To these youths in the former garbage dump where tragedy struck in July 2000, blessings come not only at Christmas. They come during enrollment, too, and will continue to do so until they finish their schooling for free – with funds for their tuition, monthly allowances, books, uniforms, and other expenses provided by the President’s Social Fund, KALAHI Funds and assistance from people’s organizations and civic-minded citizens.
The three "Bangkang Papel" boys – Jason Vann Banogan, 10; Erwin Dolera, 9; and Jomar Pabalan, 10 – were the focus of attention during President Arroyo’s first State of the Nation Address (SONA) last July 23.
The Payatas boys wrote down their more fervent wishes on pieces of paper, folded them into paper boats and then sent them afloat on the Pasig River.
Jomar wished for a job for his father, Erwin asked for the closure of the Payatas dump and a home for his family, Jason prayed that he be able to finish his education until college.
The wishes of the children of Payatas are quite plain and simple, the President said: jobs, education, home – and food on every table.
The Department of Social Welfare and Development under Secretary Corazon Juliano-Soliman, together with people’s organizations in Payatas, wasted no time and went to work.
To date, they have identified a total of 390 student-beneficiaries, broken down as follows: 265 elementary students; 111 high school students; and 14 college students.
Last Oct. 19, the President approved the release of P4 million from the President’s Social Fund each year for the elementary, high school and college students, with a P10,000 yearly allocation per student-beneficiary.
The assistance will cover tuition fees, monthly allowances, books, uniforms and other incidental expenses beginning school year 2001-2002.
Jason is currently enrolled at the St. Vincent’s Rolling School in Payatas, Quezon City. Expenses for tuition, miscellaneous expenses and daily allowances are being provided by benefactors of the friends of Tito Calauag of the Ateneo de Manila University.
His admission to Ateneo when he reaches college will be based on his scholastic performance, moral standing and availability of scholarship.
In its report to the President, the DSWD said observations showed that Jayson is manifesting high academic performance in school and is a consistent honor student.
As for Erwin, his dream to transfer from the Payatas Elementary School to the St. Vincent’s Rolling School has become a reality.
Though an average student, Erwin is a picture of a child with an optimistic personality who is determined to prove that the assistance provided him would be fully utilized.
Jomar, on the advice of his parents, opted to remain at the Kasiglahan Elementary School in order to avoid the difficulties of adjusting to another school.