Send Vulnerable Filipino Children to School

In April 2019, Fundacion Ponferrada Van Stone Inc.(FPVI) admitted to its Learning Program 3 elementary school graduates moving up to Grade 7. Painfully shy and absolutely silent at the onset, they were recommended by their teachers for their academic abilities and the dire economic situation of their families. In April 2025, Marky, Hannah and Lyka completed their high school education with aplomb, all with high commendation. This August, Marky starts an agricultural engineering course at the Visayas State University in Baybay, 114 kms from Tunga, where FPVI is based, and Lyka will study Biological Sciences at Leyte Normal University in Tacloban, the capital city of Leyte. Hannah is studying Nursing at Biliran School of Nursing and Health Sciences in Naval, also a considerable distance from home. But they are ready!

Proud as we are of their achievements, we believe that theirs and the Foundation’s greatest accomplishments are the character and values transformation that we saw evolve in each of them in the 6 years they were with us --- the discipline of attending and participating actively in the FPVI Sunday sessions; the gradual learning of personal responsibilities; the discipline of handling weekly transportation and lunch allowances; the caring relationships they established with each other and with the other FPVI students and volunteers; the slow realization that what they have to say counted; and the recognition of their own capabilities.

Puberty is when major physical changes occur and its attendant issues happen. Marky, Hannah and Lyka navigated those challenging years while with FPVI, especially during the pandemic, but the many experiences they have had helped them to mature earlier and be wiser, as Marky puts it. He says further, “I will always remember the painful moments of realizing my big mistakes and the awareness that followed. Those moments allowed me to fully understand what growing up means and what I needed to do. Now I’m ready for college!”

For her part, Hannah says, “Being part of the FPVI family has been life-changing. Our writing skills improved when we read books, kept a journal and participated in activities such as Open Mic and Theater Arts to develop our self-confidence. We also had bonus learnings that broadened our minds and made us proud of the work we produced. For example, holding a paint brush was my dream as a little girl. I think I produced more than 20 paintings in my time at FPVI and I enjoyed making them!” 

Lyka states that “FPVI taught us things outside of our school work to help us express ourselves better. Those activities gave me relief as they took some of the grief of losing my parents, one after the other. Our learning also extended to short excursions outside Tunga. In the summer of 2024 and 2025, we learned the responsibility of being Reading Mentors to younger children in our community. In all these, we learned that kindness, respect and consideration for others are important in all that we do. I will carry that learning with me as I go to college and do more growing up!”

Note: Jhonrey came to FPVI in 2017 when his Grade 6 teacher entrusted him to the Fundacion for him to be able to continue on to Grade 7 and receive high school education.  She saw much potential in the skinny little boy with bright eyes who was burdened with the dire situation of his family. Jhonrey lived with relatives when he was in Grade 7; with a neighbor in Grade 8; and stayed at the FPVI Center in Grade 9. Since FPVI did not have the capability to provide him with professional counseling, which at that stage he badly needed, he moved in time for the start of his Grade 10 to the Pope Francis Center for Children & the Elderly in Palo, some 40 kms. from Tunga. The Center has to be credited for his transformation from a troubled teenager with abandonment issues to a steady, more mature young adult and a nursing student that he is now. Let him tell his story in his own words.

I was living happily in Dasmariñas, Cavite in Luzon with my mother and father. As the only son, I felt secure and loved. My mother was a housewife while my father worked as a truck driver. Despite our simple life, they provided everything I needed. But when I turned 10, everything changed. My parents started fighting constantly because of my mother’s affair. The arguments never seemed to end, and the pain was unbearable, especially for my father. He was so devastated that he attempted suicide three times, but each time, I was there to stop him.

Before our family completely fell apart, we visited Leyte to see my grandfather on my mother’s side. My parents decided to build a house there and planned to start a business. For a moment, I thought things were getting better, but before the house was even finished, my mother left. She abandoned both me and my father in Leyte. That was when my life became miserable. My father, unable to cope, left me at my aunt’s house and returned to Dasmariñas to look for my mother and find a job, but he never came back for me. My grandfather became my only source of emotional support. Unfortunately, my aunt and uncle were unkind to me. Their treatment was so unbearable that I eventually left their house and stayed with a neighbor instead.

By the time I reached sixth grade, I feared I wouldn’t make it to high school. My grandfather was too old to  earn enough money for my education. But just when I was losing hope, my adviser, Ma’am Madonna, introduced me to the Fundacion Ponferrada Van Stone Inc. (FPVI).  FPVI and the people in it became my lifeline. They supported my schooling, provided my first-ever uniform, and even arranged tutors and mentors to help me keep up in class. When I had no place to live, FPVI took me in. It was there where I learned so much, not just in academics but also in the arts and music. They encouraged me to play the guitar, express myself creatively in various ways, develop the love for reading, and most importantly, to keep the faith and a genuine belief in God. At FPVI, I found not just support but also companionship. I met fellow students who, like me, needed help to continue with their education.

During the pandemic, FPVI found me a permanent home at the Pope Francis Complex Center for the Poor. This congregation of brothers and sisters welcomed me with open arms. Living there was another turning point in my life. I learned how to help care for the elderly and people with special needs, and I even learned farming since the Center has its own farm. They provided everything I needed, including food, clothes, shelter, and most importantly, education. My spiritual life also deepened because prayers and masses were constant part of our daily routine. Through the guidance of the Center, I grew not only in knowledge but also in faith.

When I graduated from senior high school, Father Kim, the Director of the Center, was the one who went up on stage with me. It was a moment of pride and gratitude. Now, I am in my second year of college, working toward my dream of becoming a registered nurse. At my pinning ceremony in November 2024, Ma’am Belen from FPVI, was present, representing family support for me especially that Father Kim was out-of-town. I hope to use my skills to help my family and serve those who are in need, just as so many people have helped me along the way.