Rusty Quintana

Senate Bill No. 705: Scholarship for the Poor Act

Rusty Quintana grew up as a street child in Cagayan De Oro, and was unable to finish elementary and high school, instead finishing his basic education through the Alternative Learning System (ALS) Program of the Department of Education. Through his hard work, perseverance and talents. Rusty obtained a scholarship at the prestigious Xavier University and obtained his degree last year.

Rusty represents the many Filipino students who despite their talent, intelligence and determination, are unable to pursue higher education due to a lack of funds.

This bill proposes that all colleges and universities be mandated to provide scholarships to at least 5% of their total student population who are unable to afford secondary education but are deserving of the support.

In this way, post-secondary education in any institution can be made accessible to all students regardless of their financial situation.

By enacting this bill, our nation will uphold Article XIV, Section 1 of the Constitution which provides that the State “protect and promote the right of all citizens to quality education” and “take appropriate steps to make education accessible to all.”

This mandate will serve as an incentive for low-income families and students to strive for excellence in their studies, having a viable pathway to an excellent postsecondary education in any college institution. Filipinos across the nation will be empowered by this legislation which will ultimately serve as a key to rising out of poverty.

In view of the foregoing, the passage of this bill is earnestly sought.

PDFicon DOWNLOAD SBN 705

From street child to Atenean: The story of Rusty

 

 

CLASSMATES. Rusty graduated from Xavier University- Ateneo de Cagayan with a bachelor’s degree in Development Communication. Rusty was a former street kid who, with sheer determination, was able to get off the street. All photos by Bobby Lagsa

 

Here is a story of how a street child, exposed to drugs and crime at a young age, went against all odds and graduated from Ateneo

 

CAGAYAN DE ORO, Philippines – In late 2009, 20-year-old Rusty Quintana lined up at a classroom in Xavier University – Ateneo de Cagayan for a shot at one of the scholarship grants that the university offered.

Though unsure that he would get a chance of entering his dream university, he queued up anyway.

Rechelle Tolinero, a faculty of the Development Communication Department at XU, said that she first met Rusty on that day for an interview for a scholarship grant. “We knew right there that he was different, that there was something about him,” Tolinero said.

Rusty was wearing his best clothes that day – though his best was an almost tattered shirt and faded pants. He did not cut his hair for a while and his thick kinky hair stood out.

A native of the Agusan river in Barangay Florida in Butuan City with lineage from the indigenous Banwahon tribe, Rusty‘s brown skin and hair is hard not to miss.

“When it was his part for the interview, Rusty was quick to point out that if possible, we converse in Bisaya because he cannot speak English,” Tolinero said.

In fact, Rusty did not finish his elementary and high school.

Rusty was only armed with a diploma from the Alternative Learning System (ALS) of the Department of Education, a proof that he is eligible to enter college.

“But what struck us the most is his honesty and straight forward demeanor, when he came here, he had no pretentions that he knew something, or (that) he could speak English, unlike those who came before him in the queue who struggled to speak in English just to prove a point,” Tolinero said.

The kid from the streets 

Rusty Quintana shakes hand with President Noynoy Aquino as he receives Dire Husi's award as one of the Ten Accomplished Youth Organizations in the Philippines

Rusty Quintana shakes hand with President Noynoy Aquino as he receives Dire Husi’s award as one of the Ten Accomplished Youth Organizations in the Philippines

Rusty is a street kid who grew up outside the grand gates of Xavier University, near the historic Plaza Divisoria.

He was just 7 years old when he was plucked out of their home by his older brother, Rodolfo Quintana Jr, and was brought to Cagayan de Oro City in 1996, to get away from their troubled home.

Upon reaching Cagayan de Oro, they lived in shanties near the CDO River. There, Rusty spent his days outside the gates of XU, asking for some change and hanging out at the statue of Ramon Magsaysay.

One day, his brother disappeared. He later learned learned that he was arrested by the police on charges of drug pushing.

Rusty would soon find himself at the Mother Theresa Foundation, a shelter in Upper Puerto, where he spent almost 4 years.

CONTINUE READING on Rappler.com

Scroll to top