“Finding a Purpose”

From the highlands of Kiangan, Ifugao is a girl, who at a young age, opted to study at the respectful institution of the University of the Philippines, Los Banos. Her dream started during her younger years when she’d always spend her summer vacation at her aunt’s house in Los Banos. To maximize her vacation time, she loved to bike around the perimeters of UPLB, sit at the benches while enjoying the scenery and take pictures of her summer escapades in the university. Mesmerized by the rich vegetation surrounding the university which reminded her of her hometown, she told herself that it was the perfect school for her to study and be able to reach her aspirations. Then, the time has come for her to pursue her dreams; she took the UPCAT and thank God she was able to pass.

It was a dream come true! She was finally going to leave her beloved hometown and study at UPLB. Thinking about it made her nervous yet delighted with the given opportunity. She needed to get used to her new home. Thus, she came to Los Banos one month before the first day of classes. Since the academic year hasn’t started yet, she spent her time wisely working as a medical secretary at her aunt’s clinic, who was an Obstetrician-Gynecologist. While working as a secretary, she encountered health issues that people not far from her age are experiencing. However, one particular issue caught her attention; the rising cases of STIs. Coming from a conservative community, she wasn’t exposed to these kinds of issues. She wasn’t sure if it was because STI cases are not common in her hometown or it was because these kinds of issues are discussed behind closed doors. Maybe even worse, because these issues are not addressed in her community which is what she didn’t want to happen.

She is Cherry Marie N. Baguilat, a proud Iska taking up BS Development Communication which she believes is a degree that can help her in reaching her aspirations; one of it is her goal of raising awareness regarding STIs among her fellow youth. To help promote Reproductive Health and be able to fully exercise being an “Iskolar ng Bayan, Para sa Bayan.”