We’d like you to meet Mariel, a 24-year-old scholar from Culion, Palawan, whose story is rooted in sacrifice, resilience, and hope. As the second of eight siblings, Mariel grew up in a family where both love and hardship were always present. Her mother is Tagbanua, her father is a farmer and fisherman, and like many families in rural communities, they worked hard but still struggled to support all of their children, especially when it came to education.

From a young age, Mariel dreamed of finishing school alongside her older brother so they could one day help support their younger siblings. But during senior high school, when the family faced financial crisis, her brother made the painful decision to stop his own studies so Mariel could continue hers. That sacrifice left a deep mark on her and strengthened her determination to keep moving forward.

She dreams of a day when the youth of Culion, especially Indigenous youth, can rise above poverty through education, lead with confidence, and give back to their communities.

Mariel is now on her first year in nursing school and with your help, she can continue her educational journey and move closer to the future she hopes to help build.

Sponsor Mariel today—and help invest in a future where education empowers Indigenous youth to rise, lead, and give back to their communities.