Meet the ABAKADamayan graduates

As graduations go it was simple, but it probably held more meaning than most other graduations. Last June 18, Cher-adie Fortes, Efrelita Sapita-nan and Ace Salazar got their diplomas, having passed the Department of Education’s Accreditation and Equivalency exams that will allow them to continue their education.

They are the first graduates of The Philippine STAR-Operation Damayan’s non-formal education school, ABAKADamayan. The school started in February 2003 with the aim of teaching basic literacy, explains school principal Tammy Mendoza, assistant to STAR president and CEO Miguel Belmonte, "but as we went into the program we realized that the greater need was for a bridge program that will enable our students to go back into the school system."

Twenty STAR employees, including STARweek’s Rosal Banzon and Alpha Tolentino, underwent intensive training with the DepEd to become facilitators for the school. Classes were held every Saturday for a year, and the students–ranging in age from 11 to 55–studied not just the standard DepEd non-formal education module but had additional tutoring in subjects like geometry, algebra, chemistry, and computers, including surfing the Internet. They also had lessons in drawing with STAR editorial cartoonist Rene Aranda and dance with the artists of Ballet Philippines, and field trips to Museo Pambata.

The year-long effort faced a crucial test when several of the ABAKADamayan students took the DepEd’s Accreditation and Equivalency exams last March, together with thousands of others all over the country. Three of The STAR’s students passed–a pretty high percentage considering the formidable obstacles that the students faced. Their stories are testaments of faith, courage, commitment and perseverance, not just on the part of the students but, it turns out, also for the Damayan volunteers.

If success is gauged by one’s courage to stand up amidst the challenges of life, 17-year-old Cheradie Fortes stands way above the rest. But there once was a time in her young life when her dreams really did seem impossible, and her goals unreachable.

In December 1996, Cheradie was diagnosed with acute lymphocythic leukemia, which forced her to stop schooling.

"I really wanted to study but I just could not afford to," says Cheradie, then in third grade. The family of nine relied only on an older sister who worked in a water refilling station in Binondo, Manila for their living expenses.

In 1997, her parents sought the help of The Philippine STAR’s charitable arm, Operation Damayan, which sponsored her monthly chemotherapy, bone marrow tests and check-ups every three months at the National Children’s Hospital. Cheradie survived the cancer and was declared leukemia-free in February 2002.

Going back to school was the next challenge Cheradie and her parents had to deal with, something that would not be easy for a poverty-stricken family like theirs. But this teenager was determined to continue school even as she still had to fully recover physically.

"Kasi pag walang pinag-aralan, parang paulit-ulit lang ang buhay (Life goes in a vicious cycle without education)," Cheradie says.

With such determination, Cheradie was accepted into The STAR’s non-formal education program. Having passed the accreditation exam, she is now a high school freshman at the Quezon City High School. This math-lover wants to become an accountant after graduation from college.

Just like Cheradie, Efrelita Sapitanan joined the ABAKADamayan program under difficult circumstances. But the early stages of her life have a different color. In 1997, her mother left, no longer able to live with an abusive alcoholic husband, who eventually got involved with drugs. As a result of his illegal activities, the family lost their home, and Efrelita grew up with relatives.

"Sumama din yung loob ko sa ginawa nila pero walang mangyayari kung magagalit lang ako (I was hurt by what they did but nothing would happen if I get mad)," she says. She works as an assistant in a computer shop to provide for two younger siblings. Efrelita is only14.

She could have finished fifth grade in 2002 if only she was not forced to work. But now, she can proceed with her education, as she is now qualified to enter secondary school.

This young lady, who likes to read and lists English and Science as favorite subjects, wants to become a writer, to share her experiences in life to inspire others through a book.

"If I become successful one day and my mother comes back to us, I would welcome her with open arms," she says.

Ace Salazar, 20, a newspaper vendor from Quezon City, just wants to have a simple life in a comfortable house with his parents and two siblings.

In 2000, he was forced to drop out of second year high school and move to his grandfather’s house because his parents could no longer support the family.

Ace helped his grandfather in selling newspapers in front of a mall. He also worked in a garments factory for six months and in a supermarket in Mandaluyong City as a promo person. From his meager earnings, he did what he could to help the family.

"Wala akong sama ng loob, naiintindihan ko ang sitwasyon (I’m not angry, I understand the situation), " he says. Ace has his priorities straight, refusing to be tempted into trying illegal drugs which some friends offered him.

"Maraming mas importanteng bagay na dapat kong isipin (There are many more important things that I had to think of)," explains Ace. On top of the list was how to get back to school after stopping for three years.

It was his grandfather who served as the key to Ace’s return to school.

After winning the display contest of The STAR, the elder Salazar enrolled Ace in the paper’s nonformal education program. Not even the death of his grandfather last December could derail him from completing the course.

Ace is now qualified to enter college. He, however, has decided to enter vocational school instead of getting a regular four-year college degree, and he plans to get a job abroad after he finishes his course.

Ace, Efrelita and Cheradie have taken the first step. Inspired by their courage and determination, STAR president and CEO Miguel Belmonte gave the three graduates a surprise gift by promising to continue supporting their education through scholarships.

"I want them to continue their education," he explains, "so in my personal capacity I’m going to help them with their tuition fees."

DepEd volunteer educator Diosalinda Pagtananan, for her part, shed tears of joy at the thought of these three students making it in the A&E exams. She says it is her duty as a teacher to educate the youth "no matter how poor they are".

"I want to thank Damayan volunteers for helping us in this endeavor," says the Home Economics teacher from Torres High School in Quezon City, adding that it is a welcome surprise for the DepEd to have a major media and corporate partner like The STAR in this endeavor. "We never thought a big company like The STAR would be interested in a non-formal education program for the underprivileged. We are really thankful and inspired by this commitment, especially the work of your employees as volunteer teachers."

Operation Damayan started out 16 years ago as a response to typhoon, earthquake and other calamities, offering relief goods to victims all over the country.

"The STAR believes very strongly in educating our youth," says Belmonte in explaining the expansion of Operation Damayan into education projects. aside from the ABAKADamayan project, The STAR’s Adopt a School prorgam is now on its third year. Employee-volunteers are in Oriental Mindoro this week-end to put the finishing touches on the Malu Elementary School, which was completely rehabilitated and furnished. The school serves over 200 students around the Bansod area.

The first school rehabilitated under this project was the Banga-an Elementary School in Ifugao province. Construction materials and school equipment and supplies were brought by truck and then on foot up the picturesque mountains to the school. The STAR continues to support the school by offering scholarships to enable the valedictorian and salutatorian graduates to go on to high school.

Last year, the Tabason Elementary School in Tagkawayan, Quezon was the project’s beneficiary. The program not only rehabilitates the physical structure but also provides desks and other equipment, books for the library, teachers’ lounge, clinic and school supplies for the students.

"We want to help more students realize their dreams," Belmonte said during the graduation ceremony held at The STAR’s function hall. "With the help of DepEd and our dedicated volunteers, we will be able to continue this program as well as our other Operation Damayan projects."