Mary Ann Laguitao, 49 years old, an elementary teacher at Mabini Central

Elementary School in Davao de Oro, sees the need of youth to attain tertiary
education. Teaching the children to read, write and count is an ordinary deed that
she is passionate in doing. But providing financial support for college students
despite the stigma that teachers often are challenged in budgeting their wage to fit
into their lifestyle is an extraordinary job.

Not to mention that she is a one-parent of a 15-year-old-son who has severe

autism which means that she has to take care of her child on her own and do extra
for a living. The Department of Education noted that Ms. Laguitao also teaches
evening classes to add up to the financial need of his son undergoing occupational
therapy sessions. Still, it does not stop her from extending her help to others for
almost two decades now.

It is of possessing a heart of a parent that compels Ms. Laguitao to help the

youth in their endeavors including financial problem. It is not her goal to just put a
mark on student’s life but witnessing them successfully achieving their dreams is a
more feasible return of investment for her.

From the year 2005, more than 80 students were able to graduate from
college specifically from Maco Institute of Technology (MIT) through her aid. They
easily found a job in the locality, in abroad, and even got to start their own business
through their attained academic or vocational skills. It also enabled them to save
their family from poverty.

Even other students are now earning a living without knowing who sponsored
their tuition. Anonymously giving support implies not her desire for lack of
appreciation. Instead, it signifies that being a hero doesn’t always about showing off
your cape but it is about doing what benefits others even them being unaware of it.
She also points out that it is important to have this kind of integrity being a financer, a
teacher or even just a simple citizen in her community even if no one’s watching.

“There were other scholarships offered by government but it is hard to

compete with other learners. I’m surprised that I got to be one of the beneficiaries of
private scholarship just like of Ma’am Laguitao since it caters students who are
willing to finish school despite being academically and financially challenged.” says
an alumnus of MIT.

For Ms. Laguitao, teacher’s influence is so far-reaching that it changes

people’s paths and eventually their entire lives. She believes that teaching is a
privilege, a gift from God to be shared. She doesn’t teach only basic knowledge but
she teaches us all that having generosity is not only for those who are well-off in life
but those who are rich in kindness and compassion.