In a quiet farming barangay in Boliney, Abra, where life is simple and opportunities are often limited, there was a young learner who once carried school supplies in a plastic bag while holding on tightly to a dream of finishing school.
Today, that learner stands confidently in front of a classroom, not as someone struggling to stay in school, but as a licensed professional teacher inspiring young people to keep believing in their dreams.
Laurence Cayangao Balunggay, now serving as a substitute teacher at Boliney National High School, shared how growing up in poverty shaped both personal struggles and determination.
“May mga araw noon na plastic bag lang ang lalagyan ko ng school supplies. Kulang-kulang pa ang notebooks at minsan nakikihiram lang ako sa classmates ko,” Laurence recalled.
Coming from a family of farmers, Laurence witnessed firsthand the sacrifices made by parents just to send their children to school. While many people were still asleep, Laurence’s parents were already awake preparing for a long day in the fields walking through muddy rice paddies under the heat of the sun or even during rainy days, hoping that their harvest would be enough to sustain the family.
Their life was never easy. Meals were often simple, and money was always tight, especially during poor harvest seasons. Yet despite the hardships, Laurence’s parents continued to prioritize education over their own comfort.
“Nakita ko kung paano isinakripisyo ng aking mga magulang ang lahat para sa amin. May mga pagkakataong mas inuuna nilang bigyan kami ng pagkain kahit sila mismo ay kakaunti lang ang kinakain. Hindi sila nagrereklamo kahit gaano kahirap ang buhay,” Laurence recalled.
Aside from attending classes, Laurence also helped in the farm after school by planting, harvesting, and carrying crops whenever needed. For Laurence, education became more meaningful because every school day carried the sacrifices, hard work, and hopes of the whole family.
Like many young learners in remote communities, Laurence also experienced feelings of shame and self-doubt.
“Dumating ako sa punto na tinatanong ko ang sarili ko kung makakapagtapos pa ba ako,” he shared.
Despite these challenges, hope arrived through the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program or 4Ps.
For Laurence’s family, the Program became more than financial assistance. It became a source of encouragement and opportunity that helped lighten the burden of everyday life.
Through the support provided by 4Ps, the family was able to provide school needs, food, and other basic necessities that allowed Laurence to continue studying.
“Malaking tulong ang 4Ps sa amin. Hindi lang dahil sa financial support, kundi dahil nabigyan kami ng pag-asa na may magandang kinabukasan pa kaming maaabot,” Laurence said.
The experience also taught important values such as perseverance, discipline, and the importance of education. With determination and the support of family and community, Laurence continued pursuing studies until becoming a licensed professional teacher.
Today, inside the classroom, Laurence carries not only lessons from books but also lessons from personal experience, lessons about resilience, hope, and believing in oneself despite hardships.
As an educator, Laurence hopes to inspire learners, especially those facing financial difficulties, to continue striving for their dreams.
The story of Laurence is a reminder that poverty should never limit a person’s potential. With support, opportunity, and determination, dreams can become reality.
From carrying school supplies in a plastic bag to helping shape the future of young learners, Laurence Cayangao Balunggay now stands as a living proof that every dream matters, no matter where a person comes from. #DSWD FIELD OFFICE CAR, SOCIAL MARKETING UNIT, MEYNARD ALONZO PACLEBA.
