Lady Anne Duya became the first woman from the Mag-Indi tribe in Pampanga to pass the Criminologist Licensure Examination after clearing the February 2024 exam.
Duya, from Katutubo Village in Barangay Planas, Porac, is the fourth of seven siblings. She also became the first person in her family to finish college.
“Bale, ako po ang kauna-unahang college graduate po sa pamilya po namin,” Duya said.
She completed a Bachelor of Science in Criminology at the Central Luzon College of Science and Technology in July 2023. Her education was supported by scholarships from the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples and the Pampanga provincial government, which helped cover school expenses.
Duya also earned recognition as Best in Thesis, Service Awardee and Most Outstanding Criminology Intern.
Her path came with financial pressure and discrimination. Duya recalled being judged because of her ethnicity and physical appearance. She also said people questioned her decision to study criminology, while reactions to her gender and short stature made her feel that others doubted whether she could handle the training.
Duya further recalled that someone told her she would not pass the board examination.
Only months after graduating, she passed the February 2024 licensure exam. The results were released on March 6.
Her achievement marked a first for women in her Mag-Indi tribe in Pampanga.
Duya later encouraged fellow Indigenous youth to continue pursuing their goals despite hardship and discrimination.
“Hindi tayo babae lang, hindi tayo aeta lang, kundi isa din tayo sa mga taong pwedeng tumupad ng mga pangarap natin,” she said.
