By Cyrus A. Natividad
Dr. Necil C. Magno just received the Diploma for her Doctor in Education degree.
It is the season of success. As we look forward to the good future of our graduates from Central Philippine University this year, let us look back on a precious example of a “dream come true.”
In making possible what other people thought was impossible, Necil Capiñanes, now Dr. Necil C. Magno, aimed high to realize her dream of attaining a Doctoral degree in Education. A very strong determination prevailed upon her, which could have otherwise discouraged her to pursue it.
Magno believes that poverty is not a hindrance to success. She remembers a time she heard one of her neighbors say “Oh, she’s enrolling in college? I bet she cannot finish her study; well, possibly it’s good for one semester only. With her father who is only a taxi driver and her mother a housewife, I bet she will not be able to graduate.”
Magno recalls “It was a great challenge to face, but I became stronger to walk on a difficult road to success.” In order to pay for her tuition and fees, she worked as a crew member at McDonalds. For her daily allowance she worked as part-time dance choreographer, and also made some income out of selling ‘yema’ and ‘polvoron’.
She added that, “I sold anything to add income to help me get through my schooling. I had to strive hard to realize my dream. God has a plan for me.” Magno shared this idea from Jennifer Hudson, “God makes better choices for us than we could have ever made for ourselves. “But from our end, Magno said, “To succeed is to believe, trust and soar high!”
Magno finished her Bachelor of Science in Secondary Education, Major in Mathematics and minor in Physical Education (2001) at Central Philippine University and her Master of Arts in Education (major in Physical Education (2012) at West Visayas State University. She finished her Doctor of Education in Physical Education degree (2021) at Filamer Christian University.
Magno is a recipient of a Scholarship from Filipino-Australian Foundation of Queensland Incorporated, Brisbane Australia. She is a member of the Iloilo Choreographers Guild and Lifetime Member of the Philippine National Folkdance and an Outstanding member of Dagyaw Theater and Dance Company (1990-1994).
She is a faculty member of Central Philippine University from 2001 up to present, Artistic Director and Choreographer of CPU- Sari- Saot Dance Troupe 2000-2019, and Choreographer of CPU PRISAA Modern Contemporary Dance. She garnered championship awards for seven (7) consecutive years from 2001-2018. She led the CPU College of Education, in garnering championship awards for five consecutive years (1994-1998). She is the university Chairperson for Modern Dance, Hip-Hop and Dance Sports.
Dr. Necil C. Magno authored several Physical Fitness, Wellness and Sports manuals. She is also a resource person to several community engagements- including a cultural exchange in Brisbane Australia in 2019. She is a Dr. Alfredo P. Catedral and Esperanza M. Catedral Awardee.
Dr. Magno was born on April 6, 1977 in Sambag, Jaro, Iloilo City to proud parents Cirilo and Nenita Capiñanes. She is happily married to a seaman, Captain Sherwin A. Magno. They have three children: Prince Nesher and Prince Sherwin, Senior High and Junior High students, respectively, and Princess Sheane a sixth-grader at CPU Elementary School.