Sitty Aynah P. Mala, fondly known as Ayn, born in December 1988 in Mulondo, Lanao del Sur, is an accomplished educator and agriculturist with a lifelong dedication to fostering sustainable development and agricultural innovation. The fourth child of Bontalis Aboamen Mala and Namerah Panandigan Mala, Sitty Aynah was raised under the nurturing care of her maternal grandmother and aunt. Her mother, who was also her first teacher, instilled in her a love for learning and education.
In 1996, her family moved to Marawi City, where she continued her schooling. Excelling academically from a young age, she graduated as class valedictorian in 2001 from elementary school and completed her secondary education as excellent awardee at Ibn Siena Integrated School in 2005. Her outstanding academic performance earned her an academic scholarship and consistent placement on the dean’s list during her college years.
Graduating Magna Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Extension from Mindanao State University – Marawi Campus in 2009, Sitty Aynah pursued advanced studies, earning her Certificate in Governmental Management in 2011 and her Master of Science in Farming Systems in 2019 with an Outstanding Thesis Award.
Her career has been marked by meaningful contributions to education and community development. Since 2011, she has served as a faculty member at MSU-Marawi, inspiring the next generation of agricultural leaders. Her five years as an Agricultural Extension Worker with the Department of Agriculture & Fisheries – Lanao del Sur provided hands-on experience in rural development, deepening her commitment to empowering grassroots communities.
Beyond her professional achievements, Sitty Aynah embraces the joys and responsibilities of motherhood as a single parent to her beloved daughter, Zayyinah. Balancing her career and personal life with grace, she finds strength in prayer, moments of quiet reflection, and the simple pleasures of sunrise, coffee, and reading. Sitty Aynah remains steadfast in her belief that education and research are powerful tools for fostering peace and development in communities.
