With high regard to education, Rico Abugho Cabalo, a Senior High School Teacher II of Eulalio U. Pabillore National High School in Bonbon, Sagay, Camiguin, shared his inspiring journey from a challenging upbringing to becoming a guiding light for his family and community.
“Education remained my guiding light in all my life trials,” said Cabalo, reflecting on education’s critical role in shaping his destiny.
Teaching the Grade 12-GAS Strand, his journey began with unwavering determination as he pursued a college degree in biological science to become a teacher.
For Cabalo, graduating from college is not the end of his journey but rather the beginning of a path filled with challenges and triumphs.
After successfully passing the Board Exam for Teachers, he secured employment with the Department of Education (DepEd), realizing his dream of making a difference in students’ lives.
Cabalo’s educational journey received an additional boost from the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD). The Commission on Higher Education (CHED) granted him a scholarship because he was a former 4Ps beneficiary. This support allowed him to focus entirely on his studies, breaking down financial barriers and enabling him to pursue his career aspirations.
Despite facing economic hardships, Cabalo’s story intertwines with the narrative of the transformative power of determination and the support received through the 4P program.
Raised by a resilient family united by love and a shared dream for a brighter future, Cabalo’s mother, Leonila, despite facing challenges and a hearing impairment, became a source of inspiration.
“My mother displayed an indomitable spirit,” Cabalo proudly shares.
His mother worked as a housekeeper during the day. She would tirelessly fulfill her role as a parent in the evening, overcoming challenges and providing for the family’s well-being alone.
Cabalo detested hearing anyone call his mother deaf, emphasizing that her hearing condition never brought shame but rather filled him with pride.
The 4Ps program was a lifeline for Cabalo’s family during challenging times, providing support when needed. Enrolled in the program during his first year of high school, Cabalo and his family found a renewed sense of hope and stability through the assistance provided.
Cabalo’s story extends beyond his triumphs, and it is intricately connected with the dreams and aspirations of her family.
Today, he takes pride in the fact that his younger sister is following in his footsteps, as the latter took up a college education majoring in English.
Simultaneously, their youngest brother has embarked on his college journey, pursuing a degree in electrical technology.
As an educator, Cabalo continues to be a guiding light for her students, imparting academic knowledge and the invaluable lessons of perseverance, determination, and the transformative power of education.
His journey stands as a testament to the belief that, with education as a guiding light, individuals can overcome challenges and inspire others to reach for their dreams. (DSWD-10/PIA-10/Camiguin)
