HIS classmates at the Mindanao State University-Iligan Institute of Technology (MSU-IIT) describes him as one of the calmest students they have ever known. Among his fellow Biology students in the institute, he is regarded as a genius and a consistent achiever. But for his fellow Maranaos, he is a spark of hope, a ray of sunshine in the middle of chaos.
Mubarak Macabanding Paingco is MSU-IIT's newest valedictorian. With the cumulative grade point average of 1.10, he earned the degree Bachelor of Science in Biology major in General Biology as Summa Cum Laude last July 5. Now, his fellow Maranao youth see him not only as another graduate of a prestigious Mindanaoan school, but rather as an inspiration to do better for the betterment of their land.
For twenty-year-old Paingco, with his shy countenance and calm voice, becoming MSU-IIT's valedictorian was not a walk in the park. Like many of us, his life had challenges and tragedies which, instead of bringing him down, propelled him to achieve his goals and become a person his family can be proud of.
Whenever he is asked about his inspiration to strive and stretch his potentials, Paingco would always go back to the day when he lost his mother to cancer. Even though he was only eight years old then, the ordeal of losing his mother became one of the driving force that makes him step one feet ahead of then next until he reaches his dreams.
"When my mother got sick, most of our properties were gone to finance her medication. What was left for us, six siblings and my father when my mother died, was just enough to support an “almost” decent living. But that did not stop me to go on and reach for my dreams. In fact, it became my motivation to strive harder and do well in my academics," Painco said.
Aspiring not only to help his father but also to become an honor to his family, Paingco worked hard to do well all throughout his elementary, high school, and college education. He never closed a school year without bringing home an achievement.
And now that he not only finished his college education but exited it with flying colors, Paingco will now proceed to medical school at the Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Manila. He said that this decision was largely inspired by the various memories of accompanying his mother to the hospital before.
"But today, seeing you and standing before you, I feel a sad feeling within me for I know my mother would be the proudest had she been alive and present today. Nevertheless, Ommi (mother), this is for you," he said.
But more than personal interests, Paingco wanted to forward to his fellow youth, most especially to his fellow Maranao people, to not succumb to the challenges that their people are facing today. Even though he was born and raised in Iligan City, but as a Maranao, he says this as an encouragement to use all of their strengths and talents to things that will help uplift their situation most especially in Marawi City.
"Dearest fellow graduates, let us make today’s happenings as our motivation to rise up again and to rebuild our nation. For it shall be among us, youth, who will be the future leaders of our beloved nation. Let us not lose hope that one day, in shaa Allah, Mindanao will get back on track and kick start its growth. Let us be instruments of improvement and be the hope that our country needs," Paingco stressed.
Nothing is certain in life, Paingco believes, but if we continue to do things that we love and enjoy every step that we take, everything will fall into place and become much easier and gratifying for all of us.