“Ako ang tatapos sa kahirapan ng aming pamilya,” a popular Filipino phrase on social media, is more than just a trend for Bryan Soriano from Monreal, Masbate. For him, it represents a powerful source of inspiration to persevere with his studies despite financial challenges. It’s a goal he is determined to achieve.

Bryan has been a consistent beneficiary of educational assistance from the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Bicol through its Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation (AICS) program. He has received this support from his first year of college through his fourth year.

On August 31, 2024, Bryan proudly graduates with a Bachelor of Science in Criminology.

𝗕𝗮𝗿𝗿𝗶𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝗕𝗲𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗚𝗼𝗮𝗹

Bryan’s college journey was never easy. With nothing but dreams and hope, he aspired to join law enforcement agencies, knowing that completing his studies was essential to achieving this goal.

He was well aware of the obstacles he needed to overcome.

Looking back, Bryan reflects on the many struggles that almost made him give up—worries about surviving college life, finding money for tuition fees and allowances. “There were times I went to school without eating, worrying about where to borrow money for tuition, how to pay for my boarding house, and school projects. I would cry every night,” Bryan shared.

The challenges extended to his household, where he faced the tough choice of either continuing his education or quitting to work and support his parents. “It’s extremely hard to be poor, like when we had to borrow rice from the store just to make porridge to feed us siblings,” he added.

𝗔 𝗚𝗹𝗶𝗺𝗽𝘀𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝗛𝗼𝗽𝗲

In 2022, as Bryan was about to give up his sophomore year, he received a message that brought a glimmer of hope. It notified him of the scheduled payout for AICS educational assistance. This message rekindled his hope and renewed his belief that his efforts would eventually pay off.

Each academic year, Bryan made sure to apply for AICS educational assistance. Due to his economic status, he received Php 10,000 each year, a significant help that alleviated his difficulties and motivated him further to invest in his education.

𝗦𝗼𝘂𝗿𝗰𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝗦𝘁𝗿𝗲𝗻𝗴𝘁𝗵

Bryan grew up knowing he wasn’t born into wealth. His 56-year-old mother, Enieta Soriano, worked three jobs—laundrywoman, fish vendor, and church sweeper—to support the family, while his father, Jaime, a fisherman, worked hard at 62. Although not wealthy, Bryan witnessed their relentless efforts to provide for them.

As the sixth of nine siblings and the first in the family to earn a degree, Bryan’s older siblings did not graduate, and two younger siblings who finished senior high school had to stop due to financial constraints.

His family has been a driving force behind his determination.

𝗚𝗼𝗮𝗹 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗡𝗲𝘅𝘁 𝗦𝘁𝗲𝗽

Bryan sees education as the key to success. Graduating is not his final goal but a step toward his ultimate aim—to support his siblings in their education. “My main goal is to help my two siblings who are about to enter college,” Bryan said. He is committed to breaking the cycle of poverty in his family.

Bryan believes his story is a testament and living proof that can inspire not only his siblings but also other students facing financial difficulties.

“To those struggling, don’t give up no matter how hard it gets. Yes, it’s tough, but if you have dreams, never give up. Always remember why you strive and be patient; it will pay off. And never forget to rely on God, as He is the number one helper,” Bryan conveyed.

𝗔 𝗧𝗼𝗿𝗰𝗵 𝗼𝗳 𝗛𝗼𝗽𝗲

The college journey is challenging for those with only dreams and hope, but with the support of programs like DSWD-AICS, the vulnerable, marginalized, and students in crisis can see their dreams become a reality.