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MoveOn Chair Warlito Vicente, Jr.
Visits Two School Beneficiaries
in
Cotabato
Mr. Warlito “Bong” Vicente, Jr., Chairman of the Board of the MoveOn
Philippines (MOP) International, an organization of Filipino migrants
based in Jacksonville, Florida, USA visited two school beneficiaries
of the MOP educational materials in the Municipalities of Matalam and
Makilala, Cotabato on December 12, 2008.
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Together with some MinLand Staff, Bong was warmly welcomed by a
Kulintang Music played by the selected Maguindanaon students of Datu
Ambel Memorial High School (DAMHS) in Barangay Kilada, Matalam,
Cotabato. The school also conducted a short program where students,
parents and teachers shared their impressions and heartfelt thanks for
the support of MOP to the School Breakfast Program and the Learner’s
Education Assistance Program (LEAP), a scholarship program generously
supported by Ms. Pauline Ramos-Dyer of the Filipino International
Baptist Church of Jacksonville (FIBC) to two poor but deserving high
school students of DAMHS. Datu Dima Ambel, Al-Hadj, Chair of the Moro
National Liberation Front - Autonomous Tri-People of Mindanao Region -
Sebangan Kutawato State Revolutionary Committee (MNLF - ATMR - SKSRC)
also graced the short activity.
In response to the messages of DAMHS
representatives, Bong was so impressed and amazed with the active
participation and fast development of the school. A packed breakfast
(patil), distributed by the parents together with Bong has been served
to the students right after the program.
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After the visit to DAMHS, MOP visitors and MinLand proceeded to
Cabilao Elementary School in Makilala for a turn-over of books also
from MOP. Similarly, two LEAP scholars of Ms. Dyer were given a
chance to extend their message of thanks to Mr. Vicente, MOP and the
FIBC. LEAP scholar Joshua Purisima, a Grade II pupil who ranked 2nd
place in their class further expressed that without MOP’s support to
poor pupils like him, schooling would face immense challenges. But
with Ms. Dyer's assistance, auspiciously facilitated by MOP and
MinLand, he now goes to school in complete uniform, with needed school
supplies and daily allowances.
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The depressed situation of the pupils in a far-flung village like
Cabilao has truly touched the heart of Mr. Vicente. In his message,
Bong committed to expand the distribution of educational materials and
the scholarship programs to poor and needy communities especially
Cabilao.
Mr. Vicente left MinLand's Kidapawan Office in the afternoon with
renewed hope, joy and commitment to continue serving and motivating
the students and pupils in remote and conflict-affected areas to
finish their studies. “I am also thankful and very much impressed
with the real partnership and voluntary service of MinLand in
inspiring and helping the poor communities in Cotabato Province,” Mr.
Vicente added. (MAN/MinLand)
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