DARYL Berdin Arguelles, a once humble child from a remote village in Bugasong, Antique, dreamt of rising from poverty. Today, at 37, he is a public school district supervisor of Bugasong and Valderrama, an advocate for accessible education, and a recipient of the prestigious Dangal ng Bayan award from the Civil Service Commission (CSC) which honors outstanding public servants who exemplify excellence, integrity, and dedication.
Arguelles’ journey is a triumph of perseverance. Born in Barangay Igsoro, the farthest barangay in Bugasong, he faced the challenge of walking over an hour, crossing rivers, and traversing dangerous paths just to attend school.
“Tam-an ka pigado ang pangabuhi. Si Nanay kag Tatay are farmers. Financial hard up kami tungod pito kami magburugto, nagdururungan eskwela,” Arguelles tells Panay News.
Despite the hardships, he never wavered in his commitment to finish his education.
“I experienced walking for hours to reach school, passing through mountains and rivers, especially dangerous during the rainy season,” Arguelles recalls.
His determination led him to graduate from Antique Vocational School and later, with the help of a grocery store sponsor, he earned a degree in Bachelor of Elementary Education from the University of Antique (then known as the Polytechnic State College of Antique) in Sibalom town, graduating cum laude.
After passing the board exams, he began his teaching career at Igsoro Primary School and steadily rose through the ranks, eventually becoming a district supervisor.
Driven by his own experiences growing up in a far-flung area with limited access to education, Arguelles became an advocate for bringing schools closer to children in remote areas.
His first major achievement was converting Igsoro Primary School into Igsoro Integrated School.
“This advocacy stems from my childhood. I want education to be accessible, high-quality, and close to home,” he says.
Arguelles noticed that many children dropped out of school due to the distance and the high cost of transportation. This inspired him to push for the establishment of additional elementary schools in remote areas like Villa Ureta and Libudon in Igsoro.
His efforts did not stop there. As the principal-in-charge of Bugasong and Valderrama districts, Arguelles successfully converted several primary schools into full elementary schools, including Anilawan, Tica, and Caloy-ahan in Bugasong, as well as multiple schools in Valderrama such as Busog, Culyat, Cansilayan, Alon, Bakiang, Buluangan II, and Cananghan.
In addition to expanding educational access, Arguelles also focused on special education, ensuring that children with special needs received the support and attention they deserved. His work has had a profound impact on the communities he serves, particularly in remote and impoverished areas.
On September 10, 2024, Arguelles’ efforts were recognized when he was promoted to Public Schools District Supervisor by the Department of Education. His personal story of triumph over adversity is an inspiration to many, especially children from poor families who dream of a better future through education.
“For those experiencing hardship, I believe education is the most powerful weapon against poverty,” Arguelles says. “I am a living example that with education and determination, one can rise above any circumstance.”
He also encourages fellow educators to be agents of change in their communities.
“We should always think of solutions not just for our organization but also for the community. Show compassion and love to our children because in serving them, we are also serving God,” he says.
The story of Daryl Berdin Arguelles shows the transformative power of education and the role teachers play in shaping the future./PN
