06/04/2026
From Batang Menteryo to Civil Engineer Graduate: The Journey of Sacrifice and Perseverance
In the quiet corners of La Filipina, Tagum City, where hardship often overshadows hope, a young boy once called himself a Batang Menteryo. Growing up near the public cemetery, Mike Redira Abellana carried dreams bigger than his surroundings.
Today, that boy has crossed a milestoneโgraduating with a degree in Civil Engineering. His journey is not just a story of survival, but a living proof of how determination and faith can transform humble beginnings into remarkable achievements.
Mikeโs educational path began at La Filipina Elementary School (2014โ2015) and continued at La Filipina National High School (2018โ2019). These public schools became the foundation of his resilience. While classmates enjoyed carefree days, Mike workedโcleaning tiles, painting walls, and enduring the heat of the sun. Each task was not just a way to earn, but a lesson in perseverance.
College life tested him even more. His days became a relentless cycle of studyโworkโstudy, with nights spent as a McDonaldโs crew member, sometimes ending at 2 a.m. before rushing back to class. To support himself, he juggled countless jobs: fire dancer, on-call waiter, delivery boy, computer clerk, mason helper, hollow block maker, field merchandiser, encoder, and more.
There were nights when exhaustion brought him to tears, but he never surrendered. Every sacrifice became fuel for his dream of becoming an engineer.
Through it all, Mike leaned on the unwavering support of his familyโhis Mama, Papa, titos, titas, kuyas, ates, lolo, and lola. He also found strength in the kindness of friends like Yuribeth Shanelle (2nd mother) who stood by him despite not being related by blood. Above all, his faith anchored him, holding on to the verse: โI can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.โ
Today, Mike proudly carries the title Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering, Major in Structural Engineering (C210400). His tears are no longer of exhaustion but of joy, as he celebrates not only his graduation but the journey that shaped him.
To his younger self, he whispered: โWe made it.โ
And to every batang menteryo still dreaming, he declares: โKaya ninyo pudโ (You can do it, too). This is just the beginning.โ
Mikeโs story is more than a personal achievementโit is a living proof of resilience, a reminder that success is not about where you start, but how fiercely you choose to continue.