One Song for the Kids

The Vince Hizon Foundation, set up on his birthday in November 1998, "aims to develop, promote and support educational programs for the country’s less privileged high school and college youth". Vince draws inspiration from his Jesuit teachers and fellow alumnus, Philippine national hero Jose Rizal. "Education and knowledge have always played an influential role in my life," he reveals. "At an early age, I discovered the importance of education as I watched my brothers complete their studies in law and medicine. Just like our hero Rizal, I have always wanted to use education to better serve my countrymen and God."

The foundation stands apart from other charity organizations in that a dynamic relationship exists among all members–from the Board of Trustees to the donors and contributors, even the recipients have a hand in ensuring the success of the foundation’s projects. Recipients often serve as spokespersons, encouraging their peers to stay in school.

Among the foundation’s projects are a textbook program which aims to provide a school with necessary supplies for a particular subject, class or year. Programs are also set up to help schools keep students in the classroom–and interested in staying.

In keeping with his profession, the foundation institutes sports and athletic activities to develop teamwork, self-confidence, perseverance and discipline. "Though sports are not the end objective, they are definitely an integral part of human growth," says Vince. "They contribute directly to personal health and well-being."

There’s no arguing with the foundation’s objectives, and many celebrity friends have pledged to help. Concert king Martin Nievera joins the effort by performing in a concert on November 10 at the Captain’s Bar of the Mandarin Oriental Hotel entitled "Martin’s Evening...For a Cause" with Louie Ocampo and other friends from the industry. This concert will directly benefit the foundation’s computer center which will be established at the Vicente Hizon School in Davao City, named after Vince’s grandfather who donated the land on which the school was built. The concert will also fund scholarship programs of the Francis Papica Foundation, which likewise seeks to educate and empower the Filipino youth.

Previous recipients of the foundation’s programs include the Pasong Tamo Elementary School in Tandang Sora, Quezon City and the Sta. Ana Elementary School in Manila. Outreach projects were also held at the Cherry Hills Elementary School in Antipolo.

Tickets to the Nov. 10 concert are available at the Mandarin Oriental, Music One and National Bookstore Quezon Ave. and Araneta Center branches.