Mary Ganaba, Mutya ng South Cotabato 2025 and a graduating student of the South East Asian Institute of Technology (SEAIT), has shared a heartfelt reflection on how free but quality education reshaped her life and future.
Ganaba is currently a fourth-year Bachelor of Science in Tourism Management student at SEAIT, an active student leader, a writer, public speaker, and mentor who advocates for confidence-building, self-expression, and leadership development among young women through communication and mentorship.Beyond her academic and leadership roles, Ganaba is also a beauty queen who uses her platform to amplify women’s voices and promote empowerment beyond the stage. Her titles include Mutya ng Tupi 2024, Mutya ng South Cotabato 2025, and Miss Pilipinas Rotaract 2026.
In a social media post, Ganaba recounted her initial expectations upon entering SEAIT four years ago, admitting she assumed that “free education” and “zero tuition” would come with limitations in opportunities and learning experiences.
“Four years ago, I entered the institution with minimal expectations… I assumed compromises would follow - fewer opportunities, limited activities, and a modest learning experience,” she wrote.
However, she said her perspective changed early in her studies as she discovered that SEAIT was not only accessible but also deeply committed to academic excellence, leadership formation, and holistic student development.
Ganaba shared that her college journey allowed her to pursue leadership roles, develop her public speaking skills, and engage in pageantry and mentorship activities that shaped her confidence and character.
“In this institution, I built a career out of my passion… education became more than a requirement. It became a foundation for personal growth and future stability,” she said.
She is a beneficiary of the free but quality education program of SEAIT, a private institution established in 2006 by South Cotabato Governor Reynaldo Tamayo Jr., envisioned to provide accessible and quality higher education for deserving students.
Now preparing for graduation, Ganaba expressed gratitude for the opportunities that transformed her from a student in 2022 into an empowered young leader ready to contribute to her family and community.
She also expressed hope that SEAIT’s model of free and quality education will be expanded nationwide to benefit more Filipino learners.
“It has transformed my life and I dream that it transforms others’ lives,” she wrote, ending her message with, “Long Live SEAIT!”
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