With a heart full of dreams and determination, Rubie Mae T. Acodili who hails from Brgy. Balasia, Kiblawan, Davao del Sur has turned the tides, and is on her way to shape a vibrant future for the children.
Rubie Mae’s life story goes beyond exam results. Prior to attaining her licensure and her current position as a Provincial School Board Teacher, she was a former child beneficiary, who benefited from the grant throughout her elementary and high school education.
Even before obtaining her title and attainments, her journey was not easy. Her family solely earns a living through farming, and Rubie Mae exerted herself by tending to farm animals and planting various crops to sustain her studies and family’s needs.
Rubie Mae’s passion for teaching urged her to teach as a volunteer at Pocaleel Elementary School in Kiblawan, without expecting any financial compensation. She poured her energy into sharing her knowledge, focusing on basic literacy and instilling discipline to her multi-grade students, with different learning needs.
She was able to complete her primary and secondary studies with the help of the 4Ps Program, and she continued to strive and find ways to support herself in earning her degree. Through her perseverance, coupled with her upstanding performance, she has now become a licensed and full-pledged teacher, with the guidance and support of her family and professionals in the same field.
“Naging inspirasyon ko kung paano ko ma-handle ang ganoong diverse set up, considering na iba-iba ang kanilang kakayahan at ugali. Sa bawat araw ay mas naging positibo ang ipinapakita ng aking mga estudyante kaya hindi ko sinukuan ang mga batang gustong matuto.”
Her time as a volunteer teacher is a significant contribution to her community. Despite the challenges she faced, as a former child beneficiary, she aims to repay the help she received from the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) by devoting herself in educating the children who are in need, stating that this is a way for her to thank the government with a firm belief that education is a bridge to change.
“Saksi ang Diyos kung gaano kahirap ang buhay namin noon. Nais ko rin na maibahagi sa mga kabataan kung gaano kahalaga ang makapagtapos sa pag-aaral, dahil ito ay tulay sa pagbabago at sa tamang pananaw sa buhay. Pahalagahan ang mga suportang mula sa gobyerno tulad ng 4Ps, dahil natulungan kami sa aming pag aaral mula Elementary hanggang High School. At nung ako’y nag college na ay ginamit ko rin sa mabuting paraan ang nakuha kung scholarship assistance mula sa CHED-Unifast kaya hindi na gaano nahirapan ang aking mga magulang pantostos hanggang ako ay nakapagtapos sa kolehiyo.”
For Rubie Mae, the best way to convey hope to young people is by being a good example. She shows them that even though she and her family went through trials, they overcame them through hard work, perseverance, and faith in God.
“Ipapakita ko sa kanila na tulad din nila dumaan rin ako at aking pamilya sa mga pagsubok at pagkabigo sa buhay.Ngunit sa pamamagitan ng sipag, tiyaga at pananalig sa Maykapal ay napagtagumpayan namin ang mga hamon sa buhay.”
Rubie Mae is a symbol of hope and change. Her story is proof that every woman has the ability to reach her dreams and be a light in her community. She is a powerful reminder that women have the potential to drive positive change in the populace. She is not just a teacher; she is a role model, an inspiration, and a symbol of hope for a brighter future.
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