by Leia Fidelis Castro

School children from a private school in Baguio have proven how saving five and 10 centavo coins could actually send other kids to school.

Students from the University of the Cordilleras Laboratory School (UCLS) are sending 10 young scholars to five public schools in Barangay Ambassador, Tublay, Benguet courtesy of a year-long fund raising activity dubbed as the “Sa barya mo iskolar ako” project.

It started with plastic bottles placed in every classroom, which were filled with five and 10 centavo coins the UCLS students gathered from their houses. These coins are often set aside because of their seemingly useless value.

Grade 2 students Harvey Rapinan and Marvin Pacis said they gave a total of P10 and P5, respectively. But even with the very small amount, not even enough to dent their allowance, they are happy that they are able to send other children to school.

Within a few months the school was able to raise over P10,000. The amount was used to buy bags and other school supplies for 10 Grade 2 students. An allowance of P500 per month per student will also be coursed through their principals, not their parents as this might not be used for their education. The UCLS promised to sustain the activity until the scholars finish highschool, after which they can apply for a scholarship or the working student program of UC.

But the young benefactors’ generosity didn’t stop there, they wanted to
meet their young scholars. “They were the ones who requested to see the children,” said UC vice president for administration Dr. Leonarda Aguinalde.

Last Wednesday morning, the benefactors and beneficiaries met in a short activity at the UCLS grounds where a memorandum of agreement was also signed between UC and the municipality of Tublay represented by mayor Ruben Paoad.

Paoad related how some of the scholars have to walk almost three hours just to reach their school and another three hours just to get home, yet still remain on top of their class. “Kung minsan wala pa silang baon dahil wala nang natirang kanin,” he said, adding that not only are the students tired from the walk to school but are also hungry.

Principal Charlie Ricardo of the Pontino Elementary School said the 10 scholars chosen were bright students coming from economically disadvantaged families.

“Most of the kids are raised by single parents,” he said.

Seven-year-old Mitch Pacito is one such scholar. He said he has to go to school by himself because his mother has to work in Pacdal. He also has a younger brother and their dad has passed away. He finished Grade 1 with 1st honors. Asked if he was happy to be chosen as a scholar, he shyly answered “yes ma’am.”

The students’ fund raising also inspired their elders to contribute more.
Since Barangay Ambassador is part of UC’s outreach program dubbed Project Helen, Nursing students also go there regularly to check on the residents, especially the health of the students. And to make sure that the scholars will remain on top of their class, Education majors will be there to review them and supplement their education.

UCLS student representative Nikkie Pangilinan said “it is an honor” to be able to serve as “benefactors to students.”
“Let’s hope that this endeavor will be a legacy to our beneficiaries,” she added.