How Lynlyn Masumay Turned Her Tribe’s Hopes into Success

Faith, determination, and wholehearted support are essential ingredients for a student's success. Just as the saying goes, it takes a village to raise a child, but what if that village is a tribe?

It is the story of Lynlyn Masumay, a proud Mamanwa woman and now a graduate of the Bachelor of Science in Office Administration. Her tale is more than just hers; it is a shared dream of the people in her tribe.
From a young age, Lynlyn was acutely aware of the challenges faced by her community, which was often overlooked and underrepresented. But she possesses a fierce soul with a clear vision of the life she wants for her family, and this determination fuels her resilience.

Lynlyn's educational journey began when the Southern Leyte State University-San Juan Campus launched the Child Development Program (CDP), an extension project developed to support Mamanwa children, of which Lynlyn was one of the beneficiaries. With perseverance, she remained in the program until her sophomore year in high school. However, due to financial difficulties, Lynlyn had to drop out of school and take on early responsibilities. She then got married, but that did not stop her from pursuing her dreams.

Taking advantage of the Alternative Learning System (ALS), Lynlyn was able to finish high school and was qualified to enter college at Southern Leyte State University-San Juan Campus, where she became part of the Academic Enhancement for Mamanwa Students (AEMS) — another extension project of the same department designed to provide academic guidance and support for Indigenous students. The program offers resources and mentoring designed to help students like Lynlyn navigate the challenges of higher education, ensuring they receive the necessary support to thrive academically.

While being a mother and a wife, Lynlyn also volunteered as a daycare teacher in her tribe through Korea Food for the Hungry International (KFHI), which also allowed her to earn a modest honorarium as a daycare teacher. Regardless of the various roles she played, she persevered in her studies.

Her days were spent balancing household duties, community service, and academic responsibilities. There were times when she had to miss classes to help her fellow tribespeople. Still, she did not see these circumstances as burdens. Instead, she viewed her service to the tribe as a duty and a calling that she fully accepted. Through her involvement, Lynlyn not only deepened her knowledge but also helped create a supportive community for her fellow Mamanwa.

Today, Lynlyn Masumay stands proud as a graduate of the Bachelor of Science in Office Administration, ready to enter the professional world. Once a recipient of SLSU's extension services and financial assistance from the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP), she has not only achieved personal success but has also inspired her tribe to break stereotypes and defy the odds.

Her story is also a reflection of the collective support she received along the way—from Southern Leyte State University–San Juan Campus, through Dr. Jude A. Duarte and Dr. Gary D. Garcia, the BSEd and Business Management faculty, and the NCIP, represented by Atty. Hermie Jun S. Toledo, Local Government leaders, Korea Food for the Hungry International (KFHI), and many kind individuals who offered guidance, opportunities, and assistance. Refusing to be defined by her circumstances, Lynlyn has emerged as a symbol of empowerment, encouraging others to dream boldly and pursue greatness. Her story serves as a reminder that faith, determination, and wholehearted support can break down barriers and pave the way to success.