Rabiya Mateo recalls struggle as a student; gives back to children in far-flung Cebu island

Nanariwa sa isipan ni Miss Universe Philippines 2020 Rabiya Mateo ang kanyang sitwasyon noong nasa elementarya pa lang siya.

Sa kanyang Instagram kahapon, February 1, ibinahagi ni Rabiya ang pagbisita niya sa isla ng Zaragosa, sa Badian, Cebu.

Ito ay bahagi ng kanyang aktibidad bilang Miss Universe Philippines 2020 titleholder at Ambassador for Education ng Miss Universe Philippines Organization (MUPO).

Pagbabahagi ni Rabiya, hindi niya makakalimutan noong bata pa siya na limang piso lamang ang kanyang baon, dalawa lang ang notebook niya para sa walong subjects, at isang pares lamang ng sapatos ang gamit niya mula Grade 4 hanggang Grade 6.

Lahad ng 24-year-old beauty queen, “When I was in elementary, I did not have much. I remember, I only had 5 pesos as my baon back then.

“I only had 2 notebooks for my 8 subjects. I used the same shoes from grade 4-6.

“I had no laptop, no internet access, and there were moments I even needed to go to my classmate’s house to borrow crayons and materials (thank you, @graciellalalooove).”

Pero hindi raw ito naging hadlang upang hindi siya magpursigi sa pag-aaral at abutin ang kanyang mga pangarap.

“Despite these limitations however, I was happy studying and doing my school work.

“I made a promise to myself that when I reach that point of success, I would give back.

“I want to share my story to those children who are experiencing the same hardships.

“I want to inspire and motivate them to achieve greater things in their lives.

“As your Ambassador for Education, my goal is to go to different schools all over the country and offer any help we can give.”

“THESE KIDS HAVE BIG DREAMS”

Ang bayan ng Badian ay halos tatlong oras ang layo mula sa siyudad ng Cebu.

Isa sa mga barangay dito ay ang Zaragosa Island.

Ang mga mag-aaral dito ay naglalakad ng halos isang oras marating lamang ang kanilang paaralan.

Kaya naman minabuti ni Rabiya at ng kanyang grupo na mamahagi ng school supplies at tsinelas sa mga mag-aaral doon na para sa kanya ay may matatayog na pangarap para sa kanilang kinabukasan.

Saad niya, “Zaragosa Integrated School is located Badian Island, 2-3 hours away from Cebu City.

“Many students need to walk 45 mins to an hour just to get there.

“These kids have big dreams for themselves and their families. You can see the drive to succeed in their eyes.”

Nagpasalamat naman siya sa mga nag-ambag ng mga kagamitang kanilang ipinamahagi sa mga deserving kids sa Zaragosa Island, Badian.

“Thank you to all the generous donors for making this possible.

“We were able to deliver 150 pairs of slippers and educational materials to these deserving children."

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A post shared by Rabiya Mateo (@rabiyamateo)

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