Robin supports Gabay Guro

ROXAS CITY, CAPIZ, Philippines  â€” Catching a sight of Robin Padilla on stage is already a highlight for many people in any event. But last Saturday morning, Robin’s presence at the Capiz Gymnasium during PLDT Gabay Guro’s  Hatag Kasadyahan Para Sa Capiz, made the over a thousand public elementary and high school teachers doubly ecstatic when he announced that he will be raffling off his P100,000 talent fee to 10 teachers. 

According to Robin, he was initially asked by the organizers to shoot a video of his message of appreciation for teachers. Instead, he decided to make a personal appearance. Thus, he, along with a team of volunteers of Gabay Guro, took the first flight to Kalibo on Saturday and travelled by land from the airport all the way to Roxas City in Capiz for two hours.

“From elementary to high school until I was kicked out then returned (to high school) again, to the time I studied inside the Bilibid (Prison when he was convicted for illegal possession of firearms) and until I finished college, there is only one hero for me — my teacher,” said Robin in the vernacular that sent the crowd roaring in delight. “Sila ang nagtiis sa akin hanggang makatapos ako ng criminology.”

As Robin cited education as the key to a better life, he also raised his sentiments over the plight of teachers. “(They receive) minimal salary, insufficient benefits. Worse, teachers play the toughest role during elections.”

He, too, expressed his appreciation for PLDT and Smart’s effort in supporting teachers through Gabay Guro. Incidentally, Robin is one of the brand ambassadors of Smart Talk ‘N Text.

After delivering a heartfelt message, Robin then took out from his pocket a bundle of P1,000 bills which, he said, was handed to him upon reaching the airport. “This P100,000 is my talent fee but I will not accept it. And because you are my hero, ipamimigay ko ito sa inyo.”

Gabay Guro chairman and 2013 TOYM (Ten Outstanding Young Men) awardee Chaye Cabal-Revilla, who was visibly moved by the actor’s gesture, followed suit and raffled off another P100,000. Other prizes that had been given away were mobile phones from MyPhone, Sun prepaid retailer’s kit, grocery items and a motorcycle. Regine Velasquez CDs and SIM retailer’s kits were also distributed to early birds.

Stand-up comedians Kim Idol, Joel Olivera, Ate Gay and Regina added glee to the affair.

Hatag Kasadyahan Para Sa Capiz was part of Gabay Guro’s Teacher’s Day, a tribute event to teachers who are fully devoted to their profession. PLDT-SMART chairman Manny V. Pangilinan founded Gabay Guro as part of their corporate social responsibility (CSR) and it is being handled by the Managers Club, Inc. composed of PLDT executives who serve as full-time volunteers. It aims at providing support to teachers through trainings, scholarships, housing and educational facilities, livelihood programs, broadbanding and computerization, and Teacher’s Tribute.

Chaye announced that aside from the tribute event, Gabay Guro is signing an agreement with the Capiz State University to grant full scholarships to those who wish to become teachers.

“We also are working on a (postgraduate) program for existing teachers aspiring to earn a masteral degree. Gumagawa po kami ng scholarship para sa inyo,” Chaye revealed.

Her high regard for teachers was truly reflected in her closing remarks that elicited a deafening applause from the crowd. “Kung ang mga nanay ay ilaw ng tahanan, ang tatay ay haligi, ang mga guro ay ilaw at haligi ng ating bayan. Mahal po namin kayo.”

Following the tribute event, the Gabay Guro team led by Chaye headed straight to the Don Juan Jarencio Memorial School in Ivisan for the ceremonial turnover and blessing of the six newly-built classrooms.

In his speech, Ivisan mayor Felipe Neri Yap said he still cannot believe that he was actually standing right inside one of the classrooms he thought was impossible to be fully constructed on the target date. It was only two weeks ago when he was informed that the classrooms would be ready for the blessing and turnover ceremonies.

“When I saw it yesterday, I told them grabe naman this is the quickest response Ivisan has received. Ivisan is the smallest town yet it enjoys the most help. Out of the 10 municipalities in the second district, Ivisan was chosen to be a recipient of a PLDT project through the Gabay Guro program. It’s a blessing for us to have new structures because many years ago pa itong structures dito,” said the mayor.

Mayor Yap also acknowledged the telecommunications company for providing the province mobile and Internet services.

Also present at the turnover ceremonies were Capiz Gov. Vic Tanco, Philippine Disaster and Rehabilitation Foundation head Butch Meiley, Capiz Schools Division Superintendent Eveleth Gamboa, Ivisan Vice Mayor Marita Mestidio, teachers Juvy Baranda and Jemma Maquiran and parents.