Rhelyn Harder
- Diwangan is one among the Umayamnon youth who had been given the opportunity to be a scholar by the Department of Science and Technology
- He didn’t even know how to open a computer and was still adjusting with climate and the lifestyle of the city
- His son’s achievement would serve as an inspiration to the young generation of their tribe
22-year-old Jession Diwangan made the Umayamnon tribe proud when he graduated Cum laude with a degree in BS Electronics Engineering from Xavier University – Ateneo de Cagayan.
Diwangan’s is one among the Umayamnon youth who had been given the opportunity to be a scholar by the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) to study in college.
During his interview with ABS-CBN News, Diwangan said five years ago, when he started in the university, he didn’t even know how to open a computer and was still adjusting with climate and the lifestyle in the city. With his situation, he didn’t even expect that he would succeed in college.
“Hindi ko talaga alam ang gagawin kasi nanibago ako sa ciudad, nanibago ako sa klima at lifestyle ng mga tao. Kaya hindi ko ine-expect na may ma-achieve akong something,” he said.
It was also five years ago when Richel Petalcurin met Diwangan. She was a former moderator of a university-based organization who helped poor students who were having good grades in high school. And on that moment, she already saw his determination for his studies which made her not wonder when he graduated with honors.
Petalcurin also shared her experience when he asked the help of the organization to create his Gmail account, for him to be able to pass all his requirements in college.
Diwangan’s mother, Nanay Gina was so happy of her son’s achievements that she didn’t expect that she could visit the city and walk up the stage to give the medal to his child.
Nanay Gina had wished that his son’s achievement would serve as an inspiration to the young generation of their tribe. Because of poverty, many of the children in the tribe wouldn’t like to continue their studies.
During the graduation ceremony, Diwangan and his mother proudly wore their cultural attire to represent their tribe Umayamnon from the mountain province of Pantaron in Eastern Bukidnon.
Now, Diwangan is focused on his review as he is preparing for the electronics engineering board examination in Cebu City.
