remarks to our Sibol school's moving up and recognition day on Thursday. My mind is struggling if I should go to work that day but my heart tells me to accept the invitation.This is one of the many projects that we were able to continue despite the lack of manpower after some of the caretakers left in 2007. My wife & I, together with bro Marvin and sis Roan, tried to put up the school with the assistance of teacher Amy Bartolome of GK Tatalon and teacher Sarah, our first Sibol teacher.
Amidst some misunderstandings with some parents and other complexities that arise from our first school year 2008-2009, the school was able to teach some 15 or so kids and they had their recognition day at the more established Sibol schools in Tatalon.
Now, a year after, it is truly an honor for me to address the parents, students and guests with the welcoming remarks. Like the word 'Sibol', our school is still in its infancy and is just starting to sprout. I am proud of the kapitbahayan that is now showing signs of maturity. I salute the parents that are now stepping up to assist in the programs of the school. Today March 18, is truly a day that the Lord has made and chosen for our Recognition Day. Too bad, Suzette was not able to join me as she had some other prior commitments. She would have loved to see those kids, prim and proper in their white angelic outfits.
The guests includes bro Boyet and sis Lyn Hipolito, the current CYD (Child & Youth Development) Sector Heads and sis Amy Bartolome, together with the teachers of GK Tatalon Sibol school. They have to reschedule their own recognition day in the afternoon because they want to support our first independent recognition day.We are proud of Roel and April, then SAGIP kids now SIGA members, who did very well in assisting our children in the school. They are but volunteers, always there helping the kids learn the basics of reading, writing and counting. They were not able to enroll this school year but hopefully, with the help of Ancop, they can be scholars in TUP this coming school year. They truly represent our modern day youth heroes.
Of course, we can never thank teacher Ping enough for what she has done for our school. Who would have thought that after a year, the kids can learn to write their names, memorize the alphabet, sing the national anthem, recite the Panatang Makabayan, and pray with their hearts out to Jesus - much to the delight of their families. Later on she would tell me that the kids got the medals from written exams and that these serves as proof that the kids were able to achieve the awards and recognitions they were rewarded. Not many of you know but while she is busy serving the kids, she also has to assist her sister in her chemo therapy every week. No problem or worries in her own family can shake her away from being with our children. Even the little allowance that we give her from our sponsors, she gives back to the school - every centavo of it. And oh yes, did I mention that she and her husband don't have jobs right now? Wow! talk about love and service.
"God will provide!" - this is what teacher Ping said to me with conviction while she was riding with me when I volunteered to drop her off at the hospital for her sister's weekly chemo therapy right after the recognition day. In my mind, I
couldn't measure her faith and dedication. I can only say a prayer to God for her heart's desires to be blessed. God has really blessed our site and our school with good people.And yes, the parents too! I am happy for the parents and the members of our Kapitbahayan, especially the officers who have stepped up as well in making the members believe once again in the programs of Gawad Kalinga and most importantly in believing in themselves.
God bless GK!
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