Every community becomes stronger when everyone is given the opportunity to learn, grow, and contribute.
For Rowena Miranda, a 47-year-old Aeta teacher from Marcos Village, Mabalacat City, Pampanga, this belief guides her work every day.
As a preschool teacher at the Family Care Center under the Roots to Shoots (RTS) Light program, Rowena helps young learners take their first steps in education. Beyond teaching letters, numbers, and values, she is helping children believe that their dreams matter and that they, too, can build a brighter future for themselves and their community.
Her story is one of opportunity, perseverance, and belonging.
Growing up in an indigenous community, Rowena was fortunate to receive scholarship support from high school through college. The opportunity transformed her life and inspired her to pursue a career in education. Having experienced firsthand how education can open doors, she wanted other children in her community to know that their aspirations are within reach.
Today, she has come full circle.
In December 2025, Rowena passed the Licensure Examination for Teachers, a milestone that marked the fulfillment of a long-held dream. Yet despite the opportunities that came with becoming a licensed teacher, she chose to remain in her community and continue serving the children of Marcos Village.
For Rowena, success is not about leaving her roots behind. It is about helping others grow alongside her.
For the past two years, she has served not only as a teacher but also as a volunteer for RTS Light. She actively supports feeding activities, gardening trainings, and other community initiatives that help improve the well-being of families in the area. She also enjoys gardening in her free time, a skill she learned from her parents, who are both farmers.
She sees Pilipinas Shell Foundation, Inc. (PSFI) and Thaison Builder and Developers, Inc. (TBDI) as partners that have helped create meaningful opportunities for caregivers, children, and families in her community. Through the program, she has witnessed how access to education, nutrition, and community support can empower people to become active participants in their own development.
More importantly, she hopes to become an example for other indigenous youth who may be wondering whether their dreams are possible.
“Yung service ko po, gusto ko talaga i-render sa mga kapwa ko katutubo, lalo na sa mga bata kase yung foundation ng education nagsisimula sa preschool.”
Among the most fulfilling parts of her work is seeing her former students excel after leaving preschool.
“Nakikita namin na ang former students namin na ginagalingan sa elementary school. May parents na lumalapit at sinasabing nakakuha ng award yung anak nila at nagpapasalamat sila.”
These moments remind her why she chose to become a teacher. Hearing stories of her students’ achievements and receiving words of gratitude from parents continue to inspire her to do her best every day.
She knows that the lessons children learn in their earliest years can shape the rest of their lives.
When asked what message she would like to share with members of her community, Rowena offers words of encouragement drawn from her own experiences.
“Magpatuloy lang sila kase lahat naman tayo nakakaranas ng mga pagsubok… Lilipas din ang mga problema at may victory sa huli.”
As one of the few Aetas in her community who had the opportunity to pursue higher education, Rowena hopes more indigenous children will be given the same chance to learn, dream, and succeed. She believes that every child deserves access to opportunities regardless of their background or circumstances.
She also expressed her gratitude to PSFI and TBDI for supporting the RTS Light program. For her, the initiative has provided valuable lessons on nutrition and food security while creating opportunities for community members to contribute and make a difference in the lives of others.
As PSFI celebrates Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion this June, Rowena’s story reminds us that diversity goes beyond our differences. It is about creating opportunities for every person, regardless of background, ethnicity, or circumstance, to participate, belong, and thrive.
Makulay dahil bahagi si Rowena. Makulay dahil bahagi ang kanyang komunidad. Sapagkat ang tunay na pag-unlad ay nangyayari kapag bawat isa ay may lugar, may boses, at may pagkakataong maging bahagi ng pagbabago.
