Stories of Grit and Growth: Meet The 2025 Outstanding Working Students of MMDC

At Mapúa Malayan Digital College (MMDC), being a working student is not simply about balancing schedules; it is about resilience, purpose, and the drive to grow. MMDC recognizes that many of its learners pursue education while actively working to provide for their needs— applying their knowledge in real time and shaping their professional paths even before graduation.

To honor this commitment, MMDC launched The Outstanding Working Students of MMDC (TOWS of MMDC) Award, a program that celebrates students who excel academically while exemplifying Mapuan Excellence. 

The launch coincided with the celebration of the first-ever National Working Students Day (NWSD) on March 21, 2025. The recognition ceremony marked the official introduction of TOWS of MMDC, celebrating the achievements of its inaugural awardees. 

The 2025 TOWS of MMDC Awardees

Here are the recipients of The Outstanding Working Students of MMDC Award, representing the diverse realities of working learners – the breadwinners, career shifters, and self-supporting scholars – who persevere through challenges while excelling academically and professionally.

Paolo Parcon is a full-time MMDC student, a full-time employee at iQor Talisay, a Victorias City Scholar, an aspiring entrepreneur, and the host of the podcast Study Break. Managing long work shifts, academic deadlines, business planning, and content creation has often meant sleepless nights and limited personal time. Yet, Paolo has beaten the odds, and worked his way up through his ability to prioritize, persevere, and pursue multiple goals simultaneously all the while inspiring fellow students through his platform.

Mary Jullianne Maycacayan, a BS Network and Cybersecurity student, exemplifies adaptability through her academic and professional journey. Transitioning from a pre-law program to a tech-focused degree, Mary balances her studies with work as a freelance proofreader and writer, tutor, and part-time insurance agent. Navigating multiple roles has required discipline and constant adjustment, yet she has embraced change and maximized MMDC’s flexible learning model to continuously develop skills across disciplines.

Image: Paolo, Mary, Robert, Angeline

Robert Pinuela began his journey toward independence at a young age, leaving his hometown in Iloilo to pursue education while supporting himself. From completing high school under an open program for working students to balancing employment and college at MMDC, Robert’s path has been shaped by early responsibility and perseverance. He has sustained his commitment to education despite financial pressures as the breadwinner of his family, and consistently strives for growth through MMDC’s industry-driven learning environment. Despite all the challenges, he has still found security as he was awarded the MMDC Asenso Scholarship, providing the support needed to help his family while working toward his own goals. 

Ma. Angeline Robles is a BS Operations Management student at MMDC, and a dedicated working student who excels in both her professional and academic pursuits. She works as a Virtual Assistant, Social Media Manager, and Canva creator, supporting entrepreneurs and businesses through content creation, backend systems, and digital brand management. Balancing multiple tasks often means long days and disciplined time management, yet Angeline consistently rises to the challenge and was even honored by Sipalay City’s LGU as an Outstanding Scholar. Through her strong work ethic, she continues to perform with excellence, proving that commitment and perseverance can lead to success both in the workplace and in the classroom.

Mark Joseph Espartero, a third-year BS Marketing student, balances academics with leadership and creative freelance work. As an active student leader, graphic designer, video editor, and motion graphic artist, Mark manages demanding schedules while building a strong professional portfolio. Despite the challenge of juggling creative work and academic responsibilities, Mark consistently contributes to collaborative projects and develops both technical and soft skills that allow him to create meaningful impact.

Norlito Arcon, a BS Operations Management student, returned to his academic journey after a major setback disrupted his plans to graduate from a previous university. Balancing full-time work with online studies while living alone in Manila and paying his own tuition has tested him emotionally and physically. Through moments of illness, exhaustion, and isolation, Norlito persisted. He is resilient and self-reliant, refusing to give up on his education despite overwhelming circumstances.

Image: Mark (mis photo), Norlito, Teodora, Maja

Teodora Yumul-Calzado, also a BS Operations Management student, embodies the reality of balancing multiple roles as a student, professional, and mother. Choosing to upskill through MMDC required commitment and sacrifice, as academic responsibilities often competed with work and family life. Through her studies, she has developed leadership, organizational, and interpersonal skills that directly support her work as a Stakeholder Relations Analyst in a government R&D project. She has embraced lifelong learning and uses education as a tool for service and community impact.

Maja Ysabelle Samaniego, a BS Information Technology student majoring in Network and Cybersecurity, never expected to become a working student due to the technical demands of her course. However, MMDC’s flexible learning setup enabled her to gain experience, upskill, and pursue her passion for art while completing her degree. Maja also serves as a student leader and a member of The Digital Fort, MMDC’s official student publication. Balancing technical coursework and professional development has been challenging, yet Maja has proven that creativity, discipline, and technical education can work well together.

Why TOWS of MMDC Matters

More than a one-time recognition, TOWS of MMDC serves as a platform that uplifts working students by giving them the acknowledgment, motivation, and opportunities to grow both personally and professionally. It brings to light the determination behind every working student’s journey—highlighting their challenges, triumphs, and the deep connection between education and real-world practice. The program inspires current and future MMDC students to pursue their goals without limiting themselves to a single path, sending a clear message: being a working student is not a setback, but a strength. 

Through MMDC’s flexible learning model, Personalized Professional Courses (PPC), and the values of Mapúan Excellence, students are empowered to build multi-hyphenated lives that balance work, study, and growth. As the celebration of National Working Students Day returns this March 21, working students can look forward to even greater recognition and celebration as MMDC continues to honor them and the impact they create every day. 

Ready to level up? Explore MMDC’s flexible college and certification programs created for working students who want to grow without putting life on hold.