I am Rallion, born and raised in Cebu City, Philippines. I have a passion for graphic arts and design, especially where art intersects with technology. I am currently studying in the morning and working full-time at night.
Coming from a lower-middle-class family of six, there were times when our finances were stable, when we were living paycheck to paycheck, and times when meeting even daily needs was a serious struggle. Everything changed when a super typhoon struck our city in December 2021. The typhoon destroyed our house and wiped out our savings. I was forced to stop studying for a time and work to help meet my family’s daily needs.
A year later, I had saved enough to return to school for one semester. Through all of it, my willingness to work hard has pushed me forward. Whatever workload is given to me, I take it on with commitment and see it through with quality.
I completed my basic education at the University of San Jose Recoletos in 2020, finishing with strong grades. I joined various school organizations, political clubs, and activities that gave me knowledge beyond textbooks and helped me build a wide network of connections.
When the COVID-19 pandemic kept us at home, a group of friends and I launched a community pantry near our school, providing food, water, and clothing to those in need. In December 2020, when a typhoon struck another region of the Philippines, I helped pack and send relief goods to those affected through one of my school organizations.
About Rallion
- Age: 24
- Ethnicity: Cebuano
- Country: Philippines
School & Program
- Cebu Institute of Technology
- Bachelor’s, Civil Engineering
- 3rd Year in Program
Goals & Dreams
- Become a graphic virtual assistant
- Return to Siargao Island and start a business
Loan Details
- Loan Amount: $2,475
- Amount Left To Fund: $2,300
- Contract Duration: 11 years
- Status: In School
Once my university studies began, I enrolled in a Bachelor’s degree in Multimedia Arts, a program aligned with my goals. The online setup during the pandemic was a challenge, but my eagerness to finish kept me focused.
In the 2021-2022 academic year, I juggled work and study simultaneously, gaining practical skills that go well beyond the classroom. I have since shifted to a Civil Engineering program at Cebu Institute of Technology. I am hopeful and determined to finish my degree and build the kind of life I am working toward.
Written by Rallion with editing assistance from Holland, one of Zomia’s volunteer editors.
Rallion
“Through all of it, my willingness to work hard has pushed me forward. Whatever workload is given to me, I take it on with commitment and see it through with quality.”