At 28, Marianne Cuarto, a former Gabay Guro scholar, is on her way to securing her doctorate degree in Education Management.

Cuarto reminisced the moment she joined the Gabay Guro family. “My college best friend and I applied and passed the scholarship of Gabay Guro as suggested by our university,” Cuarto said. “My four years in college became smooth and fun with the help of Gabay Guro, and my story continued on even after graduation. We were given different trainings, events and special activities. We are also invited to the annual Gabay Guro Grand Gathering.”

Gabay Guro is a 15-year-old program created by PLDT, empowering teachers across the country through its seven key pillars – scholarships, teachers’ trainings, classroom donations, livelihood programs, connectivity and computerization, teachers’ tribute, and digital innovations. It reinforces PLDT and Smart’s commitment to the United Nations Sustainability Development Goals (SDG), particularly UN SDG #4 Quality Education.

“My teaching journey has been a rocky road, but I have managed to reach my destination with the help of PLDT, Smart, and Gabay Guro. They did not only support me financially, but they were also a good support system even after I graduated college,” Cuarto shared.

Cuarto’s biggest inspiration in becoming a teacher is her grandmother. “My lola was a teacher and she is my idol because I grew up with her guiding me. Her influence inspired and motivated me to get the degree on Education,” Cuarto said.

Cuarto realized her passion for education when she became a teacher. “The feeling I get whenever my students understand the lesson, when they recite and express their thoughts, when they are able to perform with a bigger audience, when they accomplish something and they come back and thank me – it’s so priceless and so fulfilling. Amid life’s challenges, I always remember why I started and I get motivated again, knowing that I became a part of the lives of my students, and made an impact on them,” Cuarto said.

A graduate of the Philippine Normal University with a bachelor’s degree in Secondary Education, Cuarto is the Senior High School Research Coordinator at the University of Perpetual Help, Molino Campus. She teaches research subjects to Grade 12 students, including Practical Research 2 and Inquiries, Investigation and Immersion. She is also a part-time college instructor, teaching general education courses.