I  am Shirlyn M. Rostata, a graduate of  Bachelor of Science in Business Administration major in Human Resource Development Management at Polytechnic University of the Philippines – and I am an ESGPPA Scholar.

The Expanded Scholarship Grant Program for Poverty Alleviation (ESGPPA) of Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program helped me a lot financially. It taught me the value of time, money, and education. It taught me how to make sensible decisions in handling my personal finances in order to achieve my goals in life.

My family’s situation is not a piece of cake; there are a lot of challenges and struggles along the way. Despite of this, I had a happy childhood, my siblings and I had a very humble life growing up but still I had the best. I was born to two beautiful parents,  I am the third child of Tatay Herminio Jr., a welder and  Nanay Leah, a full time housewife. They have healthy ambitions for us and they believe in the power of good education.

The journey did not become easy but my dreams are definitely bigger than my fears. All the memories before, be it good or bad were all part of my journey. All these things adds up to who I am now. We used to live in a squatters area. We literally do not have anything before;

we miss out on family events like brithdays, Christmas and New Year because of monetary worries.

I was able to witness how my parents suffer. I used to ask God, “when will these sufferings end?”  I remember one time when my Tatay worked as a part time construction worker and he accidentally fell from a high scaffolding. Fortunately through God’s grace and continous guidance, he was able to recover the very next day. This situation made me realize two important things in life— first, that God is in control and second, everything happens for a reason.

Our eldest sister keeps on reminding us to make an effort to live normally when in a difficult situation, “Tyaga lang pasasaan ba’t giginhawa din tayo.” She is now a Software Support Engineer in a multi national company. Joan, my other sister currently works at Commission of higher Education (CHED) as a Technical Write. My younger brother on the other hand, is Computer Science student.

I consider the scholarship given to me by Pantawid Pamilya as an answered prayer. It served as an opportunity for me to get to know other students who are undergoing the same situation as mine making me realize that I was not alone in this battle. I consider my professors and co-scholars as my second family especially  to Ma’am Teves my mentor who tirelessly  motivates and guides me. These people will remain in my hearts forever.

I owe ESGPPA a debt of gratitutde for it played an important role in my journey towards success— finishing college strong and with flying colors.  To God be the Glory!