Almost half a year into 2022, what have you learned so far?
For many indigenous Filipino families, this year has shown the impact of education. An ongoing pandemic, hunger, and devastating natural disasters amplified the struggles they already face—forcing them out of the classroom.
Yet despite the odds, they are not giving up hope. They are determined to go to school.
Angel Poypoy is one of them. She dreams of a better future not just for herself and her family, but also for her fellow Mangyans in Sitio Sinariri, Oriental Mindoro.
“I want to become a doctor. Every time I see someone who is sick, it pains me. I want to help them,” Angel expressed.
Like Angel, many girls and boys in their community dream of a better life even though their situation is challenging. Even before the pandemic, the students had to walk down the mountains just so they could go to school.
Teacher-in-Charge Arnel Villesa of Sinariri High School witnessed the hardships of their students who belong to the Hanunuo-Mangyan tribe.
“I saw the struggles of the students in our community. They would walk 2 to 3 hours just to go to school. They also need to work; they need to earn money so they can support their schooling and help their families,” teacher Arnel shared.
On top of the personal struggles of the students, they continue to miss quality education opportunities because of lack of classrooms.
Sinariri High School was built in 2019 by the Local Government Unit. To accommodate all the students, they had to divide the rooms using thin wooden partitions.
Can you imagine how difficult it was for students to concentrate on their lessons while hearing all the noises from the other side of the room?
Angel and her schoolmates have endured this situation. And now that the students are back to face-to-face classes, they are once again faced with the same dilemma: overcrowded and uncomfortable learning spaces.
Thankfully, your support to Operation Blessing Foundation Philippines, CBN Asia’s humanitarian arm, has blessed the schools and students with new classrooms!
Operation Blessing partnered with the Local Government Unit of Mansalay to reach one of the farthest areas in Mindoro and build additional classrooms for the indigenous students.
Once the classrooms are built, the students won’t be distracted anymore nor forced to travel for hours. Instead, they can focus on their lessons and spend more time with their families!
To the teachers of Sinariri High School, the construction of new classrooms inspires them more to help the students reach their dreams.
“They didn’t only give us inspiration—they also gave us the motivation to persevere,” Teacher Arnel gratefully expressed.
And to students like Angel, it is a symbol of hope. A symbol that dreamers like her can attain formal education and become a doctor someday.
“This is very important for us so we can have better classrooms and not be compressed in small rooms. Thank you so much Operation Blessing and to everyone who helped us!” Angel ended.
You help build classrooms for indigenous students and make their dreams come true!
Together with you, Operation Blessing can build more classrooms where indigenous children can learn and chase their dreams. Give and be a blessing today!
You may donate any amount through Operation Blessing’s website, through GCash (Operation Blessing), or through the following bank accounts with account name: Operation Blessing Foundation Phils., Inc.:
Banco De Oro (BDO)
Peso Account: 003-000-055-279
Dollar Account: 103-000-11-3333
Swift Code: BNORPHMM
Union Bank of the Philippines
Peso Account: 00-216-072163-9
Dollar Account: 13-216-000170-0
Swift Code: UBPHPHMM
Metrobank
Peso Account: 270-3-27050273-4
Dollar Account: 270-2-27000282-4
Swift Code: MBTCPHMM
Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI)
Peso Account: 3001-0040-33
For more information on how to donate and make sponsorships, visit Operation Blessing’s Facebook page or contact 0939-921-5543 or 0918-906-7753.
If you wish to support the entire CBN Asia Family of Ministries, here are the ways to give.
(DSWD-SB-SP-000061-2021-Nationwide. Valid until November 23, 2022)
