A 4Ps beneficiary’s journey toward a calling in the seminary

Testimony by Mart A. Mariano
Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy- Cum Laude

4Ps child beneficiary

SAN REMEGIO, (Pagtataguyod) Antique – I am Mart Arbado Mariano, born and raised in Barangay Cabunga-an, of this town, a place far from the city and far from comfort. Life in our barangay was never easy. To survive even a single day already felt like a blessing. I spent my elementary years at Cabunga-an Elementary School, where, despite the many challenges, I graduated as an honor student. But behind that achievement were days of hardship, no allowance, and no clear dreams for the future. My only simple hope was to graduate and take the next step forward.

When I reached high school, my parents enrolled me at St. Vincent’s High School of San Remigio, Inc., a Catholic institution in our town, to ensure that I would receive a quality education. Life was still difficult, as my allowance was very minimal, but I considered it both a struggle and a blessing.

During Grade 10, the parish offered me a scholarship. I immediately accepted not for my own benefit, but to ease the financial burden on my parents. Life as a scholar was never easy, but I embraced the challenge. The discipline, experiences, and struggles I faced during those years strengthened me and shaped my character, preparing me for the road ahead.

For Senior High School, I enrolled at St. Anthony’s College and became a seminarian at St. Peter’s Seminary. Financially, I had nothing and I knew my parents could not fully sustain my education. But God’s providence never failed me. He sent generous benefactors and sponsors who became His instruments in my life. I pursued my college studies at St. Anthony’s College, taking up a Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy. Philosophy was never an easy course. It demanded not only memory but also deep critical and logical thinking. At first, graduating with Latin honors was not even part of my dream. But in my third year I realized that I had maintained the grade average required for cum laude. That realization ignited a spark within me and I began to aim for it seriously.
Life in the seminary trained me to study diligently. I learned to read, reflect, and read again. There were nights I stayed up late, reading philosophical texts until I felt dizzy from the depth of the ideas. It was exhausting but I kept going. Alongside my studies, I prayed constantly. I asked God, “Please grant me this honor. If I become a cum laude, I will be the first in my family and in our barangay and I know it will make my parents proud.”

And God heard my prayer. After my final semester, I was called to the Dean’s office to fill out the form for academic awardee as cum laude. Tears silently rolled down my face as gratitude overwhelmed me. God never abandoned me. But this success is not mine alone. I could not have achieved it without the grace of our loving and merciful God, and without the support of my family, benefactors, sponsors, and the DSWD’s 4Ps program after our household became a beneficiary in 2023.

The 4Ps gave us hope, courage, and the chance to survive the hardships of life. After graduation, I made one of the hardest decisions of my life to pause my seminary formation in Theology. I chose to work first so I can help my family support my siblings in their studies and give back for all the sacrifices they have made for me. I believe this is also part of my mission: to serve my family in their needs.

So now, I am teaching both in Junior and Senior High School in St. Vincent High School of San Remigio, Inc. to help students, particularly 4Ps beneficiaries to reach their goals and dreams in life with God’s grace. Even as I take this path the call of God in my heart remains strong. My plan is to return to the seminary in God’s time carrying with me not only the lessons from my academic life but also the wisdom and experiences I will gain from the world of work. I trust that these will make me more prepared, more compassionate, and more grounded when I continue my journey in Theology toward the priesthood.

Looking back, my story is living proof that poverty is not a barrier to success. With faith in God, perseverance in life, and kindness to others, dreams can truly be achieved. I am who I am today not only because of my own effort but because of God’s grace and the generosity of people He sent into my life.

To DSWD and the 4Ps program, to my benefactors and sponsors, to my family, and above all, to God which I owe this victory – Thank you. (Submitted by Municipal Link Arnold C. Casaig of San Remegio, Antique POO)