by his passion, his determination to help his family, and his own dreams, Tumongha graduated Cum Laude last March 2019.
Both Tumongha and Alipoyo are now planning to work so they can save to finance their review for the licensure examination.
Tumongha and Alipoyo were among the 30 scholars of VicSal Foundation Inc. who graduated last March. VSF prepared them a graduation party last Monday, May 20, at City Sports Club in Cebu City.
Out of the 30 graduates, 15 graduated with Latin honors.
As of now, VSF already has 238 college scholars, with 71 of them still studying, according to Liezel Lupina, VSF executive director.
Lupina said they are planning to increase their number of scholars per year so they can help more students.
During the program, VSF trustee Margaret Ang emphasized they do not limit which school their scholars want to study in, as well as what courses they want to take.
“We do not want to limit your dreams,” said Ang during her speech.
VSF has already produced almost 200 graduates since 2011, according to Lupina.
Aside from eduication, VSF also has a program in community outreach and environmental conservation activities, but education covers 80 percent of its operations. (Jerra Mae J. Librea)