STUDENTS continuously grapple with the educational fallout of the COVID-19 pandemic and have been affected by the challenges of the new normal. But despite these hardships, there are those who are able to exhibit their puissance to thrive.
Bear Brand Fortified, in collaboration with the Department of Education (DepEd), has recognized 10 public school students who demonstrated excellence in their studies and in their lives at the recent “Ang Batang Matibay Awards 2021”.
Rina Tadiar, brand manager of Bear Brand Fortified, announced that each awardee has received a cash prize, plaque of recognition, BEAR BRAND Fortified gift packs, learning gadgets for themselves and their schools, and more importantly, a college scholarship grant.
Although Nissa Yara, a 12-year-old student from Marufinas Elementary School in Puerto Princesa City, Palawan, was picked on because of her skin color and looks, she managed to prevail.
She wants to become a teacher in her community, aspires to give her family a better life and hopes to be an inspiration for her tribe.
Elijah Angelo Yanson, a 12-year-old student from Imus Pilot Elementary School in Imus, Cavite, has set aside his emotions to focus on his studies and is encouraged by his family to join in different competitions.
He is being looked after by his close relatives — grandparents, auntie, uncle and cousins — after his father, whose dream is for him to become successful someday, passed away due to cardiac arrest and kidney failure. He tries to keep a positive outlook in life.
Marc Angelo Sunio, an 11-year-old student from Caloocan North Elementary School in Caloocan City, continues to remain strong despite being diagnosed with cancer, a disease he initially doesn’t have any idea what it is.
He studies so hard that when he gets to achieve his ambition, he can help his family to get out of poverty. Although his left arm was amputated, it never hindered him from continuing to dream of a better life.
There is one thing that doesn’t change for Franc Elijah Gene Pan, a 12-year-old student from Naga Central School II in Naga City, Camarines Sur, and that’s the belief that people can overcome the stumbling blocks. Because his parents are medical front liners, he does the household chores and teaches his brother while they’re not around.
A high achiever in his school, he maintains his achievements thanks to his supportive parents and teachers as well as his personal faith and hard work. He wants to become a doctor so he could give back the blessings his family has received.
When the pandemic struck, Rich Lianne Jacobe Dano, a 12-year-old student from Socorro Central Elementary School in Surigao City, went to the school to collect the money which will be used to purchase face masks to be donated for the front liners in Siargao.
She wants to become a computer science graduate or a doctor of medicine. As her parents work hard to make ends meet, she dreams to give them a better, peaceful life.
If one strives to learn, Audrey Nicole Lorenzo, a 12-year-old student from Aniban Central School in Bacoor City, Cavite, said a person will persevere to make it happen. She hopes to pursue business administration and to repay her parents’ sacrifices one day. She organized a lugaw (porridge) pantry as she doesn’t want other children to experience hunger.
Arlene Tan-Bantoto, head of corporate affairs and communications at Nestlé Philippines, said the purpose to search for extraordinary “tibay” stories around the country, pay tribute ang give support to the awardees, and spark inspiration to many students, teachers and parents would not have been possible without their dedication.
For her part, Leonor Briones, DepEd Secretary, said the department is concerned and dedicated to keeping the children healthy, so they stay in school, learn more and continue with the process of developing into mature, responsible citizens of the country.
“We all know how important milk products are to our children. And it is equally important to develop also and to recognize alternatives to milk products, which will give equivalent nutrients to children who may not necessarily be physically comfortable with milk products,” Briones added.
Most children need milk and nourishment, she noted. “We would like to thank Nestlé Philippines for making the awards possible, and for encouraging our teachers to integrate good nutrition in our program.”
