05/08/2025
𝐇𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐭 𝐨𝐟 𝐚 𝐂𝐫𝐢𝐦𝐬𝐨𝐧: 𝐖𝐌𝐒𝐔 𝐒𝐭𝐮𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐑𝐞𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐧𝐬 𝐏𝐨𝐮𝐜𝐡 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐂𝐚𝐬𝐡, 𝐂𝐡𝐨𝐨𝐬𝐞𝐬 𝐈𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐠𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐎𝐯𝐞𝐫 𝐑𝐞𝐰𝐚𝐫𝐝
In a world where stories of honesty and integrity often take a backseat to headlines of misdeeds, one student from Western Mindanao State University has emerged as a shining example of moral uprightness and selflessness.
𝑫𝒂𝒊𝒚𝒂𝒏 𝑫. 𝑮𝒂𝒓𝒊𝒏𝒈𝒂𝒏, a student of the Bachelor of Science in Islamic Studies, was at R.T. Lim Boulevard, waiting for a jeepney bound for IBT Divisoria, where she intended to meet her husband. Her husband, a tricycle driver, had just picked up a passenger from the port headed to the bus terminal. As she waited, Daiyan noticed a small green pouch lying unattended nearby.
She did not open it. Instead, she carefully observed her surroundings and soon noticed a couple who appeared visibly distressed while arguing and scanning the area in panic. Trusting her instincts, she approached them calmly and asked a series of probing questions to verify if they were the rightful owners of the lost pouch. Her cautious approach and critical thinking ensured that the bag would not fall into the wrong hands.
Once it was clear that they were the rightful owners, Daiyan handed the pouch over, still unopened and fully intact. Inside were several ATM and identification cards, pieces of jewelry, and more than ₱500,000 in cash. Visiting from Cebu, the couple was in Zamboanga City to see relatives and felt immense relief when their pouch was safely returned. Out of appreciation, the owner offered Daiyan a monetary reward, but she politely declined.
One of the couple, Jess Santilla, took to Facebook to share a heartfelt testimonial about the encounter. The post, filled with emotion and gratitude, quickly went viral as it captured not only the details of the incident but also the sincerity of Daiyan’s actions. It was through the student ID Daiyan was wearing that the owner was able to identify her.
Word of Daiyan’s selflessness reached the halls of WMSU, where Daiyan’s integrity was celebrated not just as a personal triumph, but as a reflection of the values the university instills in its students. Recognizing her remarkable character, WMSU President Dr. Ma. Carla A. Ochotorena committed to personally shouldering Daiyan’s tuition fees, after knowing that she was no longer eligible for free tuition as she had exceeded the regular duration of her academic program.
The story touched the hearts of many. The WMSU Faculty Union, under the leadership of Dr. Adrian P. Semorlan, came together and raised money to support Daiyan, not as a reward she requested but as one she truly deserved.
This act of honesty reflected the kind of character nurtured through years of personal growth and guidance. At WMSU, where academic learning goes hand in hand with the development of strong values, Daiyan emerged as a student who chose integrity over reward and character over convenience. In Daiyan, WMSU sees it mission fulfilled. She is a true Crimson who not only excels in thought but also acts with honor.
She may not have sought the spotlight, but her story has illuminated a path for others to follow. She may not have worn a cape, but in that moment, she became a symbol of honor, compassion and integrity for the entire Crimson community. (LMP, PAO)
In photo: Daiyan D. Garingan with Asso. Prof. Abdel-Azeem A. Moh. Siddique, Dean of the College of Asian and Islamic Studies
