BY CHRISTIAN BRYLE ESTUYA, CHRISTINE JOY BADINAS, AND HAZEL P. VILLA
Photos by Christian Bryle Estuya
ILOILO City – For Jumana N. Babiker, an 18-year-old with roots in both the Philippines and Sudan, sitting for the West Visayas State University Admission Exam (WVSUAE) here was more than just an academic requirement — it was a defining moment in her journey of resilience.
Born and raised in Sudan, Babiker and her family fled their home country amid escalating conflict on May 8, 2023, seeking refuge in the Philippines with the help of the Philippine government. Now living in San Pedro, Molo district, she dreams of earning a spot in WVSU’s Bachelor of Science in Computer Science program.
WVSU is one of the Philippines’ top-performing state universities, consistently producing board topnotchers and maintaining high passing rates in various licensure exams. Known for its excellence in education, health sciences, and teacher training, WVSU has built a reputation for academic rigor, quality instruction, and research-driven learning.
But beyond the aspirations of higher education, Babiker carries the weight of cultural adaptation, language barriers and the challenge of starting over. And so, armed with grit, she was one of 10,491 exam takers of WVSU on March 9, 2025 hoping to make it to the prestigious university’s main campus in La Paz district.
A New Life, a New Set of Challenges
Before arriving in Iloilo, Babiker studied in Omdurman, Sudan, and is now in her final year of senior high school at Iloilo City National High School under the Accountancy and Business Management track. The transition has been anything but easy.
“I see people making a lot of mistakes according to my religion,” she said, noting the cultural differences she has observed.
The first few weeks were overwhelming. Headaches from stress and constant adjustments made her feel like an outsider in a land that was, in part, her own.
“It was very hard adjusting to the environment,” she admitted.
But as time passed, she found ways to embrace her new reality while staying true to her values.
Despite the struggles, Babiker has remained focused on her academic goals. She completed Grade 11 with honors, proving her commitment to excellence.
A Mother’s Strength
Amid the uncertainty of rebuilding their lives, Babiker’s mother, Suzette Natabio, has been her pillar of strength.
A 45-year-old native of Molo and an English teacher, Natabio spent nearly two decades teaching at Idris English High School in Omdurman, Sudan. She learned Arabic by listening and jotting down words, slowly adapting to a culture far from her own. She first arrived in Omdurman on July 2004.
Babiker’s father, a 55-year-old miner whom Natabio met in Kuwait, remains in Sudan. The separation has made their transition bittersweet, but Babiker pushes forward, fueled by the dream of excelling in computer science or information technology.
Now back in the Philippines in May 9, 2023, Natabio continues to guide her daughter through this new chapter. On exam day, she woke early, ensuring everything was in place before they left the house at 6:30 a.m.
The Road to WVSU
For Babiker, WVSU is a top choice, but she is also considering Iloilo Science and Technology University.
“It was recommended by my teacher,” she said, noting that she believes WVSU offers some of the best academic opportunities.
More importantly, she feels a sense of inclusivity at the university.
“This school is acceptable,” she said, appreciating its welcoming environment.
She prepared extensively for the entrance exam, utilizing different resources to boost her chances. However, there was an added challenge—she was fasting during the test. Hunger and thirst made the experience more demanding considering it was the seventh day of her fast that should end on April 21, but she remained focused.
Despite struggling with Filipino context questions and history due to language differences, she found the exam easier than expected. “I was shocked how easy it was,” she admitted.
Looking Ahead
While she waits for the results, Babiker is grounded in her priorities.
“Of course, I’m gonna finish high school,” she said with quiet determination. After months of rigorous study, she also plans to take a well-deserved break.
Beyond academics, she remains connected to the passions she cultivated in Sudan — art, solving Rubik’s cubes and playing chess, activities that provide both relaxation and mental stimulation.
Her story is one of resilience, a testament to the challenges refugees face when starting anew. But with the unwavering support of her mother and her own perseverance, Babiker is determined to carve out a future that bridges both her homelands.
Whether at WVSU or another institution, she carries with her a story of hope — one that speaks to the power of new beginnings, the pursuit of success, and the courage to rebuild./PN
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Photo by Christian Bryle Estuya
Ilongga-Sudanese refugee Jumana Babiker is greeted by her mother after taking the West Visayas State University Admission Exam, a crucial step in her pursuit of higher education after fleeing conflict in Sudan.
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Photo by Christian Bryle Estuya
After completing the West Visayas State University Admission Exam, refugee Jumana Babiker, an Ilongga-Sudanese, and a fellow examinee exchange, sharing their experiences and aspirations as they take a step closer to their academic dreams.
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Photo by Christian Bryle Estuya
Suzette Natabio Babiker patiently waits at a shed at West Visayas State University while her daughter Jumana sits for the university’s admission exam.
