A HERO for fallen heroes

MANILA, Philippines — Hundreds of Filipino soldiers are killed or incapacitated in the line of duty fighting for our nation, our freedom, and our children.

Each fallen soldier leaves an average of three school-aged children orphaned. Sadly, these children’s education is sacrificed in favor of food and shelter as the remaining family members try to cope with the loss of their breadwinner.

Every year, close to 1,000 orphans of soldiers need help.

This is where HERO Foundation Inc., or  Help Educate and Rear Orphans, comes in. Established in 1988 in answer to the need to help children of our fallen soldiers, the foundation has helped orphaned kids of fallen soldiers through financial provisions especially for educational opportunities that will pave the way for a brighter future for the orphans – a future dreamt for them by their departed heroes.

Three examples of scholars who have picked up the pieces of their lives with the help of HERO Foundation are Arnel Aspe, Donna Rubiato, and Vina Abes.

Arnel Aspe, a HERO scholar from 2006 to 2017, is the youngest son of late Sgt. Ariel Aspe PA, who died in Kalayaan, Laguna.

He finished his Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering with honors from Laguna College.

“The foundation helped me by providing financial assistance, school supplies, especially through its passion of caring for its scholars. HERO Foundation is one of the biggest reasons I will always be indebted to them for giving me a brighter future. Thank God that there is also a Hero for the orphans of fallen heroes,” he said.

Another scholar, Donna Rubiato, agrees.

“At Hero Foundation, I found another family that will understand and accept me. Because of them, another child never lost hope in pursuing one of her father’s dreams even though he is already gone,” she said.

After Sgt. Nathaniel S. Rubiato PA died in the line of duty in Kabasalan, Zamboanga Sibugay, he left behind his family including his only daughter Donna.

Last year, Donna graduated from Trinity University of Asia with a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration Major in Financial Management with flying colors.

“I am so blessed and grateful to be part of HERO. This is a big opportunity for me to continue and pursue my passion,” she added.

Vina Abes, a HERO scholar from 2011 to 2017, says the foundation’s assistance goes beyond providing educational assistance.

“They also helped me to develop my personality through their events for the scholars. Training and workshops helped build my confidence to interact with other people. I truly owe it to HERO,” she shared.

Vina, the second child of the late MSgt. Bernard Abes PMC, who died in Albarka, Basilan, graduated last year with a BSBA Major in Marketing Management at the Rizal Technological University.

This year, in celebration of its 30th year, HERO Foundation yearns to reach more orphans and to do more improved programs and services for military orphans.

But to do this, HERO needs more heroes – individuals who support and appreciate the principles and virtue that our fallen warriors fought and died for; people who understand and have the need to give back; people who have the aspiration to be heroes in their own ways.

If you believe you can make a difference through HERO Foundation, reach out to [email protected] or through (02) 912-9330/0998-577251.