Many Ways, No Excuses: How Ian Jay Varquez Berbaña Turned Hardship into Hope and Success

Elyza C. Palawan

Grade 12 - Sartre

Ian Jay Varquez Berbaña, a 34-year-old teacher from Cabadbaran City, Agusan del Norte, is a professional educator at Agay National High School. His story is worth writing because he serves as an inspiring example of perseverance, hard work, and determination. Despite facing hardships during his childhood and educational journey, he never gave up on his dreams and has now become a respected teacher who influences and inspires his students to achieve their own goals.

He was born on September 30, 1991, in Cabadbaran City, Agusan del Norte. Ian Jay’s mother was a housewife, who at times worked as a labandera (laundry woman) and did sewing to earn extra income. His father worked as a company employee in Butuan City. He grew up in a financially challenged household, where there were times they had nothing to eat and no money for school needs. He recalled that when he had no baon (allowance) for school, his mother would sometimes tell him to be absent because she did not want him to feel embarrassed seeing other children with food while he had none. Growing up, Ian Jay also experienced bullying in school. He was very thin as a child, and some of his classmates teased him for it. Despite this, he remained strong and was able to build friendships. These experiences helped him develop resilience and determination. In his early education, he studied at Cabadbaran South Central Elementary School, where he graduated in 2002 with honors. He continued to excel academically in high school, graduating in 2008, also with honors.

For college, Ian Jay studied at Caraga State University – Cabadbaran Campus (CSU). He pursued a Bachelor of Technical Teacher Education, Major in Garments Fashion and Designing Technology. He chose this course because of his passion for designing and drawing. He graduated in 2012 as Cum Laude. While studying, he also took short courses under TESDA in Dressmaking and Local Tour Guiding, completing them in 2015. Ian Jay’s academic journey is filled with achievements. He consistently graduated with honors from kindergarten to college. In college, he was recognized as the Best Designer in a contest, served as treasurer of the SSLG, and most importantly, graduated with distinction as Cum Laude.

One of the greatest challenges he faced was financial difficulty. His mother initially wanted him to stop schooling because his older sister was still in college, and their family could not afford to support both. Instead of giving up, Ian Jay sought scholarships. He found support from Governor Angel Amante, who helped him with his college education. To further support himself, he designed and made dresses to earn money for his school projects and daily needs. He learned that when you have dreams and ambitions, you must be willing to work hard and find ways to achieve them, no matter the obstacles.

Ian Jay is best known for being a dedicated teacher who motivates and uplifts his students through both his teaching and his life story. His greatest achievement is his promotion to Teacher III at Agay National High School, a testament to his dedication and excellence in his profession. As a teacher, his impact is far-reaching. Many of his students have become professionals—attorneys, nurses, and teachers—thanks to the guidance, encouragement, and inspiration he provided.

People describe Ian Jay as hardworking, kind, humble, and determined. He enjoys drawing and designing, activities that reflect his creativity and passion. He strongly believes in the saying: “Don’t do to others what you don’t want others to do to you.” For him, kindness and respect are values that always come back to the one who gives them. One powerful story that shows his character was during his college years. Despite his mother’s wish for him to stop studying due to financial struggles, he never gave up. Instead, he found scholarships, worked hard, and even used his designing skills to sustain himself. His perseverance reflects his strength of character and commitment to his dreams.

Ian Jay inspires others—especially his students—by sharing his story of resilience and determination. He motivates them to pursue their dreams regardless of their financial status. He always says: “Kung may gusto, maraming paraan; pag ayaw, maraming dahilan.” (“If you really want something, there are many ways to achieve it; if you don’t, there will always be excuses.”) His life teaches that poverty or financial struggles are not hindrances to success. Hard work, persistence, and creativity are keys to achieving one’s dreams. Ian Jay’s lasting impact lies in the countless students he has inspired. His story of resilience continues to remind them that no dream is too far if one has the courage and determination to work for it. His legacy as a teacher, mentor, and role model will live on through the lives he has touched.