BAGGAO, Cagayan — Two sisters from the Agta (Ayta or Aeta) indigenous community in Cagayan have captured the hearts of netizens after overcoming poverty, distance, and self-doubt to finally earn their college degrees.
Gerly Ballad, 27, and her younger sister Emely, 24, graduated on May 23 from Saint Joseph College of Baggao. Gerly earned her degree in Education, while Emely completed her studies in Information Technology. Their story has gone viral, with many netizens commending the sisters’ unwavering determination and deep love for family.
 |
| The siblings during their graduation, accompanied by their parents who wore tribal clothes. Photo credit: Emely Ballad |
What made their graduation more remarkable was the journey that led them there. The two are the third and fourth children in a family of seven, and stepping out of their Agta community to attend school meant navigating both cultural and financial challenges.
Gerly admitted she once considered giving up her studies entirely after elementary school. Her mother cried upon hearing her decision, and Gerly hid for three days. But with the help of Fr. Dave Remudaro (of Saint Joseph College of Baggao), who supported her as a scholar, Gerly slowly found her way back and eventually completed her degree.
Meanwhile, Emely never stopped attending school, despite moving from one town to another. She studied at Baggao National Agricultural School (BNAS) Annex, then Aparri, Iguig, and finally BNAS Main before completing college in Baggao.
“Mahirap mangarap, lalo na kung wala ka. Kailangan mong magsakripisyo, maghintay, at magsumikap nang husto para lang maabot ang mga inaasam mo sa buhay,” Emely wrote in a heartfelt post on Facebook.
“Naalala ko noong high school ako—maswerte na ako kung makatulog ako ng isang oras o dalawang oras.”
She described being a working student since her first year of high school, often lucky to get even two hours of sleep.
Her post, which has since gone viral, also expressed deep gratitude to the people who helped her along the way. She paid tribute to the people who helped her throughout her journey, including Chinie Bangayan, who supported her financially and emotionally.
“Hindi ko mararating ang tagumpay na ito kung wala ka,” Emely said, recalling times when she couldn’t afford tuition and Bangayan would always say, “Ako’ng bahala sayo.”
She also thanked Fr. Dave for introducing her to Bangayan, as well as her teachers and mentors from various schools who kept urging her to continue.
The sisters’ parents, wearing traditional Agta clothing, proudly accompanied them at the ceremony. They served not just as witnesses but also as symbols of the family's resilience.
Gerly recalled how people once mocked them, but those insults only fueled their resolve to succeed.
In an era where instant gratification often overshadows long-term commitment, the story of Gerly and Emely Ballad is a powerful reminder of what perseverance, family support, and faith in one’s dreams can achieve.
As they now step into the next chapter of their lives, their story serves as both an inspiration and a challenge—to believe that no dream is too distant when chased with courage and heart.
— Joy Adalia, The Summit Express