What was once a dream nearly set aside because of financial hardship has turned into a story of perseverance and achievement for a fisherfolk’s daughter from San Agustin, Romblon.
Julie Ann Mores, a beneficiary of the Fisheries Scholarship Program (FSP) of the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) MIMAROPA, recently graduated cum laude from the Bachelor of Science in Fisheries program of Romblon State University (RSU).
Mores, who hails from Mahabang Baybay in San Agustin, said she initially had plans to take up Accountancy in college. However, the financial difficulties brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic forced her family to reconsider their priorities.
“Nagkaroon po kami ng financial difficulty sa family. Sinabihan po ako ng parents ko na kung itutuloy ko po ang una kong gustong kurso, kailangan ko pong mag-stop muna para mauna ang kapatid ko na nasa kolehiyo na noon,” Mores recalled in an interview with the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) Romblon.
Determined to continue her studies, Mores searched for other opportunities and learned about BFAR’s Fisheries Scholarship Program for children of registered fisherfolk.
“Sinabihan po ako na ang magiging paraan ko para makapagpatuloy sa college ay mag-apply sa Fisheries Scholarship Program dahil registered fisher po ang tatay ko. Ginrab ko po ang opportunity na iyon kasi ayoko pong mag-stop,” she said.
Under the scholarship, Mores received a monthly stipend of P5,000 along with other educational assistance such as book allowances. The financial support enabled her to focus on her studies and complete her degree despite economic challenges.
“At first, hindi ko po masyadong tanggap ang Fisheries bilang kurso. Pero habang tumatagal, nakita ko po ang mga oportunidad na mayroon dito. Gusto ko ring mabago ang pananaw ng ibang tao na ang Fisheries ay para lamang sa pangingisda. Marami pong oportunidad sa larangang ito,” she said.
Her hard work and dedication paid off when she graduated with Latin honors this June. As part of the scholarship incentives, she also received a P20,000 cash reward for earning the distinction.
Mores said she plans to use the incentive to support her preparations for the Fisheries Licensure Examination through online review classes.
The scholarship program has become a source of hope not only for Julie Ann but also for her family. Her older brother, also a fisheries graduate, is now working with BFAR, while their youngest sibling is likewise pursuing a Fisheries degree as a BFAR scholar.
Looking back on her journey, Mores expressed gratitude to the government and BFAR MIMAROPA for helping her reach her goals.
“Gustong-gusto ko pong magpasalamat sa kanila. Kung hindi dahil sa tulong ng scholarship, lalo na ng BFAR MIMAROPA, baka hindi po ako nakapagtapos. Napakalaking impact po ng tulong na iyon sa buhay ko. Baka matagal na po akong nag-stop kung hindi ako nakapasa sa scholarship,” she said.
For Mores, the Fisheries Scholarship Program helped her continue her studies and overcome the challenges her family faced.
Through programs such as the FSP, the government continues to invest in the education of fisherfolk families, empowering young Filipinos to pursue their dreams and contribute to the development of the fisheries sector.
