An Answered Prayer: SMI Scholar triumphs life's hardship through prayer, determination

Tampakan, South Cotabato - For 24-year-old Raida G. Castroverde, passing the licensure board exam is not just a dream come true but a testament that God answers prayer.

Raida, a member of the Blaan tribe in Barangay Pula Bato in Tampakan, South Cotabato is one of the successful scholars of Sagittarius Mines, Inc. (SMI) who passed the recent 2024 Social Worker Licensure Exam.

"Actually, 2023 pa ako nag-graduate, pero ngayong taon lang ako nag-take ng exam kasi sa financial, walang pambayad, at ngayon lang nagkaroon ng oportunidad para makakuha ng exam," Raida shared.

The youngest among the 12 siblings, Raida said she grew up without the presence of their parents. But, despite all the struggles, she never lost her hopes and determination to survive for the sake of her future.

"Labin dalawa kaming magkakapatid, pero ang dalawa sa amin, namatay na at wala na rin kaming mga magulang. Iyong iba kong mga kapatid, may mga asawa na rin sila at ako ang bunso,” she said.

“Wala akong pagduda na malalagpasan ko ang lahat ng pagsubok, dahil naniniwala ako na mayroon tayong Panginoon. That He will provide. Marami Siyang ginagamit, katulad ng SMI," Raida added.

Through the help of SMI Scholarship Program, Raida was able to meet her basic educational needs, from school supplies to books and food. She even had the opportunity to share her allowance to her siblings.

Under its community development programs, SMI provides for financial aid to talented and deserving students and provided various projects and activities that are aimed at advancing the socio–economic, health and educational conditions of the communities where the Tampakan Copper-Gold Project is located.

"Malaking tulong talaga ang SMI scholarship, hindi lang sa akin, kundi sa maraming mga scholars ng SMI. Lalo na para sa aming mga mahihirap, malaking tulong talaga ang assistance mula sa SMI," she added.

Raida said the hardship she experiences in life inspired her to take Bachelor of Science in Social Work in order to help her family and her community.

"Dahil naranasan ko rin ang hirap ng buhay, gusto ko na ako mismo makatulong din sa aking kapwa. And alam  ko na maligaya na ang aking mga magulang,  na heto ako, naka-graduate ako, board passer pa. Siyempre ako ang bunso nila!," Raida proudly said. (30)