21/05/2026
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From crossing four rivers for education to becoming a Top 2026 LET passer
Testimony by Salvacion S. Sanquillos
Top 6, 2026 LET
Former 4Ps monitored child
TOBIAS FORNIER, Antique β I am Salvacion S. Sanquilos, a former monitored child of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps). My story is more than a story of academic success, it is a testimony of faith, sacrifice, resilience, and hope.
From a childhood shaped by poverty and countless struggles, I rose above every obstacle and eventually topped the 2026 Licensure Examination for Professional Teachers (LEPT), bringing pride not only to my family, but also to my community, fellow dreamers, and every child who once questioned if poverty could ever allow them to succeed.
Born into a family of nine, I grew up witnessing the harsh realities of poverty at an early age. My parents woke up before dawn every single day to work on the farm, relying solely on farming to sustain the needs of our large family. There were nights when my parents quarreled because of financial struggles, not because love was absent, but because the burden of providing for seven children became overwhelming. Yet despite everything, they never stopped believing that education would become the key to changing our future.
For more than ten years, the 4Ps became one of our familyβs greatest sources of support. Though the assistance was modest, it helped us continue studying, sustain daily necessities, and survive seasons when life felt unbearably difficult. For me, 4Ps became more than a government program, it became a symbol of hope for families silently fighting poverty every day.
During my elementary years, life revolved around sacrifices. My siblings and I carefully divided every meal to make sure everyone had something to eat. Opening of classes did not mean new bags, notebooks, or school supplies. Often, I went to school without a single peso for allowance. Everyday, I crossed four rivers and endured thunderstorms just to attend classes because I already understood at a young age that education was the only path that could change my future.
Unlike others, we had no wealthy relatives who could help us financially. Only my parents tirelessly worked to provide whatever they could. There were moments when I envied children who easily received the things they wanted, while I learned how to survive with less. But instead of allowing hardship to destroy my dreams, I used it as fuel to strive harder. Despite the struggles, I graduated as valedictorian.
My high school years became even more challenging. Every day, I walked more or less five kilometers from home to school. I left home before sunrise and returned late at night carrying exhaustion along with my dreams. To help my family, I sold corn despite my frail body carrying loads heavier than myself. There were days when I had no money for projects, miscellaneous fees, or school requirements. Rather than surrendering to shame, I accepted small payments from classmates in exchange for making their projects and academic works. Throughout those years, the assistance from 4Ps remained one of the few steady supports helping me continue my education. Despite all the hardships, I graduated with high honors, carrying not only medals, but also the silent sacrifices behind every achievement.
As I grew older, my passion for teaching became clearer. Witnessing children experience the same struggles I once endured deeply moved my heart. I understood how poverty affects a childβs confidence, dreams, and opportunities. Because of this, I chose to pursue Bachelor of Early Childhood Education, believing that teaching young children goes beyond academics, it shapes confidence, hope, character, and future possibilities.
For me, teaching was never simply a profession. It was a mission rooted in compassion and lived experience. I dreamed of becoming the kind of teacher who sees beyond grades, the teacher who understands children carrying silent struggles behind worn-out uniforms, tired eyes, and empty pockets. I wanted every child experiencing hardship to feel seen, valued, and inspired to continue dreaming.
College became another difficult chapter in my journey. During the pandemic, online learning became a painful challenge because I had no gadgets, no stable internet connection, and sometimes no load to attend classes. To support myself, I worked in a tutorial center while studying. I endured sleepless nights, exhaustion, and countless uncertainties, but I refused to let my struggles stop my dreams. Despite every obstacle, I graduated as Cum Laude, bringing honor to my family and proving that poverty could never define my potential.
My greatest battle came during the review season for the Licensure Examination for Professional Teachers. I juggled work and review while continuously facing financial struggles. I availed myself of a 50% discount in the review center and maximized every free learning material available on social media platforms to strengthen my preparation.
There were nights filled with tears, exhaustion, and thoughts of giving up because of overwhelming pressure and financial difficulties. Yet every recognition I received during the review season reignited my dream of becoming a topnotcher. Each achievement became a reminder that all my sacrifices and prayers were leading somewhere meaningful.
Through perseverance, faith, sacrifice, and the unwavering support of my family, teachers, universities, and the 4Ps for more than a decade, I eventually topped the LEPT, a victory that brought immense pride, honor, and inspiration to countless people who witnessed my journey. /written by Salvacion S. Sanquilos/mle.
