A Mountain Of Obstacles

The Subanen Tribe is an Indigenous People (IP) living in Zamboanga Peninsula. They are mostly living in mountainous areas where there is suba or river hence the name Subanon or Subanen. In our effort to provide inclusive social services to the poor and the disadvantaged, the DSWD visited an IP community that resides in a very remote village called Sitio Logdeck in the municipality of Kabasalan, Zamboanga Sibugay. It is a 4 to 6-hour journey on foot from the población area; one needs to literally cross 13 rivers and creeks, walk on muddy slopes, endure either the scorching heat of the sun or the cold shower of rain to get to this IP community whose members belong to the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps).

To get education in the nearest school facility, children in this community bring extra clothing to change to dry clothes once they reach the school. The saddest part is that the school only offers Grade 1 to Grade 4 education. Despite this, the children withstand the struggles just to be able to exercise their rights to education as supported and promoted by the 4Ps program.

“The mandate of the 4Ps is to ensure that children are healthy and in school. This is how the Department sees how the poor families can break the inter-generational cycle of poverty,” DSWD-9 Regional Director Riduan P. Hadjimuddin said.

Most children in Sitio Logdeck have not finished schooling because of the unavailability and challenging access to education in the area. Many of them are forced to stop studying and worst, get into marriage at a very young age. In fact, none of them, since time immemorial, ever finished college. It was impossible for them to do so because of their geographic location and poverty, until one 4Ps beneficiary, Geralyn T. Bacang proved them wrong.

Geralyn climbed her way up to success and became the first-ever tribal member of the Subanen tribe in Sitio Logdeck to finish a college degree.

 

Early Dreams and Aspirations

Ever since she was a little child, Gerah, as she is fondly called by her family and community, had a burning desire to go to school. She would often sit by the window, dreaming about the day she could wear a backpack filled with papers, notebooks, and pens. The thought of learning new things, making friends, and discovering the world beyond their village filled her with excitement. She imagined herself sitting in a classroom, raising her hand to answer questions, and soaking up every bit of knowledge like a sponge.

Gerah understood that education was her ticket to a brighter future—a future where she could help her family and uplift their community. She dreamt of becoming someone who could make a difference, someone who could bring hope and change to her family. Even as a child, she knew that education was the key to unlocking endless possibilities, and she longed for the day when she could hold that key in her hands.

 

Challenges and Family Difficulties

Life in their remote village was far from easy. Their home was nestled deep in the mountains, far away from the nearest school. To get there, children had to walk for four long hours, crossing treacherous rivers and navigating narrow, muddy, and winding paths. Each step was a challenge, and the journey was fraught with dangers that made it almost impossible for a child to travel safely.

Gerah’s father, Ronnie, seeing the risks involved, made the difficult decision to keep her at home. He could not bear the thought of Jerah getting hurt or lost on the way to school. He wanted to protect her, but in doing so, he had to let go of Gerah’s hopes of attending school and having a prosperous future. It was a heartbreaking choice, but he believed it was for Gerah’s best. This decision left Jerah frustrated, feeling her dreams slipping further and further out of reach. Yet, despite the challenges, she held on to her conviction that one day, she would finally find a way to make her dream come true.

 

Sacrifices and Hardships

After completing 5^th grade, Gerah had to stop going to school following her father’s request to ensure her safety. After all, she is the only girl in the family. Having no choice, Gerah had to find a way to contribute to the family’s needs. She grew up helping her parents in cultivating their land and growing produce to sell. As she ages, the hungrier she becomes to go back to school. She realized that she cannot fulfill her dreams up in the mountains. She knew that she needed to get closer to her dreams hence she asked to work in Titay, a nearby municipality with more opportunities for people with dreams like herself. And so, she made it to Titay where she worked as an all-around aid doing household chores and running errands. Gerah sent most of her income to her family back in Sitio Logdeck to help them survive the daily necessities. Later, she moved to Ipil in search of better opportunities. Despite these changes and the hard work, her dream of education never left her heart.

One day, she realized it was not too late to pursue her dream of finishing her education. She decided to enroll in the Alternative Learning System (ALS), even though her parents did not know about it initially. She believed that with determination and faith, she could overcome any obstacle and, by the grace of God, pass the ALS program and eventually go to college. She asked permission from her employers who gladly helped her achieve her goals in life. They allowed her to study in ALS as long her she does not neglect her duties at work. She did not disappoint. She passed the ALS assessment and went straight to college –all that while still working part time.

Being a working student was incredibly challenging for Gerah. She learned that college is far different from ALS. In her first year of college, she had a hard time balancing her studies and her work. Because of this, her employer was unhappy of her performance at work and reminded her that her job responsibilities come first. They reached an agreement that allowed Gerah to attend school, but she had to promise that it would not interfere with her work. This meant making difficult choices and sacrifices, such as dropping some subjects and retaking them later, which extended her time in college. Although she had to work long hours and spend many sleepless nights performing mundane domestic tasks like cooking, cleaning, and ironing clothes, she was thankful for the opportunity to pursue her education and continue reaching for her dreams.

Despite the hardships, Gerah never lost sight of her dream and kept pushing forward, knowing that every step brought her closer to her goal.

Initial Victories and Unwavering Determination

In her second year of college, a ray of hope shone through. Representatives from the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), particularly the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) under the leadership of Evalinda A. Jimeno, the Provincial Link, visited Gerah’s remote village to conduct a Relief Operation and Community Assistance Mission. The occasion provided an opportunity for Ma’am Jimeno and her team to have a conversation with Gerah’s father, Ronnie. This personal encounter inspired Ma’am Jimeno to see how the program and the Department could best help her.

 

The Provincial Operations Office of the 4Ps in Zamboanga Sibugay led by Ms. Jimeno exerted every effort to gather resources to ensure the continued success of Geralyn in education. Several individuals offered

financial support including some 4Ps staff and their families, some public servants, and some private people who were moved by the determination of a young girl. Another intervention was the arrangement for Gerah to stay in a boarding house, which she considered a huge relief. This support gave her time to focus more on her studies and less on the struggles of daily life. She managed to catch up on all her subjects during her second year, feeling a renewed sense of hope and determination.

Later, she started working for Dr. Lovely Cainglet, Vice Mayor of Kabasalan, who provided her with the financial support she needed to continue her education. Their kindness and support made a significant difference in her life, allowing her to pursue her dreams without the constant worry of financial burdens. This support gave her the stability she needed to thrive academically.

“Dako jud ang akoang pasalamat sa mga tawo nga nagtinabangay para maka-graduate ko (I have so much gratefulness for the people who paved the way for me to finish my studies),” Geralyn said in an interview.

 

A Legacy Is Made

With all interventions provided comes nothing but a huge success. The day that Gerah had dreamed of for so long finally arrived. At last, she would be able to walk down the aisle with her head held up high. This was a day of triumph for her, a day that marked the fulfillment of her lifelong dream of completing her education. She was overwhelmed with happiness, standing on the threshold of a new beginning, holding her diploma high.

That day, Geralyn T. Bacang left a legacy as the first IP member in the whole Sitio Logdeck to march as a college degree graduate.

As the ceremony approached, Gerah’s heart was heavy with both anticipation and anxiety. She was aware of a significant outstanding balance with her school, and without settling it, she wouldn’t be allowed to graduate. Desperate for help, she turned to Ma’am Eva and the DSWD family. Without hesitation, the Angels in Red Vests (DSWD employees) provided the necessary assistance, securing the funds to clear her obligations. Her employer also contributed financially, ensuring she could join the graduation rites.

On the morning of her graduation, Gerah faced yet another emotional hurdle. The ceremony was set at 6 AM, and her parents were far away in Logdeck, unable to afford accommodation to spend for the preceding night. They can only afford for the fare of coming to Ipil. They would arrive late, leaving Gerah to face the prospect of walking alone during the processional march. In a touching display of support, Rose Pausal from DSWD – Pantawid agreed to accompany Gerah, providing the emotional strength she needed.

As the ceremony began, Gerah looked around, seeing the proud faces of her peers and their families. Despite her joy, there was a lingering sadness that her own parents might miss this monumental moment. But then, a sudden movement at the back of the hall caught her eye. Her parents, having traveled a great distance and overcoming financial hardships, had arrived just in time. Her father, with tears streaming down his face, and her mother, beaming with pride, stood with her father, both radiating joy and pride. The sight of her parents’ unwavering love and support moved Gerah to tears. It was the first time she had seen them so proud, a moment that made all her struggles and sacrifices worthwhile. The joy and pride on her father’s face as he cried tears of happiness, and the broad smile on her mother’s face, were images that would stay with Gerah forever. It served as a potent monument to her journey—one marked by tenacity, willpower, and the amazing force of hope.

 

A Future Full of Hope and Gratitude

Through all the challenges, Gerah remained grateful to God and to everyone who believed in her and supported her journey. Her dream of finishing school, once a distant hope, had become a reality. This achievement was not just a personal victory but a testament to the kindness and support of those who stood by her side. She knew that this graduation was just the beginning, a steppingstone towards a brighter future where she could help her family and inspire many others in her community especially the young IP members of her tribe.

Now, Gerah is preparing for the board exam, a crucial step in achieving her long-term goals. She continues to work with her supportive employers, who have covered her educational expenses and provided emotional support. She remains steadfast in her determination to pass the board exam and secure her professional qualifications, believing that with God’s help and in His perfect timing, she will succeed.

Gerah’s story is a powerful reminder that no matter how difficult the journey, with determination, support, and faith, dreams can indeed come true. Her journey from a remote village to a college graduate is a testament to the strength of the human spirit and the transformative power of education and community support.