Survival, Hope & Education: Ms. Lening Baquilod on MY 94-5

It was a powerful Saturday morning filled with profound stories of survival and perseverance. On July 6, 2024, at exactly 9:00 AM, Ms. Ninfa Barcena Quirante turned on the microphone for the 46th episode of MY 94-5!

Gracing the KJM 94.3 FM booth was Ms. Lening C. Baquilod, LPT, a proud native of Maydolong, a dedicated mother of five, and a highly respected Master Teacher I who has been serving the youth at Maydolong National High School for 17 years.

During the broadcast, Ms. Ninfa gently guided the conversation beyond the classroom, allowing Ms. Baquilod to share a life story that left listeners completely inspired. She bravely opened up about her early life living in the jungle during a volatile period of high insurgency and military crackdowns.

"Surviving the darkest moments in the jungle taught me to hold onto hope. Every sacrifice made was a stepping stone toward a brighter future for me and my family."

Escaping The Darkness

Listeners were moved as she recalled the harrowing experiences of her youth. She witnessed unspeakable tragedy as family members were abused and killed during the conflict. Yet, from that darkness, a miraculous, life-changing escape emerged as she, her father, and a few other members of their community managed to flee the violence to start anew.

Starting over in a new community required monumental sacrifices. Ms. Baquilod detailed her relentless pursuit of education and her dreams. She spoke candidly about the trials of ordinary life—falling in love, getting her heart broken, and learning the crucial lesson of resilience. Through every battle, she kept moving forward, allowing her past to fuel her passion for shaping the next generation as a teacher.

Her unforgettable life experiences were perfectly punctuated by the 9 favorite songs she carefully selected to share, making Episode 46 a truly uplifting and emotional journey for everyone tuned in.