MANILA, Philippines - Students from the Muntinlupa Science High School are paying it forward. High school seniors Bernadette Pedro, Czarina Diwa, Diane Noble, Kassandra Masa, and freshmen Bernice Millena, Monica Hadi, Razelle Gines have been sending a child to school as part of their class project, which they are fulfilling through World Vision, a Christian humanitarian organization.
Students of teacher Celine Calado have been asked to come up with a project inspired by the book 12 Little Things Every Filipino Can Do to Help Our Country written by Alexander Lacson. A group of students opted to sponsor a child through World Vision, a task they first thought was impossible.
“We were in first year back in 2006,” recalls 16-year-old Bernadette. “Ma’am Calado asked those of us from section Armstrong if we wanted to do the project. At first, we hesitated, but eventually, we knew that we wanted to help.”
The class looked for creative ways to come up with funds, and quickly found that the most promising fundraiser was selling food – such as inexpensive ice candy, which they sold for P5 each. It was such a hit that within an hour, boxes of the candies were sold out.
“The fact that we’re raising funds for charity – that’s the main reason they support us and our products. By December, we finished the project. We used the excess money to buy school supplies for the student we sponsored,” Bernadette shares.
Becoming role models
Currently, the first year students are continuing the sponsorship through their own creative projects. “At first I thought, how is that possible? I’m still studying myself and then I’ll sponsor another child’s education? The higher batch became our role models,” explains 14-year-old Bernice. “Our teachers always tell us to study hard because our parents work hard to be able to afford our education. Now we understand and appreciate that more because of this project,” she adds.
Their teachers are all justifiably proud. “I’m happy to see them work on their project, putting their creativity to good use and becoming entrepreneurs. At their age, they are already able to transform the lives of other children through education,” shares teacher Celine.
Echoing national hero Jose Rizal’s sentiments that the youth is the hope of the fatherland, Bernadette says: “If we could give all children a chance to study, they can apply the knowledge they learn in school when they grow up. They’ll be able to help our country have more professionals.”
These students from the Muntinlupa Science High School are young heroes who deserve recognition as fine examples of how to be truly cool Filipinos who exemplify the cool and clean C2 lifestyle. C2 is partnering with World Vision to help disadvantaged Filipino children get an education, and encourage and celebrate young people who not only live a clean, healthy and wholesome lifestyle but who also know how to be responsible citizens and positive role models for other youth.