Almost all people want to achieve success in life, but it's easier said than done. To be successful entails many factors to consider but for the Vice Mayor of Pagadian City, one must have a positive perception and see things as an opportunity.

Hon. Divina Grace C. Yu, resides at Balintawak, Pagadian City, and the better-half of Congressman Victor J. Yu of the first Congressional District of the Province of Zamboanga del Sur. The youngest among the six (6) siblings of Mr. and Mrs. Eliseo and JesusaCabardo. She startedher Elementary education at Balintawak Elementary School butgraduatedat Norberto Bana Sr. Memorial SDA ElementarySchool. She earnedher Secondary Education at Zamboanga del Sur National High School,pursued college and graduated with a degree of Bachelor of Science in Accountancy at Saint Columban College last March 1995. To really understand the basics in child development in the modern times, a tool which may help her in disciplining her kids, she enrolled Bachelor of Science in Education at the University of Visayas, Cebu City in March 2007. After her husband was elected as Representative of the 1st District of Zamboanga del Sur, she considered studying at New Era University Quezon City Campus, and took up degree in Bachelor of Laws with dual-purpose: to be near with the family and actively participate in some activities initiated by Congressional Spouses Association until she finished last year. Having exposed to political affairs, she was considered by the party (her husband's political affiliation) to be their official candidate for Vice-Mayoralty position.

But before the Honorable vice-mayor became what she is now, she was once a SPES GRANTEE. In her desire to contribute to the expenses for her studies, she applied and luckily considered in the SPES program when she was in 2nd year college at Saint Columban College. Not minding the long queue of applicants, her desire to find summer job did not fail.In April-May 1992, she was among the SPES workers of the Zamboanga del Sur Provincial Government assigned to the Greening Projects. Their assignments consisted of bagging, grafting, watering etc. in different nursery stations. Her passion to help and the relationship she had built with the people of Pagadian City and Zamboanga del Sur greatly contributed to her success.

In her message to the SPES grantees:

"Poverty is not a hindrance but a challenge to strive harder for success. You have to focus on what you are doing. You are lucky that you were given the chance as grantees of the program.

Give importance and use the opportunity to become successful in life. Education is your way to make your dreams come true and make SPES as your stepping stone in achieving it."

And that reveals her secret!

MARIBEL L. RAMOS, DOLE-Zamboanga del Sur Office