MANILA, Philippines – Life is full of challenges. But these problems are not enough for keep one from achieving one’s dreams. This is what this year’s ABAKADamayan topnotcher Dionisio Aclo discovered.
Aclo, 24, was raised by his grandmother. Growing up, he was told that his mother worked in Israel. Unknown to the young Aclo, his family was keeping a secret from him. His aunt, who also took care of him, was his real mother.
Aclo said he discovered the truth when his grandmother finally told him the truth when he was in second year high school. It was because of this that he lost interest in his studies.
With the passing of time, Aclo’s wounds healed. After 10 years, Aclo finally saw his mother again after she moved to Samar to marry another man. He said that he no longer harbors any resentment towards her even if to this day he has yet to know his real father.
It was at this time that he saw the advertisement for ABAKADamayan. After being rejected by the Dep-Ed program and finding his authenticated birth certificate, Aclo decided to enroll in the program.
“Gusto ko mag-college (I want to go to college),” he said, when asked why he decided to go back to school. “Naghahanap kasi ako ng mga challenges. Parang may kulang sa akin kung ‘di ako mag-aaral (I look for challenges in my life. I will feel incomplete if I will not finish college).”
Now working as an Internet marketer, Aclo said the lessons he learned during his stint in the program included respect for others, gender equality and real friendship. He also pointed out the importance of a good mentor and that one must be a quick-thinker. He gave credit to his grandmother, who later on succumbed to cancer, as one of those who made him who he is today.
His advice to those who are going through trials: “Once you think you are down, you will really feel down. Open your mind, not only your eyes.”
He may have gone through a rough path, but for Dionisio Aclo, being first honor in this year’s batch of ABAKADAmayan students shows that with perseverance, one can overcome any trials.