MUSTAPHA, Nadja Jamilah D.

NSG 131
Module 12
February 5, 2021
Biography
Tomawis was born on October 18, 1947 in the municipality of Marantao, Lanao del
Sur. He is a political science graduate of JPI, law school graduate of UE, professor in
military school, and a retired general of the Armed Forces of the Philippines. Tomawis
was considered an outstanding soldier during his service. Tomawis’ parents were
Maranao farmers. He was the second-born son among the 24 children of his father from
his four wives. His mother was the first wife of his father. With the scarcity of money,
Tomawis’ family was supported only by his mother. She would make turmeric powder and
sell it in the market. Tomawis and his sisters helped alongside their mother. Life was hard
but he was determined to land a job and be stable in life. With no support from his parents,
his grandparents took him and lived in the farm. Ama and Ina, his grandparents, took care
of him. In return, he helped in the field and looked up to his grandparents’ kindness.
Honest, persevering, and supporting were the values he learned from them. He promised
to himself that he’d be just like his grandparents when he grows old. He’s future
grandchildren would never feel lonely and hungry, he said.
Living with them, Tomawis met several of his uncles, who were teachers,
politicians, and the likes. They finished college, educated, and had money to feed their
family and help their kin. Tomawis realized that the only way he’d be successful in life is
if he finishes his high school, and college years. Education was vital in life, he reflected.
In such a young age, Tomawis was determined and pointing out a goal for himself
and his family. The problem he faces is how would he be able to finish his high school
with his current situation. No one could support his education. With this, he took a test for
a scholarship in Dansalan College. He was gladly accepted and has a monthly stipend.
Ecstatic was an understatement for the emotions he felt when he received his scholarship
money. Hope was instilled in his heart. Despite the turbulence and uneasiness of his life,
there was hope in achieving a better future. His uncle sponsored his stay in Marawi City.
On the weekends, he would go home and help out his mother and grandparents in the
farm. His sisters, Hidjara, Mona, and Nuro would make rugs and he would bring it with
him in Marawi City to sell. This was the way his sisters could support their education too.
Tomawis graduated in Dansalan College high school with flying colors.
The next dilemma he faced is his college education. Just like the old times, he was
on his own. Initially, he planned to work first and save up for his education. But the office
he was working on allowed Tomawis to pursue college despite working. He worked while
juggling his studies and family responsibilities. Tomawis faced many challenges, but he
was near, he thought. Just before graduation, he met Maimona, who he believed was the
‘love of his life.’ Maimona captured his heart. To gain her parents’ trust, Tomawis joined
the Armed Forces of the Philippines training and started his service in 1970. Eventually,
Tomawis married Maimona and had five children whom he loved dearly.
During his service as a soldier, he faced many life-threatening moments in life,
which was part of his service in the beginning. As a Muslim working in the government,
he faced religious discrimination. At that time, there was still dispute prevailing between
the Moros and the government. Tomawis could not escape the refuting eyes and bias of
his superiors against him. Howbeit, he persevered and did his best to show his colleagues
and superiors that a true man of his faith does not engage in horrendous acts. Tomawis’
intelligence made him finish law school with a scholarship. He even finished his master’s
abroad. Opportunities came day by day and Tomawis could not be more grateful than
ever. Nonetheless, he prayed continuously, in obeyance of his faith and to thank God’s
blessings to him and his family.
Tomawis was a man of his word. His hometown and family’s status quo did not
hinder him from achieving his goals. All he wanted was to gain education and have a
stable life. But prayer and hard work surpassed his expectations. He became a general
in AFP, had a loving and complete family, and was able to help his kin, just like what he
had promised to himself in the past. Also, he supports and takes care of his grandchildren.
Ensuring each one of them is having the best education that they deserve. Currently,
Tomawis lives in Marantao, with his family. He engages in social responsibilities, prays in
the Masjid, and spreading the word of Islam, locally and internationally. Tomawis is living
a satisfying life. Indeed, with passion, comes success.