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May 4, 2026 - 1 minute read
By: Jairha Anne Torralba Sususco TA-I, EESD At 54, Divina B. Margallo proved that dreams do not have an expiration date. A proud native of Manolo Fortich, Bukidnon, now residing in Cabadbaran, Divinaโs life had long been centered on her family. Like many mothers, she placed he...
By: Jairha Anne Torralba Sususco
TA-I, EESD
At 54, Divina B. Margallo proved that dreams do not have an expiration date.
A proud native of Manolo Fortich, Bukidnon, now residing in Cabadbaran, Divinaโs life had long been centered on her family. Like many mothers, she placed her childrenโs needs above her own, working tirelessly to ensure they could go to school and build better futures. There was a time when her own education had to be set asideโsacrificed so her children could continue theirs. Despite this, she never let go of her quiet dream of finishing her studies.
Years passed, and Divina watched her children grow and pursue their own ambitions. Inspired by their journey, she finally found the courage to pursue hers. She enrolled as an ALS learner and committed herself fully to the opportunity she once thought had slipped away.
Returning to school was not easy. At her age, she faced challengesโadjusting to lessons, balancing responsibilities, and overcoming self-doubt. Yet Divina remained steadfast. With humility and perseverance, she embraced every lesson, proving that determination knows no age.
Her hard work paid off when she advanced to Senior High School under the Technical-Vocational-Livelihood (TVL) strand at Cabadbaran City National High School. There, she excelled and became an NC II passer in Bread and Pastry Production, a testament to her skill, dedication, and resilience.
In March 2026, Divina proudly marched on stage as a graduate. But her journey did not end there.
On May 1, 2026, she took another bold step toward her dreams by participating in the DOLE Caraga Nationwide Job Fair at Robinsons Butuan. As a fresh graduate and NC II holder, Divina faced new opportunities with the same courage that brought her back to schoolโhopeful of securing employment and beginning a new chapter in her life.
Divinaโs story is one of resilience, courage, and unwavering hope. From a mother who once set aside her dreams, she became a graduate who reclaimed themโand now, a job seeker ready to embrace new beginnings.
Her journey reminds us all: it is never too late to start again, to chase opportunities, and to turn long-held dreams into reality.