“The name Millionita was inspired by my aunt, in hopes that we’d become millionaires as well.”
My name is Millionita S. Amido, but to my family and friends, I am Camille. Born and raised in Brgy. Batino, Calapan City, I strive to embody the prosperity my name suggests. However, my journey has been far from easy. I have never stopped chasing my dreams, and life has never ceased challenging me. Unlike my name, which was passed down to me, I did not inherit wealth or privilege. Instead, my story is woven with hardship, resilience, and unwavering determination to finish my studies and become the person I aspire to be.
At the age of three, I witnessed my parents' separation, and my mother was granted custody. We moved to Valenzuela, where I was introduced to a new family. I thought I could start anew. Instead, I faced abuse at the hands of my stepfather. I endured this for a year, believing I had nowhere else to go. But at four years old, I realized I did not deserve a life of misery. Determined to escape, I walked from our home in Valenzuela to Pampanga. My small yet resolute feet carried me for over an hour until a kind jeepney driver allowed me to hitch a ride.
Life in Pampanga was not ideal, but at least I had a safer place to live and a chance at education. My aunt took me in and supported my schooling, but in exchange, I had to help around the house, primarily tending to my cousins' needs. This arrangement did not last long. By fifth grade, I had to move in with my grandmother after my aunt's family relocated to Manila. Living with my grandmother presented new challenges—her house had no electricity, so I relied on the lamppost outside to do my assignments and study. Yet, a stable home continued to be just out of reach.
As my grandmother grew older, I moved in with another aunt in Binondo, Manila, where I spent grades seven through nine. However, before I could finish junior high school, another disruption came. In 2016, I returned to my hometown, Brgy. Batino, Calapan City, where I was finally reunited with my father. At last, I found the stability I had always yearned for and completed my secondary education.
Still, life had more challenges in store. Financial struggles threatened my dreams of pursuing higher education. With my father working as a tricycle driver, college seemed unattainable. I nearly gave up and considered working instead to help support my family. Just when my dreams seemed beyond reach, a door of hope opened.
Through my classmate named Dexter D. Penohermoso, I learned about EAsY Agri Scholarship offered by ATI. So, I seized the opportunity. Though initially doubtful, my determination to earn a degree was stronger. I took the qualification exam and passed. However, financial difficulties still loomed over me.
“Processing the requirements was a struggle because our budget was tight. We had to pay for medical exams, notarization of documents, and transportation. My father helped as much as he could, but sometimes we had to borrow money from my aunt,” I recalled.
Despite these obstacles, I refused to give up. When I received the call confirming my acceptance into the scholarship program, I felt immense joy. This scholarship became my lifeline. It required major adjustments—moving into a boarding house, sharing expenses with roommates, and budgeting my stipend carefully. Even with financial struggles, I managed to send money home to help my father build our house.
Seeing my father and local farmers work tirelessly in the fields inspired me to pursue a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture. Farmers are the backbone of society, and I recognized the vast opportunities in this field. Determined to succeed, I remained focused on my studies and maintained good grades.
After four years of dedication, I earned my degree with an Academic Excellence Award. Fueled by ambition, I invested my scholarship savings in a review center and spent four months rigorously preparing for the Licensure Examination for Agriculturists. My goal was to pass on my first attempt.
“I saw how hard life was for my family. I felt like I was their last hope, their last card. I used every challenge I faced as motivation. I worked relentlessly until I passed the board exam.”
On January 21, 2025, I took my oath as a Registered Agriculturist. With my eligibility secured, I applied for jobs at the Department of Agriculture and its bureaus but only received email confirmations. Undeterred, I currently work as a Job Order employee at the City Agriculturist Office in Calapan, handling administrative tasks. Though this is not my dream role—I aspire to be an AEW—I know this experience will be valuable in my journey.
With all these milestones, I know this is just the beginning of my journey toward success. More than personal achievements, I dream of giving back—helping farmers, improving agricultural practices, and making a lasting impact in my community.
“I am immensely grateful to be an ATI EAsY scholar. I hope more aspiring agriculturists receive the same support. To those with dreams, don’t be afraid. Take every opportunity, commit to your goals, and push yourself until you reach them. Believe in yourself.”
My success is just taking root, and my future promises to be as fruitful as the agricultural sector I am passionate about. Every hardship, every challenge, and every step I take builds the foundation of the future I am creating.
With passion and dedication, I am proving that a million dreams can lead to one incredible reality—the rise of a "CaMillionairess," living the abundant promise of my name.
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