Mary Ann Magno

many nights i walked to the port to find a signal so i could finish my schoolwork.

Career: Business Administration & Financial Management

Mary Ann grew up in Palawan, where life was simple but full of challenges that demanded resilience. The third of four siblings, she watched her parents sacrifice endlessly—her father living with a speech and hearing disability and without stable work, and her mother unemployed after high school. With two siblings already working and two more in college, the family’s finances were constantly stretched thin. To make ends meet, Mary Ann stayed with relatives who encouraged her to persevere and saved every peso of her U-GO scholarship allowance to cover school projects and daily expenses. At home, she balanced caring for her grandparents and household responsibilities while studying without the comfort of her own room or even a proper study space. Many nights, she walked to the port or nearby backpacker areas just to find a cell phone signal so she could finish her schoolwork. Through it all, she held tightly to her dream—to graduate, support her family, and someday build her own business.

The U-GO scholarship, in partnership with the Ayala Foundation, became her lifeline. It eased the financial strain, allowed her to live in a boarding house instead of enduring exhausting commutes, and reminded her that she wasn’t alone in her journey. Beyond the financial support, the program gave her confidence and hope, surrounding her with mentors and donors who believed in her potential—even when others doubted her. Mary Ann credits the program not just for funding her education, but for fueling her determination to rise above every obstacle and chase the future she envisioned.

Today, Mary Ann is working as a parts custodian at a motor and vehicle business, carrying the same determination and perseverance that helped her reach this milestone. She now serves as an inspiration to other young women in her community, proving that with persistence, courage, and the support of programs like U-GO and Ayala, even the hardest circumstances can lead to incredible triumphs. For Mary Ann, the scholarship meant more than completing her degree—it gave her dignity, opportunity, and the belief that her dreams were within reach, thanks to those who believed in her.