With the ultimate goal of championing the education and youth sectors, the Provincial Government of Camarines Sur’s community colleges continue to transform lives through accessible and quality tertiary education. On July 17, 2025, the Governor Mariano E. Villafuerte Community College Garchitorena proudly held its 4th Commencement Exercises, celebrating the achievements of over 150 graduates.
This year’s graduates earned their dream degrees in Bachelor of Science in Agribusiness, Bachelor of Technical-Vocational Teacher Education Specialized in Computer Hardware Servicing and Automotive Technology, and Bachelor of Science in Entrepreneurship.
Among the graduates is 26-year-old Mariz Leonen—a mother of one and a proud graduate of BS Agribusiness—who shared her inspiring journey of pursuing her studies with full determination. “Maraming beses man pong nag-fail, na hindi na kinaya, na hindi natuloy yung pangarap, trust the process lang kasi walang huli sa pag-aaral. Anuman ang edad mo, basta nasa puso mo yung pangarap mo, makakapagtapos ka pa rin.”
Despite facing numerous challenges, including financial difficulties, lack of support, and societal barriers, single-mom Leonen persevered to finish her study for her son with special needs. Residing in the coastal area of Burabod, Garchitorena, she bravely conquered every wave just to attend her classes alongside fellow student-moms or what they fondly call “mommy-dyante.”
With gratitude, Leonen added, “Alam kong marami pong nagmamaliit sa institution na ‘to, na sa community college ka lang nag-aral. Pero ang hindi nila alam, yung community college na ’to ang nagbangon sa pangarap namin na makapagtapos ng pag-aaral. Kaya maraming salamat po dahil yung mga mommy-dyante ngayon, graduate na at naabot na ang kanilang pangarap.”
Another graduate is 53-year-old Veverly Dela Cruz, the oldest among all the graduates who earned her degree in BS Entrepreneurship. Recalling her journey, Dela Cruz shared, “Kang pandemic po, nag-isla-isla po [ang mga teachers] para mag-gather ning mga estudyante na gusto pong mag-ereskwela. Naisip ko po kang time na ‘to, dahil mayo man akong gibo, why not po mag-try akong mag-exam tapos pinalad man pong makapasa.”
“Masakit po si journey ta balikan kami sa isla lalo na po pag makusog ang alon. Pero, very supportive po sinda samong mga estudyante, naiintindihan po ninda ang sitwasyon mi pag minsan na dai po kami makalaog. Nago-online o modular nalang po kami. Ngunyan, worth it po gabos na pinaghirapan mi ta anom po kaming taga-isla na ma-graduate ngunyan,” she continued.
Dela Cruz also proved that learning knows no age, saying, “At the age of 53, kadakol po akong nanudan lalo na sa pagnenegosyo. Kaya dawa po gurang na ako, may aram na po ako kung papano mag-start and magpadalagan ning negosyo. Dai po talaga hadlang ang edad para matupad ang mga pangarap. ‘Pag nakatapos ka po ning pag-adal, ini na po ang puon para mabago ang buhay mo.”
In addition to the six existing community colleges, eight more are in the pipeline, to be established in the municipalities of Bato, Del Gallego, Lupi, San Jose, Minalabac, Pasacao, Lagonoy, and Ocampo. With the vision of creating a #NextGenCamSur, Governor Lray Villafuerte also plans to construct ten more schools in remote areas of the province, providing out-of-school youth and adults with the opportunity to pursue education and fulfill their dreams.
