𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗦𝗲𝗲𝗱𝘀 𝗼𝗳 𝗥𝗲𝘀𝗶𝗹𝗶𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲: 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗧𝗿𝗶𝘂𝗺𝗽𝗵 𝗼𝗳 𝗮𝗻 𝗔𝘂𝗿𝗼𝗿𝗮 𝗦𝗰𝗵𝗼𝗹𝗮𝗿

The Roots of a Dream

Growing up in Aurora, a province where the primary livelihoods are farming and fishing, Rome Matthew B. Cruz was exposed to the vital role of agriculture at a young age. His path to professional success began when he discovered the EaSY Agri (Educational Assistant for the Youth in Agriculture) scholarship through his sister-in-law. After a rigorous selection process that included an emotional interview with representatives from ATI Central Luzon, Rome Matthew was chosen as the lone scholar from his province for his batch. He earned this spot through his consistent academic honors in high school and his evident passion for the field.

Challenges and Resilience

Rome Matthew’s college years at Central Luzon State University (CLSU) were anything but easy. Because of the pandemic, he had to navigate online and blended learning, which was particularly difficult in his area due to frequent power outages and poor internet connectivity. Despite these technical hurdles and the pressure of maintaining a 1.75 grade point average, Rome Matthew’s excelled as both a student leader and a student athlete. He credits his success during these years to the "family" he found within ATI and his fellow scholars, especially those from Nueva Ecija who helped him keep up with his academic tasks.

Tragedy and Triumph

In 2024, Rome Matthew graduated with a degree in Animal Science. However, his greatest personal challenge came during his board exam review when his father passed away. Despite the immense grief, Rome Matthew’s persevered with faith, knowing he was only two months away from the exam. In November 2024, he successfully passed the Agriculturist Licensure Examination, dedicating his victory to his hardworking and supportive father.

A Life of Service

Today, Rome Matthew serves as an agriculturist at the Provincial Veterinary Office of Aurora. His work is diverse and impactful as he serves as the technical Support for the farmer who assists local farmers and livestock raisers. In time of activities in the region, he serves as a vaccinator, going house-to-house to provide free anti-rabies shots for pets dogs and cats.

The Agricultural Training Institute-Regional Training Center III has a partnership with the Provincial Veterinary Office of Aurora, the Swine Artificial Insemination sa Barangay (SWAIB). In this project, Rome Matthew is also involved in this project where he processes and packages swine semen to strengthen the local piggery industry. His supervisor, Dr. Angelo Silvestre, describes Rome Matthew as a diligent, prepared, and kind employee whom the province hopes to retain for the long term.

A Message to the Youth

Rome Matthew now uses his platform to advocate for the agricultural sector, teaching others that it is not just a job, but a critical contributor to national food security and the economy. He encourages the next generation to join the field, leaving them with a powerful sentiment: "The seed of the youth is the hope of the future. In every plant cared for, success is the destination."