"The opportunities of the government are not only for the brilliant minds but also for those who persevere to improve their lives."
 
Angelica Jane Ordona said this when asked about her endeavor to graduating with Latin honors. She graduated Magna Cum Laude in the program Bachelor of Science in Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering at Tarlac Agricultural University.
 
Born in a typical Filipino family set-up, her father has been the head of their family, their financial provider. However, the young Angelica lost him too soon.
 
Despite these circumstances, she strived and in fact, climbed on stages during elementary and high school recognitions and graduations. 
 
Unlike elementary and high school, going to college requires a higher financial capacity to embark upon. It does not end with paying the tuition fee at the beginning of the semester but, continues in purchasing materials for projects and researches.
 
As a beneficiary of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program, she got an opportunity to apply for the Extended Student Grant-in Aid Program for Poverty Alleviation (SGP-PA) of Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).
 
SGP-PA was implemented through the Commission on Higher Education. Implementers of the program include DSWD, selected State Universities and Colleges (SUCs), and the Department of Labor and Employment. 
 
It aims to increase the number of higher education graduates among poor households by directly providing financing for their education in selected SUCs.
 
This chance fueled her to maintain her grades so as not lose her scholarship. In effect, she maintained beyond expectations and additionally earned her bachelor's degree with flying colors.
 
On top of that, she belonged to the graduating class of 2021, who experienced distant learning amid the threat of COVID-19 pandemic.
 
"Just like any other achievers, it felt fulfilling, rewarding, and overwhelming... Finishing college is easy, I guess but sustaining and providing are the hardest part," Orduna said.
 
She advised her co-youth to make their families their inspiration to triumph.
 
"But one thing is for sure, I can do everything no matter how difficult it may be, for my family... Let your drive be greater and stronger than your struggles and everything will fall into its rightful places." (CLJD/GLSB-PIA 3)