It was GOD and it’s GOD all along

First and foremost, I want to express my deepest gratitude to the people behind United Neon Media Group (UNMG) and United Neon Foundation Inc.(UNFI), maraming, maraming salamat po!

For the past eight years, you were not just sponsors; you were a family. I wasn’t just a scholar of UNFI, I was reminded that Jesus loves me unconditionally and as a child of GOD putting my faith in the finished work of Christ. I was mentored and nurtured by your guidance, your generosity, and most of all, by your Christlike love.

From my humble beginnings in high school, selling yema, pastillas, and chicharon to help with our expenses to senior high, your support allowed me to focus on my studies and flourished — earning awards and learning more about my calling as a future teacher.

Pagdating ng pandemya, kami po ang batch na unang sumabak sa blended learning. I found out I passed the PNUAT online, shortly after the eruption of Taal. But then came 2022, a year that tested my family’s health, my faith, and my determination to continue studying. But still, UNFI graciously welcomed me back after I came home from Bohol. I transferred schools to be nearer to home, and once again, I pressed on because UNFI remained intentional in investing in our hearts, not just our academics.

You provided not only allowances, our uniforms, books, and sponsored household necessities; but also prayers, wisdom, and Christmas blessings. You empowered us to grow not just in intellect, but in character, so that we, too, may be a blessing to others. Every cheke, Gcash screenshots, and announcement in our group chat of scheduled events were all proofs that GOD is present and HE provides. HE is good, HE is always good. 

I still remember my trembling hands and voice as I introduced myself in front of fellow scholars. Making eye contact felt hard, especially after going through so many transitions. But slowly, through GOD's grace and the support of UNFI and CCF, I joined a discipleship group again, submitted to my authorities, and grew in courage and compassion. Now I can look in everyone’s eyes and testify that it was GOD and it’s GOD all along that carried me throughout. And HE will be faithful to all of my fellow scholars too! Because HE remains faithful and HE cannot deny Himself.

With pride I can say I graduated with excellence, ready to serve as a Filipino teacher with the knowledge of wika and panitikan, as well as the love for our country—the Philippines. This, of course, would not be possible if the LORD had not sustained, if the LORD had not provided, if the LORD had not orchestrated all the ups and downs which ultimately led me to being molded, admonished, and disciplined as a scholar of UNFI and as a child of GOD: through UNFI’s discipline, vision, and trust in HIS Word.

Every meeting, we are reminded that the

“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.”

“Whether we eat or drink, or whatever we do, do it all for the glory of GOD.”

And I hold those truths close as I now enter this new season as a teacher.

To my fellow scholars, keep going. May you always witness GOD’s goodness and faithfulness in your studies, campuses, daily lives, relationships, campuses, and future professions. Let's continue to live as mga anak, kapatid, iskolar, at tagasunod ni KRISTO. 

Thank you po sa 8 years, UNMG and UNFI. Sa PANGINOON po talaga ang lahat ng papuri at pasasalamat!