Bayaning Samahang Pilipino 2016-17

Institution Category

Psoriasis Philippines Online Community, Inc. (Winner)

• Mandaluyong City
• NCR

Having someone share your burden somehow makes it a little more bearable.  This is why the Psoriasis Philippines Online Community, Inc. was established for people with the skin disease psoriasis.

PsorPhil, an organization in Mandaluyong City, has conducted various events to cater to the needs of their members.  They also have dedicated activities to non-members.  Working alongside the Department of Health (DOH), the Philippine Dermatological Society, and with the Philippine Rheumatological Association (PRA), they have provided free laboratory tests, consultations, and even free medicine for psoriasis, among many others.

The most important task that PsorPhil has undertaken is one with the objective to save the lives of the people suffering from psoriasis.  Studies have shown that people diagnosed with this skin disease have high suicidal tendencies.  PsorPhil aims to eradicate the same that people with psoriasis fee.  With proper education about the disease, psoriasis patients are taught how to better handle their situation and manage their illness.

PsorPhil member volunteers, most of whom have Psoriasis themselves, conduct one-on-one counseling to other Psoriasis patients, known as the PsorCoach program.  Knowing what it feels like to be left out, this program helps patients deal with depression and also help them find strength within themselves.  To date, this program was able to help more than 300 Psoriasis patients all over the country.

Bakhita Send One Poor to School Credit Cooperative (Finalist)

• San Jose Nueva, Ecija
• Region 3

More than a decade ago, four women health workers strived for a better life.  They underwent trainings in microfinance and were able to start their own business and founded Bakhita Send One Poor to School Credit Cooperative.

Members of the credit cooperative come from farming families.  Just a few years after they started, the cooperative has grown and was able to extend help and branch out to other municipalities within Nueva Ecija, such as in Carranglan, Pantabangan, and Nampicuan.

Through the funds acquired from their small credit cooperative, they have successfully helped 30 college students finish their Bachelor’s Degree.  Although having to work with limited resources, they were also able to give financial assistance to members of the community who are ill.  With now more than 100 members, BSOPS-CC continues to share their blessings within Nueva Ecija.

Loboc Youth Education Association, Inc.

• Loboc, Bohol
• Region 7

If there’s a will there’s a way and it is their strong will that paved the way to the formation of Loboc Youth Education Association, Incorporated.  This organization from Bohol was established to address issues of poverty, gender development, environmental degradation, and the declining cultural heritage in the community.

Using music to achieve their goals, LYEA scouts for students and trains them to play musical instruments.  This training enabled them to acquire college scholarships as well as the opportunity to be part of a band that travels across the globe.

Aside from preserving and enhancing Loboc’s rich musical heritage, their hard work allowed them to put up a cooperative, sponsor 500 college students, build a 3-storey dormitory, and revive Loboc’s title as the center of brass band & orchestra in Bohol.  A clear example that greater things can be achieved when we work hand in hand.

Bayaning Kabataang Pilipino 2016-17

YOUTH CATEGORY

John Mark Odani (Winner)

• Maitum, Sarangani Province
• Region 12

John Mark J. Odani knew of hardship at an early age.  He lost his father when he was merely ten.  He had to help his mother make ends meet by selling boiled bananas to his classmates in school.  But Marky, as he is fondly known, has always had the heart to serve despite his own struggles.  That’s why he volunteered to help the indigenous people of Brgy. Batian in Sarangani as soon as he finished a two-year health provider course at a nearby college.

To get to Brgy. Batian, Marky has to cross nine rivers every day.  It gets especially hard when it rains because the river swells and there was always the danger of getting swept away.  But Marky was determined to help the T’bolis get healthcare.  Because of him, the indigenous tribe was able to get immunization, pre-natal check-ups, and family planning consultations.  He was also able to provide basic medical treatment to common illnesses, like colds and coughs.  Before Marky started helping the community, these common illnesses were often ignored and left untreated because the hospitals were too far away.

In 2015, Marky earned his degree in midwifery and passed the board exam.  With his history of exemplary service, he was immediately hired by the provincial office of Maitum.  His heart however, belonged to the community he once served and considered his second home.

It didn’t matter that it was an assignment that no one wanted – Marky insisted on going back to Brgy. Batian even if it meant trekking the mountains or crossing rivers just to reach the sitios.  He even learned the T’boli native language so that the community will be able to better relate to him – an indication of the level of commitment Marky had for the indigenous tribe.

Indeed there is no mountain too high nor any river too wide that Marky can’t conquer to serve the indigenous people of T’boli – feat that only can be accomplished by a true hero.

Patrick Franz Martin (Finalist)

• Pasig City
• NCR

The goal for Patrick Franz Martin was clear: spread happiness, inspiration, and hope in a world rife with so much negativity.  This is what he hoped to achieve with “The Happy Project” products he sold.  “The Happy Project” is a social enterprise that employs persons with disabilities.  Patrick believes that providing jobs for the PWDs will empower them and give them better lives.  Employment gave the PWDs a chance not only to earn money but to prove to the world that they’re individuals who have capabilities and talents like everyone else.  With the success of their first store at the UP Town Center, they were able to branch out to another location at Trinoma.  Patrick hopes that the support “The Happy Project” is receiving means that they have succeeded in their purpose.  More than the reminders of love and positivity his merchandise offers, the message of hope come primarily from the very people who created the products.

Mark Kenneth J. Bitoin (Finalist)

• Lopez, Quezon
• Region 4-A

When he was a small child, Mark Kenneth used the savings in his coin bank to buy school supplies for his fellow students who didn’t have any.  This was the start of Mark Kenneth’s journey as a student leader.  He later realized that his calling was even bigger: to bring out the best in his fellow youth.  With his group Youth for Peace and the help of local government units and the Armed Forces of the Philippines, he sets out all over Southern Luzon to conduct leadership summits that teaches young leaders the importance of team-building, personality development, and group dynamics.  Under Mark Kenneth’s leadership, a lot of young people who have lost their way regained their self-esteem and are now serving as youth leaders in their own communities.

Primitivo Ragandang, III (Finalist)

• Tagoloan, Misamis Oriental
• Region 10

One only has to look at the life of Primitivo to learn the value of giving back.  From being a student who had to eat fallen mangoes and survive on a pack of noodles for the entire day, he now teaches in the same school he attended as a young child.  Prime, as he is called by family and friends, saw his journey as a preparation for his future mission in life.  Prime is the founding member of Move This World in the Philippines, a local arm of the global non-profit movement that uses creative expression to transform conflict, violence, and bullying in communities.  Prime took this advocacy to Mindanao, helping alleviate the deeply-rooted cultural differences despite the dangers of doing volunteer work in the war zone.  But not one to rest on his laurels, Prime took on other roles as well.  He regularly goes on outreach programs to send clothes, school supplies, and food to Lumads living in the far-flung areas of Misamis Oriental.  A proud Mindanaoan at heart, Prime is committed in doing his part to make Mindanao a safer place to live.

Bayaning Pilipino 2016-17

INDIVIDUAL CATEGORY

Fructuosa Alma "Neneng" Olivo (Winner)

• Davao City
• Region 10

A lifetime of service to others is no small feat.  For 30 years, Neneng Olivo has served as a social worker in far-flung communities of Davao City.  Neneng is well-known in the Badjao community and has helped generations of Badjaos.  To be able to serve Badjaos better, Ate Neneng, as they fondly call her, has lived with them in the past three decades.

As a community, the Badjaos do not belong to the Indigenous Peoples Association (IPA).  This ‘floating’ status in the indigenous community has denied their people some basic services like education from the local government units.  Even the Catholic Church finds it hard to determine the needs of their growing population.  Despite these challenges, Neneng was determined to extend help to the Badjao Community.

The lack of budget for her proposed projects did not stop Neneng from persevering and pushing through with her advocacies, one of which is to alleviate the live of the Badjaos.  The Angat Buhay Badjao Project involves a great deal of work and responsibility and the lack of support from the local government and nearby communities made it especially difficult for Neneng to carry out her massive tasks.

Neneng believes that the future of the Badjaos lie in the hands of the youth and this is where some of her projects are focused.  With the help of donations from friends, the church and donors who believe in her causes, she was able to build learning centers in the Badjao community in Isla Verde and DAPSA.  Inside the centers, you can find books, tables and chairs, a small kitchen, and some tablewares.  The volunteer teachers of the center conduct feedings for the children before the start of each class.  In the center, they teach children how to read and write, pray, as well as proper hygiene.

Through the years, the learning center was able to produce elementary and high school graduates.  Some of the graduates even proceeded to taking 2-year vocational courses.

While most people dream to have better lives, Neneng dreamt the same, not for herself, but for the Badjaos.  She dedicated a big part of her life to make this dream happen.  Her hard work and sacrifices in the past three decades opened opportunities for the indigenous group that looks up to her as their hero.

Darlito Palermo (Special Awardee)

• Tagum City, Davao Del Norte
• Region 10

A great leader and a good friend, that is how people know Darlito Palermo, also called Darling by those close to him.  Darling is an electronics communication engineer by profession.  He is also a PWD (person with disability) who helps fellow PWDs.

He initiated programs such as values formation trainings that empowered his fellow PWDs and gave them the confidence to thrive in society despite their disabilities.  Their renewed self-confidence also enabled them to seek the help of the local government for their livelihood programs.  Darling also sought the assistance of NGs and private organizations and through his determination, they granted them with building materials.  These materials will be used to build a one-stop-shop building for the PWDs’ livelihood program trainings for horticulture, farming, and carpentry.

Aside from these programs, Darling continues to inspire and empower fellow PWDs through the virtual online trainings he conducts to help them find a regular source of income even at the comfort of their own homes.

Frederick Epistola (Finalist)

• Parañaque City
• NCR

Heroes are our light in the darkest of times.  And that is what Frederick Epistola is for the Mangyans in Mindoro, Aetas in Zambales, and other indigenous tribes in the Philippines.  These remote communities consider Frederick as the “solar man” for installing their lights using solar energy.  He also founded “Si Liit Aralan,” a solar-powered mini-library for the Ivatans in Batanes.

As one of the first responders to typhoon Yolanda, he also provided lighting system for the rescuers and health workers.  He built a solar-powered E-Library Nipa Hut with an android-based computer which was used as an alternative learning tool for students affected by the disaster.

More than just providing light through solar technology, Frederick gives hope and inspiration to these communities with his resourcefulness and passion to help.

Dominga Mayoc (Finalist)

• San Jose, Nueva Ecija
• Region 3

Dominga Mayoc, know to many as Carmen, is the type of person who’s always ready to help other people.  Carmen is a simple housewife whi is also a PWD or a person with disability.  But the deformintiy in her hands does not stop her from reaching out to those in need.

Carmen works as a volunteer community health-based worker.  Having a genuine concern for her neighbors and the people in her community, she takes the extra mile to accompany them to the hospital when they need medical attention.  The people in her community knows that they can always count on her during emergencies, even in the wee hours of the morning.  She aslos undertakes the task of approaching the social welfare section of the hospital for help on behalf of the patient and his or her family.

Her passion to help goes beyond her disabilities, and that makes her a complete person.  In many ways, Carmen has proven that to be a hero, we just need a heart dedicated to serving others.

Lamberto P. Armada, Jr. (Finalist)

• Sagay City, Negros Occidental
• Region 6

As a volunteer project director of Ikthus Redeemed Community (IRC), Lamberto goes around Purok Bangkal to talk to the members of its community to find out their concerns.  Living for a few years in the community, he found out that one of the major concerns of the people is the absence of comfort rooms.  He made it his priority project and today, using the donations he collected and with the help of other residents, he was able to build several comfort rooms which the community now uses.

Aside from the previous project mentioned, he also managed to help in the community’s livelihood by giving fishing boats to the community’s fishermen.  More than finding resources for his projects, one of Lambert’s challenges is how to change the mindset of the people of Purok Bangkal towards livelihood.  Through his perseverance and good will, he was able to inspire the community and empower them to make their lives better.

Regional Finalists

1. Edmond M. Corpuz - Makati City, NCR
2. Edwin M. Candido - Dasmariñas City, Region 4-A
3. Windel V. Alvarez - Caramoan Camarines Sur, Region 5
4. Jose Felino P. Resol, Jr. - Pototan Iloilo, Region 6
5. Rainero B. Balbin - Loboc, Bohol, Region 7
6. Edgardo E. Dacoco - Cagayan De Oro City, Region 10

Bayaning Pilipino Awards 2015

INDIVIDUAL CATEGORY

Armando Mapola (National Winner)

• Odiongan, Romblon
• Region 4-B

Armando Mapola believed in two things:  helping people and giving them second chances.  These beliefs have given him the compassion best suited for his job.  He started out as a Jail Officer in a small island in Sibuyan, Romblon.  In this island, he met some indigenous people that unexpectedly touched his life.  Because of them, Armando felt the need to extend his help to those in need, particularly these indigenous people.

He helped in simple ways like giving away slippers, school supplies, food or free haircut to indigenous children.  To fund his causes, he sometimes asks help from his friends, as well as the local government, though he often uses his own money for these outreach activities.  To this day, he continues to hold these programs even as he takes on a bigger role after being promoted in his job as the Chief jail officer in Bansud Jail District in Oriental Mindor.

After typhoon Yolanda, Armando spearheaded a fun run called, “Takbo Para sa mga Biktima ng Bagyong Yolanda.”  Through this fund-raising activity, Armando and some of his friends were able to buy food and clothes to the victims of Yolanda in the province of Capiz.

As the current chief of Bansud Jail District in Oriental Mindoro, he led projects to improve the jail facilities and provide better environment to the detainees.  He successfully obtained the assistance of local government agencies to support the project.

Through the alternative learning system, he also headed livelihood training programs for the prisoners.  These trainings became useful later on as Armando also assisted in finding jobs for prisoners who were released after serving their sentence.  These former detainees are now working as security guards or massage therapists in a nearby resort.

Hildegonda M. Del Mundo (Special Awardee)

• Alitagtag, Batangas
• Region 4-A

Despite her blindness, Hildegonda Del Mundo was able to face all her challenges in life and was able to support her family by being its breadwinner.  For her, having a disability should not hinder you from reaching your goals.  And one of her life’s goals is helping others who have disabilities like her.

Through her efforts, she was able to initiate the establishment of a SPED school in Batangas.  From being a volunteer, she became a regular SPED teacher to fulfill her goals of helping people with disabilities.  She also teaches Braille system for free through home visits for the blind.

At present, she serves as the president of Batangas Women with Disabilities Association and the Vice President of the Samahan ng May Kapansanan sa Batangas.  These organizations aim to uplift the lives of people with disabilities by proving them various scholarships and livelihood programs.

Mark David Cerezo (National Finalist)

• Nangka, Marikina City
• NCR

For Mark David Cerezo, the future of our country is in the hands of our youth.  This is why he dedicates his time in helping the youth to have a better life.

For years, he continuously shared his talent with young people and encouraged them to hone their skills in arts and crafts.  He founded “Pinoy Malikhain,” through which he hopes to inspire the youth in reaching their dreams.

Mark lives a life of service and this was evident even in times of disaster.  After the Yolanda typhoon, he gathered members of Pinoy Malikhain to provide stress-debriefing activities for the survivors, most especially the children.  Through their combined efforts, they were able to extend help to the provinces of Samar, Leyte and Tacloban.

Estrelita Peña (National Finalist)

• Sibugay, Zamboanga City
• Region 9

Estrelita Peña is no stranger to poverty.  She had her share of a difficult childhood, walking several kilometers everyday going to school.  It is this experience that inspired her to help children who, like her, had to cross rivers and walk through mountains just to be able to go to school.  She made it a personal goal to help students who are at risk of dropping out.

She established SSA-DORA (Sagip a Student Advocacy – Dropout reduction Association), a program that was able to build a dormitory that houses 66 male students from the far-flung areas of Zamboanga.  With her hardwork and perseverance, she was assigned to lead an NGO called Sibugay Funds for Little Kids.  This provided her the opportunity to work with other foundations and build connections with businessmen and professionals who, later on, helped her build another dormitory for female students.

At present, she works as a school principal in one of the remote sitios in Zamboanga.  Her programs have reached around 2,000 students and this number will continue to grow because Estrelita believes that her work is not done yet.

Rex Razo (National Finalist)

• Iligan City
• Region 11

A dedicated educator, Rex Razo knows the value of good education.  Despite poor working conditions, he chose to teach in Brgy. Rogongon where the students shared just one classroom.  He worked there for five years because he believed that his services were needed there the most.

He is currently the principal of Iligan National High School, and through his relentless efforts to communicate with local government agencies, he was able to request for better infrastructure and school facilities.  Through these improvements, he raised the morale of his fellow educators as well as the students in that school.

Rex is a person who would always go the distance to help his community.  He never gets tired of looking for ways to better the lives of his kababayan.  He has earned the respect of his community, who will always think of his as their hero.

REGIONAL WINNERS

1. Romeo "RJ" Garcia - Shaw Blvd., Mandaluyong City (NCR)
2. Edwin V. Antonio -  Laoag City (Region 1)
3. Ofelia M. Peralta - Daraga Albay (Region 5)
4. Fr. Victor G. Bompat - Panglao, Bohol (Region 7)
5. Erlinda O. Beros -  Catarman, Northern Samar (Region 8)

TEACHER CATEGORY

Benjelita Batao (National Winner)

• Buhangin, Davao City
• Region 11

In 2002, Benjelita Batao started as a volunteer teacher for the Manobo Tribe.  Aside from rendering her services for free, she endured working in a remote area with fears of being in the middle of armed conflicts.

Even when opportunities of working in a regular teaching position came, she chose to teach in Tagasan Elementary School, where she would have to cross mountains and rivers to get to work.  Her desire to help others also took her time away from her family.  While her weekdays are spent teaching in school, her weekends are dedicated in holding parenting seminars with the Manobo parents.

Through Benjelita’s relentless appeal to the Department of Education, from a single classroom, more classrooms were built for the students of Tagasan.  This enabled them to increase grade levels from Grade 3 to Grade 6, allowing more students belonging to the Manobo tribe to graduate.

Teaching in remote areas also taught Benjelita to be resourceful.  With the lack of facilities and teaching materials, she often makes us of the organic materials found around the school’s area.  She has also mastered the Manobo dialect and this skill has helped her in teaching the Manobo children by translating their lessons so that they can understand them better.

Benjelita’s untiring dedication to her chosen profession has earned her the respect of the Manobo tribe and its Chieftain.  She will remain to be a true hero in their hearts.

Bernardo Ramos (National Finalist)

• Zaragoza, Nueva Ecija
• Region 3

Though his educational background is Political Science, Bernardo Ramos chose to be an educator.  He is known for being the most outstanding teacher and coach in journalism and mathematics.  Considered an asset in Carmen elementary School, he travels from mountain to mountain in Nueva Ecija, braving the odds just to be able to teach Dumagat children.  Aside from teaching them how to read and write, he also teaches the value of having an education and how it would help their daily lives.

Through his commitment to helping others, Bernardo encouraged the Dumagat community to aspire for a better life through education.  Despite his efforts to keep his heroic deed a secret, it did not remain unnoticed.  The Dumagat people appreciated his work and considered him a true hero.

REGIONAL WINNERS

1. Ruth C. Maglaqui - Brgy. Dela Paz, Antipolo City (Region 4-A)

FAMILY CATEGORY

Cardente Family (National Winner)

• Sibugay, Zamboanga City
• Region 9

The Cardente family led a simple life.  Jason Cardente, the father, works as a freelance photographer.  Jenifer Cardente, the mother, works as an elementary teacher.  They have three children namely, Esther Joy, Joshua James, and Nick Jay.  Despite lacking in material wealth, the family’s treasures are the works they do for the community.

Their current contribution includes managing and raising funds for a girls’ student dormitory called the “Yellow dorm” in the town of Kabasalan in Zamboanga Sibugay.  With this dormitory, the female students of Kabasalan who come from far-flung areas won’t have to walk 6-10 hours to get to school.  They do not have to walk through rivers, forests and mountains just to get proper education.  This dormitory gives these students a better chance to reach their dreams.

Cardente Family continuously coordinates with organizations like the Yellow Boat Foundation and Project Pearls to get the help they need in terms of funding their worthy projects.  The Yellow Boat Foundation helped them with Hope for Paddlers:  Sibugay Funds for Little Kids, which also gives them scholarship funds and educational materials.  Through their help, school drop-out rates are decreased and more students graduate high school and move on to studying in college.  Project Pearl, an organization based in the United States, assists them in conducting weekly classes with story-telling and values formation.

Aside from these projects, Cardente Family is also actively helping street children, out of school youth, street vendors, persons with disabilities and children who need medical attention.  For Cardente Family, helping others has been a part of their family values, and it is one thing that keeps their family together.

Obiena Family (National Winner)

• Tondo, Manila
• NCR

Obiena Family is a family of athletes.  Emerson Obiena, the father, is a player and coach for the sports Pole vault in 2002 and has helped athletes win competitions here and abroad.  His wife, Janet, also renders service to the athlete by giving the m values formation activities.  She is currently the board of trustees auditor of Philippine Athletics Track and Field Association.

With the help of their two children, this couple helps by providing free training to Pole Vault athletes who cannot afford to pay for proper training.  They also provide financial support for athletes competing abroad, getting funds from their own pockets and sometimes asking help from their colleagues and co-coaches.  Their home also serves as a halfway house for athletes who live far from their training venue.  Since 1999, they were able to help more than 80 athletes.

Bayaning Pilipino Awards 2014

INDIVIDUAL CATEGORY

Lilia Diaz (National Winner)

• Culion, Palawan
• Region 4-B

Nanay Lilia dedicated 35 years of her life to teaching in a traditional school managed by Jesuits in Culion, Palawan.  Upon her retirement, she was invited by a group of Jesuits to teach a group of indigenous people in a small island in Culion.  She immediately accepted the challenge and thought of it as a huge opportunity to help.  To Nanay Lilia, nothing amounts to the happiness that helping others brings.

However, her willingness to help was not enough to make her new job easy.  She was faced with a lot challenges and difficulties.  From her traditional school way of teaching, she had to adjust to her new students composed of individuals who have never seen a school in their lifetime.  Some of her students, who are 65-70 years old, do not even know how to write their names or add numbers.

Despite these difficulties and even with the lack of compensation, she managed to alleviate the situation.  Through hard work and patience, her students slowly flourished.  Seeing them learn and practice what she taught them is a sufficient reward which compensates for the meager honorarium that she now receives.

Nanay Lilia teaches from Monday to Thursday which prompted her decision to live within the community of Sitio Alulad and stay close to her students.  Her entire life is dedicated to teaching and her passion allowed her to help a lot of people.  Even at her age of more than 70 years old, she still continues to offer her talent to uplift the lives of the people of Sitio Alulad.

With the many decades of her life dedicated to help others, Nanay Lilia is proof that heroism never grows old.

Leonilo Beltran (National Winner)

• Baler, Aurora
• Region 3

Many Filipinos go overseas to seek greener pastures.  But even greener pastures are not enough to bring contentment into Leonilo Beltran’s life.  Even as he was earning well as an overseas Filipino worker in Saipan, where he worked as an electrician, he felt the need to do more with his life.  He wanted to help his fellow Filipinos back home.

This was not surprising for people who knew Mang Nilo.  Even before he left to work in Saipan, he was already a volunteer to the alternative learning system (ALS) program of the Department of Education in Aurora, teaching prisoners at their provincial jail as well as the youth in their barangay.  Even then, helping others seemed to be his calling.

Mang Nilo took a leap of faith and went back to his homeland to help people who are out of jobs and out-of-school youths.  He established a “skills caravan” and used his knowledge and skills on electrical and plumbing to train them.  His passion to teach these technical skills allows him to endure four hours of commute from the town of Baler where he lives to the town of Casiguran where he holds his skills caravan.

Aside from teaching technical skills, he also mentors them by incorporating values formation into his lessons.  He believes that great skills coupled with the right attitude, makes for an excellent employee.  He is also a man of faith, believing that all the challenges and hardships her encounters with his work can be overcome with prayers and hard work.

He also encourages his students to pay it forward, encouraging them to volunteer in his cause and help more people improve their lives.  He believes that everyone deserves as chance to rise from poverty, to find a job and be able to support their families.

In what often seems a world ruled by self-interest, we found a gem, a true hero like Nilo Beltran, who selflessly offers to help those who cannot help themselves.

Velvet E. Roxas (National Finalist)

• Diliman, Q.C.
• NCR

With her goal to help as many Filipino mothers and babies as possible through her advocacy on breastfeeding, Velvet Escario-Roxas turned her back from her profession as a Chemical Engineer and a Math teacher.  Since then, she had dedicated time and effort to research facts and in-depth information on proper breastfeeding.

She currently heads Arugaan, a project of the World Health Organization that aims to guide mothers to proper breastfeeding.  She also trains other women to become breastfeeding counselors to help other mothers, especially those who come from poverty-stricken areas, and educate them on the benefits of breastfeeding.

Johnny P. Medrano (National Finalist)

• Cuenca, Batangas
• Region 4-A

He could not walk, but he wanted to fly.  Johnny Medrano did not let his disability stop him from reaching his goals in life.  Despite not being able to attend regular school, he worked hard to achieve education in his own way.  His efforts paid off when he passed the acceleration test from the Committee on Higher Education (CHED) that allowed him to take a vocational course on technical repairs.

Through his own cellphone and watch repair shop, he was able to support the needs of his family.  He also became the founding member of the Batangas Cellphone Specialist Association (BACSA), helping both the able-bodied and people with disabilities like him by providing them technical training.

Anton Mari H. Lim (National Finalist)

• Zamboanga City
• Region 9

A veterinarian, businessman, speaker, organizer and a volunteer for worthy causes for the poor – he is Dr. Anton Mari Lim.  He is one of the founding members of the Yellow Boat Foundation.  It is an organization that brought children from their homes to their schools and back through the Yellow Boat and provided them a better chance at education.

Don Anton also spearheaded the Tzu Chi Great Love Physical Rehabilitation and Jaipur Foot Prosthesis Manufacturing Center which provide physical therapy and rehabilitation for people with disabilities.  He also heads the Tzu Chi Great Love Eye Center which provides eye treatment for those who cannot afford it.  His generous heart also brought him to lead several medical and relief operations to calamity-stricken areas.

REGIONAL WINNERS

1. Gerry Duwin A. Dela Zerna - Mandaluyong City (NCR)
2. Adelina S. San Miguel - San Juan, Taytay Rizal (Region 4-A)
3. Mina Cabugao Ballesteros - Roxas, Oriental Mindoro (Region 4-A)
4. Paulino Matheu Bongcaras, SVD. Aka: Brother Paul - Cebu City (Region 7)
5. Fr.  Conrado  Lacaba Casas, Jr. -  Lantapan, Bukidnon (Region 10)
6. Concesa Palaca-Lagare -  Bangkal, Davao City (Region 11)
7. Filemon Guerzon Romero - Bongao, Tawi-Tawi (ARMM)

YOUTH CATEGORY

John Michael F. Dellariarte (National Winner)

• Tugbunga, Zamboanga City
• Region 9

What began as a school requirement became one of life’s purpose for John Michael Dellariarte.  As a medical student, he was required to do an outreach in Lakewood, Zamboanga del Sur.  His involvement in this activity and his exposure to the community prompted him to want to do more than just fulfill a requirement.

After carefully studying the community, he came to know the needs of its people.  This had sparked his interest to help them in ways that he can.  This gave birth to a project with the concept of a halfway house.  Being close to the nearest health center, this halfway house became a temporary shelter for pregnant women who are due to give birth.  Before this project, pregnant women from this far-flung area would travel miles to reach the health center.

Along with this project, John and his fellow volunteers also built a floating ambulance.  Made of palm boat, this improves access of Subanens living across Lakewood Lake to basic services, like prenatal care and immunization, available in the health center.  It also improves the expediency with which necessary medical intervention can be given to patients in cases of emergencies.

Like the first two, John also conceptualized the third project: a solar reflector made from soda can used for disinfecting drinking water.  He came up with the idea when he visited the place with other medical interns and discovered that the community’s drinking water is contaminated.  The project, also dubbed as “I CAN make a difference” is a cost-effective and environment-friendly way of disinfecting water in rural communities.

John Michael could have been an accidental hero in the beginning.  But his worthy projects and his genuine concern for the Lakewood community prove that he is indeed a hero by choice.

Helen Gemma R. Vallejos (National Finalist)

• Bambang, Nueva Vizcaya
• Region 2

In a mountain in Kayapa, Nueva Vizcaya resides an indigenous group called Iwaks.  Among them, there is a gem of an individual – Helen Gemma Vallejos.  She does not belong to the community but she is definitely treated like family.  To the young Iwaks, Gemma is like a big sister, and for the elders, she is one of the best blessing of the community.

She established a group called Balikatang Pak na Pak and influenced other young people to extend their help to the Iwaks.  The group continuously holds fund-raising activities to provide for school supplies for the children and basic needs for the families of the community.

Her experience in helping the indigenous group opened her eyes to some harsh realities of life.  These motivate her to do more with her life by helping others in need.  For Gemma, the Iwaks are as much of heroes to her as she is a hero to them.

Cyprian Jade L. Basa (National Finalist)

• Roxas City, Capiz
• Region 6

Even when he was in high school, Cyprian Jade Basa was active in projects that helped the community.  An exemplary student and a leader, Cyprian gained the respect of his classmates and teachers.  He was always ready to lend a helping hand even for simple activities such as community clean-ups.

One of his most important contributions in the community is his discovery and creation of “alternative pesticide” derived from the anonas squamosal tree.  When he was freshman in college, he entered this project in an Intel Science Fair.  The following year, he used the same concept and allowed the local farmers of Capiz to try it.  He conducted trainings and seminars for the farmers on how to maximize the use of this technology.  This enabled the farmers to make their own organic pesticide and save on costs.  The success of this project earned Cyprian a recognition from the Department of Agriculture in Capiz.

REGIONAL WINNERS

1. Herald “Kyut” Villarca – Tondo, Manila (NCR)
2. Aldrin Bucoy-Abdurahim – Guiwan Porcento, Zamboanga City (Region 4-A)

INSTITUTION CATEGORY

International Deaf Education Association Philippines Incorporation-IDEA (National Winner)

• Tagbilaran City, Bohol
• Region 7

In 1991, Dennis Drake, a Peace Corps volunteer, established the International Deaf Education Association Philippines, Inc. or IDEA.  It aims to help the deaf and mute community by providing education and jobs.  This objective, though simple and direct as it seems, has a wide scope.

Through the organization’s hard work and perseverance, they were able to build an institution that is able to provide job and education opportunities for the deaf and mute.  Participating in this endeavor are schools from various districts of Bohol.  At present, negotiations are underway with private companies to provide opportunities to the graduates of the said schools.

IDEA was also able to build a special clinic for the deaf that provides check-up affordable hearing aids for its members.

Beneficiaries and scholars of the organization came from the underprivileged sector in some parts of Bohol.  These beneficiaries were carefully researched and investigated by teachers and social workers to assure that help is given to those that need it the most.

IDEA believes that disabilities such as being deaf and mute should not be a hindrance to achieve one’s dreams and goals.  So, it continues to work on providing opportunities for people with disabilities to obtain good education and employment.  The heroism they are demonstrating is the kind that makes people heroes of themselves.

Malayang Samahan ng mga Katutubo (National Finalist)

• Libis, San Ysiro, Antipolo City
• Region 4-A

Even those that live in the highlands were not spared by the devastation and flooding brought by typhoons.  When the Dumagat residents of San Isidro in Antipolo City realized the amount of danger their minority group might face in the future, they decided start an organization called Malayang Samahan ng mga Katutubo.

Coordinating with Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and other government agencies, they lobbied for ownership of their ancestral land, mainly to enrich and protect its natural resources.  Planting trees on these lands and taking care of the environment provides hope that, in turn, it shall protect them in the future.

EZER Foundation, Inc. (National Finalist)

• Iriga City
• Region 5

Providing quality education for the poor is the main advocacy of EZER Foundation, Inc.  Taking street children off the streets, sending them to school and providing a roof over their heads had been part of its mission.  Through the years, it has produced lawyers, nurses, accountants, and other professionals.  They are now the ones that support the foundation financially as a way of giving back.

The EZER Foundation also maintains an orphanage which also houses some of their scholars.  It also becomes a venue for their livelihood program where they teach projects such as soap-making and others to some of the scholars’ mothers.  This holistic approach in helping these children as well as their families gives them a better chance at life.

Ugnayan ng Pahinungod Manila (National Finalist)

• Taft Ave., Manila
• NCR

Established in the University of the Philippines with the goal to help the poor in nearby communities, Ugnayan ng Pahinungod Manila has now grown to reach more people to help and more projects to accomplish.  Helping the Ugnayan are the faculty, doctors, nurses, and medical students who volunteer for their various enrichment programs such as medical missions and other community services.

Aside from medical missions, they also hold disaster management programs, teachers’ enrichment programs and tutoring.  In a span of 20 years, they have helped hundreds of fellow Filipinos from various places.  The organization thrives through the good hearts of its volunteers who believes in their worthy cause.

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