ILIGAN CITY, Philippines – Success is often measured not only by medals, awards, or academic distinctions but by the struggles overcome along the way. For Jay Mark Campilan Gac-ang, a young man from the municipality of Kapatagan in Lanao del Norte, every honor he earned represents years of perseverance, sacrifice, and unwavering faith in education as the key to a better future.
Once recognized nationally as the 2017 National Winner of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) Search for Exemplary Child, Jay Mark has once again brought pride to his family and community after graduating Summa Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Arts in History from Mindanao State University-Iligan Institute of Technology (MSU-IIT).
His graduation marks more than just the completion of a degree—it is a testament to what determination, family support, and government educational assistance can achieve when combined with hard work.
Among the Class of 2026, Jay Mark stood alongside only 60 Summa Cum Laude graduates, joining the ranks of the university’s highest academic achievers.
A Journey Rooted in Sacrifice
Growing up in Poblacion, Kapatagan, Lanao del Norte, Jay Mark’s educational journey was shaped by resilience.
As a beneficiary of the government’s UniFAST Tertiary Education Subsidy (TES) under the Commission on Higher Education (CHED), he was able to pursue higher education despite financial challenges.
But beyond scholarships and academic opportunities, Jay Mark points to one constant source of strength—his family.
In an emotional tribute following his graduation, he acknowledged the immeasurable sacrifices made by his parents.
“If I were to count all the efforts they poured into me, I could never repay every sacrifice. So, here is my gift instead.”
Celebrating the milestone together with them, he added:
“To my family, we made it! All of these are for you, Ma and Pa.”
Those words resonated deeply, reflecting not only personal gratitude but also the silent struggles shared by countless Filipino families striving to give their children a brighter future.
Excellence Beyond the Classroom
Jay Mark’s academic record reveals a student who consistently pursued excellence.
He graduated as the Department Class Valedictorian and received the prestigious Gawad Chancellor’s Award for Academic Excellence. He also became the sole Bantogen Honors Society Awardee of his graduating batch, one of the university’s highest distinctions recognizing exemplary scholarship and leadership.
Among his academic recognitions were:
- Historyador Awardee, the highest distinction conferred by the Department of History
- Rizal’s Lister and Chancellor’s Lister
- First-generation college graduate
- Department Best Thesis Nominee
- Outstanding Student in the International History Track Nominee
These honors underscore years of dedication, discipline, and intellectual curiosity.
A Leader, Researcher, and Advocate
Jay Mark’s university life extended well beyond lecture halls.
He served as Society Mayor of the MSU-IIT Historical Society during Academic Year 2024–2025 and previously represented his fellow students as both first-year and second-year level representative.
His commitment to service earned him numerous leadership awards, including:
- College Service Award
- Department Service Award
- Department Leadership Award
- Department Debater Award
- Department Journalism Award
His passion for history likewise opened international opportunities.
He represented MSU-IIT during the Graduate Knowledge Exchange Program held at Peking University and Beijing Foreign Studies University in China, exposing him to global academic perspectives.
He also participated in the 11th Local History and Cultural Network General Assembly and National Conference on Local History and Heritage in Makati City, while earning Special Citations for Paper Presentation during interdisciplinary research conferences.
As a Research Assistant for the Mindanao History and Studies Advocacy Group (MHS-AG), Jay Mark further strengthened his contribution to preserving and promoting Mindanao’s historical heritage.
A Well-Rounded Achiever
Despite an already demanding academic workload, Jay Mark found time to excel in extracurricular activities.
He was crowned Mr. CASS 2024 and later became Mr. Kapatagan Youth Ambassador 2025, demonstrating confidence, leadership, and community involvement.
His competitive achievements included:
- Champion in the Project Pitching Competition during CASS Days 2026
- Third Place in the same competition in 2025
- Second Runner-up in Badminton Mixed Doubles
- Multiple podium finishes in volleyball tournaments
- Debate competitions reaching the quarterfinals
- Participation in radio broadcasting and various academic competitions
His accomplishments paint the picture of a student who embraced every opportunity to grow—not only academically but also as a leader, communicator, athlete, and advocate.
A Beacon of Hope for 4Ps Families
Jay Mark’s story carries significance far beyond individual success.
As a former 4Ps Exemplary Child, his achievements demonstrate the long-term impact that educational support programs can have when beneficiaries are empowered to pursue their aspirations.
His journey reflects how initiatives such as the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) and the UniFAST Tertiary Education Subsidy can become life-changing investments when matched with determination, discipline, and family encouragement.
For many young Filipinos coming from economically challenged households, Jay Mark has become living proof that poverty does not define one’s future.
An Inspiration for the Next Generation
Being a first-generation college graduate makes his achievement even more meaningful.
He is not only changing the course of his own life but also opening doors for future generations in his family.
His remarkable journey—from being recognized as an exemplary child under the 4Ps program to graduating Summa Cum Laude from one of Mindanao’s premier universities—stands as a powerful reminder that excellence knows no economic status.
In a country where countless students continue to battle financial hardships while pursuing education, Jay Mark Campilan Gac-ang’s story shines as a beacon of hope.
His success is ultimately not defined by Latin honors alone but by the countless lives his journey now inspires.
For aspiring students across Mindanao and the rest of the Philippines, his message is unmistakable: with perseverance, gratitude, and the unwavering support of family and community, even the most ambitious dreams are within reach.