Most people used to believe that one’s fate is written in the stars, in constellations, dictated by superstitions in the universe. People frequently claim that the stars determine our future. But this man, whose ambitions and dreams are greater than the stars, thinks that it is not those tiny dots of light we see in the skies that hold our fate, it is ourselves.
Fire Cadet Eden Jhun Masibay Santos is a licensed Professional teacher who worked as part time instructor teaching senior high school students at Occidental Mindoro State College, the same school where he earned his college degree of Bachelor of Secondary Education Major in Biological Science. He is a resident of San Jose, Occidental Mindoro and the fourth child among five siblings of Mr. Eduardo Santos, a hardworking farmer and Mrs. Rowena Santos, a loving housewife.
At an early age, he experienced how hard it is to sustain a living for his family. His earnings is not sufficient to help his parents, it was just enough to support his day-to-day expenses and tuition fee as he was also taking up his postgraduate degree at Divine Word College of San Jose. In time, he is diligent to look for any other work and opportunity that can give him compensation where he can support his study and help his parents at the same time.
Looking up to the sky, he saw how bright the stars are and it reminded him of his dreams – so high and tempting. He made not a wish, but a commitment to himself to change his fate. Until time comes when his brother who was just got hired as Fire Officer 1 introduced him the Philippine National Police Academy. Curious and interested, he took time researching it and knowing only what he has watched on YouTube, he took the entrance exam and attended the processing without hesitation.
Maneuvering his own fate, he passed all the requirements. The once part time instructor teaching his students for their brighter tomorrow is now a cadet of the PNPA, a member of the MASIDTALAK 2023, who learns today and leads tomorrow. “Everything was back to square one. It was indeed a struggle against self”, he sighed, reminiscing his four-year stay in the Academy full of challenges and difficulties.
Making his family and all Mindoreños proud, FCDT Santos will be receiving a meritorious award as TOP 4 of their class for exhibiting his excellence in both academics and tactics. He will also be receiving the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) Kampilan Award for being the TOP 1 during their Basic Fire Safety Enforcement Course (FSEC) and Basic Rescue Training Course (BRTC) among 11 cadets who were destined to serve in the very respected bureau of the BFP.
“What we achieved today depends on the effort and passion we put into it”, expressing his gratefulness for all the people especially his beloved family, solid company mates, snappy squadmates and most of all his supportive kababayans (the Mindoreños) who contributed significantly in molding the person he is now.
Burning and radiating, stars continue to make a spark. Just like his dedication, FCDT Santos will never stop maneuvering his own fate. In this challenging life, patience and perseverance is a virtue. Strive to be the best version of yourself and be careful to the decisions you make, for it is not the stars nor the heavens, “It is us who hold our destiny”.
