To have witnessed his family struggle financially and flee from one place to another because of unstable peace and order while growing up was never easy for Muhidin Kadilon.
But these didn’t stop Muhidin, 21, to excel academically.
He graduated with honors in high school, a dean’s lister every now and then at the Cotabato State University (CSU), he is now on his senior year in Bachelor of Science (BS) in Civil Engineering Major in Construction Management.
“We were evacuees back then. Originally, we’re from Datu Piang in Maguindanao del Sur. But because of conflict, we had to leave the town,” Muhidin recalled.
Muhidin revealed that it was a ridó or clan war that his family got involved in that pushed them to leave the municipality of Datu Piang sometime in 2006.
“I was very young back then, maybe four years old. We had to leave to ensure our safety. We also had to sell our landholdings because it seemed like we were going bankrupt during those times,” he said.
But it wasn’t only the conflicts that drove them away; Datu Piang is prone to flooding, which hastened their decision to leave. From Datu Piang, the Kadilon family went to the municipality of Sultan Kudarat in Maguindanao del Norte. Here they stayed for several years.
Their family was trying to recuperate from the financial damage that they had to endure. But life did not go easy for them again this time.
“Our life in this new place wasn’t as smooth either. Going to school was not easy as well. We had to walk several kilometers from our house going to school. We walked every day. It was hard,” he shared.
After spending several years in Sultan Kudarat town, his family eventually relocated to Cotabato City in 2010, and Muhidin entered the Cotabato City National High School. The Kadilons have stayed in the city for good.
His mother, a dedicated housewife, balances the responsibilities of home life, while his father works as a security guard. Despite their hard work, their earnings remain at a bare minimum, hardly enough to feed eight children. (Muhidin is the seventh.)
Because of his academic performance, Muhidin got into the Notre Dame University, a private academic institution, for his senior high school.
“When I was in senior high school, I told my mom that I planned to continue to study at Notre Dame for college because I was half-scholar anyway. But still, it wasn’t pushed through because we were still financially struggling,” Muhidin narrated.
Muhidin recounted one of his challenging years in high school where he had to endure not only the financial difficultires but also the ill manners of some people around him.
“I experienced bullying because I was selling food to help make both ends meet. However, I did not harbor any grudges; instead, I used that as my inspiration to strive harder,” he said.
When asked about his inspiration in life, he responded: “My very first inspiration is truly my family. We’re not wealthy. I cannot promise, but I will do my best to provide a better life for them,” Muhidin said.
He is now a graduating civil engineering student who strives hard to finish the degree. He shared that since high school, he was convinced he will be taking up a college degree that is aligned with science and technology.
As he was choosing the school where he will take up engineering, he tried his luck in applying for various scholarship programs in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM). Luckily, he passed all the examinations.
After careful consideration and discussions with his mother, Muhidin made the thoughtful decision to opt for the Bangsamoro Assistance for Science Education (BASE) scholarship program offered by the BARMM Government’s Ministry of Science and Technology (MOST).
This initiative aims to inspire and encourage the Bangsamoro youth to embark on lifelong and fruitful careers in science and technology. It also seeks to guarantee a consistent and ample pool of qualified human resources in the field of science and technology, steering the region towards development and economic progress.
Engr. Aida Silongan, MOST Minister, said in a statement that the program intends to cater to students who are pursuing highly specialized courses that are helpful for the Bangsamoro.
“These courses attempt to combat economic challenges that will uplift the living conditions in the region, In Sha Allah,” Silongan said.
Senior high school students who completed the exam are enrolled in either science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) strands or Non-STEM strands, provided they are in the top five percent of their graduating class. All qualifying recipients will be granted a monthly cash assistance of P8,000.
Muhidin was among the first batch of beneficiaries of the said program. His first allowance greatly helped in his studies.
Because the newly installed BARMM Government was still grappling with the bureaucracy, the release of the scholars’ allowance was delayed. In Muhidin’s case, he received a few months’ worth of allowance, a total fo P40,000. “I immediately used it to buy a laptop and other necessities for school,” he said.
“Since I became a scholar of BARMM, specifically under MOST, it has become more manageable for my family, especially for my parents. Providing for my needs is no longer burdensome because the allowance now covers it,” he recalled.
According to Muhidin, his mother often told him, “I am very grateful to Allah because you no longer have to worry about your studies,” acknowledging the assistance of the MOST to her son.
“For me, MOST has the best scholarship program because they really release our allowance on time,” Muhidin said, noting MOST’s struggle at first, but became proficient after the initial hiccups. “As long as you have no failing grades, they genuinely support you,” he added.
When asked about his plans after graduation, he shared his desire to achieve different goals. He wants to go into research, especially in engineering. He aims to pursue further education, like a master’s degree in renewable energy to help explore renewable resources in the Bangsamoro region.
“I want to dream not only for myself but also for the people—the Bangsamoro people. That’s why, as early as now, I am developing my skills. The Bangsamoro people are one of my inspirations,” Muhidin stressed.
Muhidin is carrying the lessons that life has taught him. These lessons serve as the foundation of his character, shaping his perspective and influencing the choices he makes.
“For me, being smart is not enough. I believe my core values are perseverance, patience, and gratitude. Isn’t it true that ‘hard work beats talent?’” he pointed out.
For him, pursuing one’s dreams would require not only the mind but the heart, too, and dedication to achieve one’s goal. And that one should invest in education as it can never be stolen, unlike tangible materials.
Lastly, Muhidin highlighted how the coming in of the BARMM has shed light and given hope to the people.
“I am hopeful that the lives of the Bangsamoro will improve. Because of BARMM, opportunities have opened up, and it feels like we are being heard—our struggles and those of other people. So, I feel there is hope,” Muhidin said.
[Aisah S. Abas is presently affiliated with the Office of the Chief Minister’s Bangsamoro Information Office (BIO) as an information officer. She leads the Print Section of the office, primarily functioning as the supervising editor. Additionally, she holds the position of Editor-in-Chief for Merdeka, the official newsletter publication of BIO. This article is supported by the Activate Bangsamoro project of The Asia Foundation with grant from the UK Government.]
