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He never thought he would still achieve his dream to have a degree in college because of

Poverty until one day, he was called to come home from his work in benguet as

Vegetable packer in a trading post as there is a good apportunity awaiting him in his town-an scholarship grant under the president Diosdado Macapagal Agrarian Scholarship Program of DAR.

Roderick N.Revilloza of Barangay Sta. Cruz ARC, San Manuel Isabela is a son of seasonal farmer. His parents meet both ends by planting and selling vegetables in their neighborhood. The eldest in the brood of three, Roderick needs to help. At a very young age, he was thought farming activities. He joined his parents in the field. With determinations and courage to have a better future ,Roderick at left his home with the permission of his parents and stayed with his relative-Aunt, work as an errand including household chores from cleaning to washing of clothes until he finished his high school.

Going to college was he impossible. There was no more chance for him to go as his Aunt has a growing family, a mere government employee and with extra income in farming but that was not enough for sending one to college. Dismayed but understands the situation they have, Roderick has no choice but to look for a job. After so many tries, he landed to a trading port in benguet as packer of vegetables, and that was June when classes were already starting.

For a week, he was already adjusting and enjoying with his job in benguet, until one day received a text message from his Aunt to come home. He was surprised to hear that he will going to college but does not know how it could be.

Back home, his mother and Aunt were busy accomplishing all the requirements needed by MARO Claudio Rivera OF DAR San Manuel who nominated Roderick for the scholarship and just on time for the deadline set by the PDMASP Coordinator Rosemarie P. Guzman for last time, everything was met.

Upon arrival, Aunt explained to him that he was qualified for a scholarship grant of DAR. Roderick immediately proceed to the Isabela State University, Roxas Campus to enroll although he was already late as classes has already started for two weeks. The only

Course opened for enrollees was the Bachelor of Science in fisheries, a pioneer course in that University. At the back of his mind, whatever course he will take is not important as long as will finish college.

His life as scholar of PDMASP is not easy. He had to barrow money from relatives and family's friends for his daily allowances and needs for school as the stipend and tuition fee provided by the PDMASP was given late or released only after the semester. With only 50 pesos a day in his pocket for fare and food, he had to sacrifice for snacks. He does not have time for ay extra curricular activities as a normal teenager do.

Instead, he studied hard and surpasses all the sacrifices. Unknowingly, he is making good and excellent in his subjects compared to when he was in primary and secondary school, he was just an average student. In his final years in college, he had to undergo on-the-job training in one of the big fishponds here in Isabela owned by a Congressman and proceeded in Pangasinan for his thesis with a working title "Masculinization by egg exposure of nile Tilapia using hormone dosages (17 a methyl testosterone) at different immersion times".

In April 2007, from the original class of 14 students in the course he enrolled in, he was the only student who graduated and recognized as Cum Laude. He could not believe how life has been good to him. He said, DAR is a big instrument in achieving his dream, a dream that he thought would not happen anymore. Teary eyed during the interview but happiness is seen in his eyes so with his mother and relatives. Words cannot express how thankful they were, for the scholarship and to the people of DAR who worked hard just to send deserving students to college.

He was recognized in DAR Central Office and Regional Office in 2007, during the 19th CARP Anniversary for graduating Cum Laude.

To Roderick, he is just starting a new segment in his life, seeing a better future ahead. Year 2008 seems a lucky year too, for he was called to work with the Bureau of Fisheries ands Aquatic Resources in San Mateo, Isabela.