By Unah Angel Gabrielle R. Robante (The Blue Quill)
A steady spirit and a quiet hope. That’s what kept Clark A. Donguines and his mother going as they walked a kilometer side-by-side under the blazing heat of the sun just to borrow money from relatives so he could get his medical exam at West Visayas State University (WVSU) four years ago.
“Wala kami kwarta sang time sang medical exam, pero naglakat lang gid kami ni nanay para makahulam. Gani thankful gid ako sa iya,” Clark recalls. These humble beginnings grounded him early and shaped his belief that education was the only path forward, even if it meant giving up his dream of becoming a doctor.
Born and raised in Sitio Binaobao, Barangay Cali, Dumangas, Iloilo, Clark is the second of six children of a farmer, Elmer Donguines, and a seamstress, Elena Donguines.
Though he initially dreamed of pursuing a medical degree, Clark decided on getting an education degree at West Visayas State University College of Education due to financial constraints. He chose to major in Science not only because of interest, but also to keep open the possibility of pursuing medicine someday. But through tutoring neighbors’ children and classmates alike, Clark found a deeper purpose in teaching. After all he graduated
“If I can’t cure diseases, at least I can cure ignorance,” he said. “Teaching has always been close to my heart—not just as a profession, but as a calling,” said Clark who graduated from Dumangas National High School with honors both in junior and senior high school.
𝗦𝘂𝗿𝘃𝗶𝘃𝗮𝗹 𝗶𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗖𝗶𝘁𝘆: 𝗪𝗮𝗹𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗛𝗮𝗿𝗱 𝗣𝗮𝘁𝗵
Clark’s entry to college was paved with miracles. He only managed to afford fare to Iloilo City because he won ₱500 in a family game. Once in WVSU, he was relieved to discover he qualified for the Free Higher Education program. Despite this, day-to-day survival was tough. His weekly allowance of ₱500 had to stretch for food, personal needs, and a fare home to Dumangas.
“Gakaon lang ko Milo powder kag instant noodles. Pero ginatipigan ko gid ang P62 para pamasahe ko pauli,” he shared. Sometimes, he would quietly cry, wondering how long he could endure.
Things changed when he became a TeachSTEM scholar under the Gokongwei Brothers Foundation. With its support, he finally had the resources to buy a laptop and printer. But more than financial support, the scholarship reminded him he wasn’t alone.
“Hindi lang siya scholarship para sa akon. Para siya sang assurance nga may nagatuo sakon,” Clark said.
He also received emotional support from friends and mentors. His best friend Marian Joy Edquila would give him water when he had none. Another friend, Ma. Kristina Larra Brebaño, shared, “He was burnt out, but he never gave up. He sold homemade burgers and tutored just to get by. Clark is the purest, most selfless person I know.”
As a practice teacher in La Paz, Clark faced a different challenge—teaching Physics to students who feared the subject. He introduced creative strategies like the F.O.R.C.E. method to make lessons more relatable.
“Teaching is not easy, but I realized I can save lives through education,” Clark reflected. He credits his co-practice teacher Djan Rhee Mendoza and mentor Elvie Grace for their support.
𝗪𝗩𝗦𝗨’𝘀 𝗥𝗼𝗹𝗲 𝗶𝗻 𝗦𝗵𝗮𝗽𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗮 𝗦𝗰𝗵𝗼𝗹𝗮𝗿
Clark is one of the many success stories that West Visayas State University takes pride in. From supporting scholars with Free Higher Education and enabling mentorship through organizations like STeMA, to fostering grit and academic growth—WVSU has given Clark not just a degree, but a sense of personhood.
His adviser, Prof. John Ladublan says Clark has perseverance and a positive outlook in life. “Kay kung kaisa di mo sya makita nga ga struggle kay he is smiling and daw sa wala lang. He has a good heart. Very courteous.”
Brebaño added this about Clark, “Clark, or ‘Clarky’ as we fondly call him, is one of the kindest, most selfless, and genuine people we’ve ever known—always willing to help others, even beyond his means. Despite financial hardships, he remained determined to support his family while excelling in his studies. He never took his scholarship for granted, even selling burgers and working for his aunt to earn extra. What sets Clark apart is not just his resilience and resourcefulness, but his sincere heart, making him an exceptional son, student, and friend whose life story teaches us strength, compassion, and quiet heroism.”
Upon knowing he will graduate cum laude with a Bachelor of Secondary Education major in Science, Clark said, “Nag ask ko self ko—kaya ko ayhan? Tapos sang natapos ko, cum laude pa gid ako. Wala gid ako naghinulsul nga nag-eskwela ako sa West.”
Now 22 years old, Clark plans to take the Licensure Examination for Professional Teachers and pursue a master’s degree in Physics. His mother, relatives, and teachers—especially those from WVSU—remain the pillars of his strength.
“The most certain way to succeed is always to try just one more time,” he repeats, holding on to the quote that kept him going.
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