“When you carry gratitude in your heart and never give up on your dreams, you don’t just change your own life—you become the reason others believe they can, too.” – Ma. Daira Ligutan, Proud CCMF Scholar Alumna
From Payatas to the Corporate World: Daira’s Story of Hope and Gratitude
Growing up in Payatas, Quezon City, Ma. Daira Ligutan knew what it meant to work hard for every opportunity. With her father working as a garbage collector and her mother as a housewife, the thought of completing college seemed impossible. But Daira, determined to pursue her dreams, found hope through the CCMF Scholarship Program.
“Without CCMF, I wouldn’t have made it,” Daira shares. “I knew I had to find a way to continue studying because my family simply couldn’t afford it.” As a scholar, Daira did more than just study. She discovered the joy of serving others—whether assisting during community events, helping visitors, or simply playing with the children who looked up to her as “Ate.”
CCMF taught her that giving doesn’t always mean money—it can be time, effort, and kindness. Graduating Cum Laude in BSBA Human Resources Management from the Polytechnic University of the
Philippines, Daira is now thriving as an HR Supervisor in the corporate world. She carries with her not just the lessons from her degree, but the heart of service instilled by CCMF.
Today, Daira gives back by supporting her family, helping those in need during times of calamity, and returning to CCMF to inspire the next generation of scholars. Through heartfelt talks, she shares her
journey—reminding them that with determination and gratitude, dreams do come true.
To current scholars, her advice is simple but profound: “Enjoy every moment. Connect with the community. Be thankful. And never lose sight of your dreams.”
From humble beginnings to a promising future, Daira’s journey is proof that with hope, perseverance and a heart willing to serve, we can all be part of something greater than ourselves.
“Life may have tested me with loss and brokenness, but I am proof that hope, love, and perseverance can create a – Julien Claire Manaog (CCMF Scholar)
Julien’s Story: Finding Strength Through Life’s Storms
Julien grew up in a broken family. Her father had his own previous family, and so did her mother. Despite this complex setup, Julien always made the effort to build and keep good relationships with both her parents and all her half siblings. Love, respect, and understanding became the foundation of their blended family, even if life was far from perfect.
For years, Julien had put her high school studies on hold, spending time with friends who had also left school but were active in serving their community. But everything shifted when she joined the CCMFI-ALS Program in 2018. It was there that she realized the true value of education and dared to dream of a better future.
With courage and determination, Julien pursued college, and was accepted into Polytechnic University of the Philippines (PUP) Manila, where she is now on her final semester, working toward a degree in Public Administration. She is also a CCMF college scholar.
When her parents officially separated in 2022, their family home had to be sold. Julien decided to stay in Mandaluyong with her half-sister Joycel, who generously supports her daily school needs. To show her
gratitude, Julien helps with Joycel’s small online business.
In 2024, tragedy struck. Julien lost both her parents within the same year. The pain was unimaginable. But even through her grief, Julien never let go of her dreams. She kept going—step by step, day by day.
Now, as she approaches graduation, Julien is proof that no matter how heavy the trials, hope will always carry you forward. With the love of her family, the support of CCMFI, and her unbreakable will, she’s turning loss into purpose and hardship into success.
