Joining the BARMM Workforce for the Bangsamoro

Bai Rehana Marajan Lauban has achieved a remarkable feat, securing the 9th position in the October 2023 Licensure Examination for Fisheries Professionals with an impressive 84.50% rating.

Beyond her academic success, Rehana serves as an inspiration, highlighting the value of hard work, preparation, and unwavering faith in oneself and the Almighty Allah.

Academic Journey

Spending four years in college at Mindanao State University – Maguindanao Campus in the College of Fisheries, Rehana described it as tough and a steep uphill climb, but one that she chose to hurdle. As she described her life in those days, “It was a matter of surviving each day that lasted for four years.”

Surviving each day became a routine, especially with the absence of a comprehensive on-the-job training experience, crucial for fisheries students.

“My college days were both memorable and a piece of a nightmare for me because it was more like I had to survive each year level.  The horror of the pandemic was another thing.  Transitioning from traditional face-to-face education to online classes and then to a hybrid learning system was particularly draining for me,” she narrated.

She added, “Even more so after learning that we would not be able to experience wholesome on-the-job training due to several restrictions brought about by COVID-19, it was so sad because, for most fisheries students, it was the most memorable thing to help us gain skills and knowledge needed to work in a professional environment.  All I can think, it is the will of Allah SWT and He does whatever He wills.”

In the face of challenges, Rehana found solace in the Noble Qur’an, particularly the verse that suggests good things may come from what we initially dislike.

“I gradually learned to accept everything.  Acceptance was the hardest part but I had to be able to move forward,” Rehana said.

Her guiding principle during these struggles was simple: “Do not be plankton that drifts along with current, be a nekton that swims against the unending waves of struggles.”

 

Exam Experience

The college experience set the stage for the licensure examination. Enrolling in the Fisheries Development Network (FDN) online mentoring program, Rehana took a comprehensive approach, delving into extensive research beyond the review program. Maintaining disciplined focus, she minimized social media and relied on guidance from Allah.

The night before the exam, Rehana consciously stayed calm, dispelling negative thoughts. Post-exam, self-doubt crept in, but her singular desire during the waiting period was clear—to see her name on the list of passers.

Contrary to expectations, events guided by the will of Allah surpassed her aspirations. She not only passed but secured a coveted spot in the top ten list of passers, expressing immediate gratitude with the words, “All Praise is due to Allah.”

 

Crediting Success

Despite her achievements, Rehana stays grounded. According to her, she doesn’t see herself as exceptionally bright or “matalino” but attributes her success to a collective effort, involving her parents, family, friends, mentors, and even her feline companions.

“It is more of like a collective effort of people who have inspired me to keep going, my parents, my family, my genuine friends, my mentors, my cats, and ultimately because Allah SWT helped me – Allah made all these things possible,” she shared.

Joining the BARMM Workforce

With academic achievements in hand, Rehana aims to contribute to the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM). Expressing a desire to enhance her skills by collaborating with fellow Bangsamoro professionals, she aspires to contribute to the Fisheries sector and serve the Bangsamoro community.

On November 22, 2023, accompanied by Member of Parliament Diamila Ramos, Rehana met Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Agrarian Reform (MAFAR) Dr. Mohammad Yacob.

The minister congratulated her, recognizing her potential contributions and declaring, “You are now the pride of fisheries in Bangsamoro, and we are proud to have you.”

In accepting the position, Rehana expresses gratitude to Minister Yacob. Recognizing the competitive job market, she acknowledges the significance of the offered position and considers it a testament to the collective efforts of Members of Parliament who paved the way for greater opportunities.

“At the outset, let me share my deepest thanks and gratitude to Minister Dr. Mohammad Yacob for offering me a position in the MAFAR.  I ask Allah SWT to guide and help me as I embark on this another chapter of my life,” she said.

“To be allowed to work in MAFAR is already a big deal for me because looking for a job these days can be quite challenging even with good credentials. The competition to secure a job is very high considering the huge numbers of graduates being produced by different institutions including the number of board passers each year. Hence, I accepted the offer,” Rehana explained.

By accepting this offer, Rehana expresses her gratitude to the hardworking individuals who, through Resolutions No. 453, No. 458, and 460, have opened significant opportunities for her. These resolutions were championed by Members of the Parliament, including MP Diamila Ramos with her co-authors, MPs Tarhata Maglangit and Denmartin Kahalan; MP Abdullah Hashim with his co-authors, MPs Mohammad Kelie Antao, Abdulwahab Pak, Tawakal Midtimbang, Suharto Esmael, Ibrahim Ali, and Abdullah Gayak; as well as MPs Kadil M. Sinolinding, Jr., Akmad Abas, Mosber Alauddin, Susana Anayatin, Dan Asnawie, Hashime Dilangalen, and Ali Salik, respectively.

 

Giving Back to Bangsamoro

As a newcomer to the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Agrarian Reform (MAFAR) and a proud BARMM employee, Rehana sees her current skills and knowledge as a foundation awaiting further refinement.

“For someone who was a product of an online class learning system and with no work experience yet, the set of skills and knowledge that I have at the moment will be subjected to further improvement. I believe that there is still room for improvement and I am looking forward to unleashing my potential as I establish myself in this career path. May Allah make this journey easy and may He make it beneficial for me, my family, and the Bangsamoro community,” she said.

In Rehana’s inspiring journey, faith, hard work, and resilience emerge as the pillars not only for her personal success but also as a torchbearer for fisheries development in the Bangsamoro region.

Advice to Fellow Youths

In offering advice, Rehana emphasizes perseverance and acceptance of life’s challenges. She underscores the inevitability of change and the subjective nature of success.

“To my fellow youth, beware that just because you feel like you are not doing good enough today or you fail most of the time; it does not automatically mean you will endure that life forever. It may sound cliché but the only constant in this world is change. And it is up to you whether that change you want in your life to achieve is for better or worse,” she said.

“However, one should also anticipate that a lot of things can happen and expect the unexpected. Life can be very hard but just keep going, you should always remember your purpose and priorities, and you should be kind to yourself and strive to meet those goals and dreams in your life.  Bear in mind that you are the driver of your destiny,” Rehana concluded. (Kasan Usop, Jr/BIO)