Nagtapos si Zacara P. Lastimado, 22, ng Purok 11, Poblacion, Cabanglasan, Bukidnon bilang magna cum laude noong April 18, 2022.
Ang kinuha niyang kurso ay Bachelor of Secondary Education, Major in Social Studies, sa Ateneo de Davao University sa Davao City.
Miyembro siya ng Umayamnon indigenous peoples (IP) sa Cabanglasan, Bukidnon.
Pagbabahagi ni Zacara sa panayam sa kanya ng Department of Social Welfare and Development-Region 10 noong April 29, “I enrolled in college because I have a dream to become a teacher.
“I belong to the Umayamnon Tribe in Bukidnon, and this identity pushed me to become somebody for myself, my family, and the community.”
Batay sa website ng Provincial Government of Bukidnon, ang mga Umayamnons ay naninirahan sa watershed ng Umayam River sa kabundukan ng Pantaron sa silangang bahagi ng Bukidnon.
Ang pamilya ni Zacara ay naging benepisyaryo ng Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) noong 2009.
Pagbabalik-tanaw niya, “It was a challenging journey wherein my parents needed to find a job to suffice our academic needs, and since they are not degree holders, they just had the bare minimum earnings working for eight hours a day.
“It was the cycle of our lives before we became a 4Ps beneficiary. The program was a huge help in realizing my dream to graduate and earn a degree.”
"LIFE-CHANGING EXPERIENCE"
Consistent honor student si Zacara mula elementary.
Noong 2012, siya ang kinatawan ng Bukidnon sa ginanap na National Children's Congress sa National Capital Region matapos magwagi sa provincial elimination ng Search for Exemplary Child.
Ani Zacara, “It was my first time in Manila, and I treasured that life-changing experience. I finished my Senior High School with the help of my parents and the providence of financial support from the program.”
Nakatulong din ang kanyang naging karanasan sa paglahok sa National Children's Congress para ma-develop ang kanyang personalidad.
“This opportunity contributed to my growth, especially in public speaking and communicating with other individuals.
“This experience taught me to aim for excellence.”
‘VOICE OF UMAYAMNON TRIBE AND OTHER IPS’
Naniniwala si Zacara na nakatadhana siya para maging isa sa mga tinig ng indigenous communities. Isa aniya ito sa kanyang mga inspirasyon para magsikap na matupad ang kanyang calling.
Aniya, “Before entering college, it was clear to me that I will become one of the advocates to fight for the rights of the IPs through education.
“I was eager and motivated to go to school and attend my online classes because they are rooting for me. This constant inspiration brought me to where I am today.”
Sa ngayon ay may imbitasyon kay Zacara ang Father Leoni Mission Foundation Incorporated sa Bukidnon para maging isa sa mga “formator” nito.
Ang foundation ay tumulong din sa kanya para makatapos sa kolehiyo.
Handa naman siya sa kanyang magiging tungkulin. “Before graduating, I already knew that I will go back to my community. I am committed to this calling, especially for the indigenous communities.
“It will be one of the bridges to equip me, especially in living with the people in the community and journeying with the youth. Thus, I plan to continue this mission with the help of the Jesuit community.”