Getting to Know some of the 1Meal Scholars
Around 16% of the population of the Philippines, roughly 17 million people, live below the poverty line. While a staggering 64% of families struggle with food insecurity. When putting food on the table becomes a problem, it tends to spread to every aspect of life like a creeping poison. It affects the quality of work of the parents, be it in their jobs or at home while they care for their children. It affects the studies of the kids, by sometimes forcing them to attempt to find other means to earn money rather than to study. To go to school in the Philippines is already a challenge. Not every location has a convenient public school available, and the cost of the peripherals, such as uniforms, books, supplies, can be a burden for many families. The decision to invest for the future through studies is a difficult choice, one that many cannot choose over survival.
The 1Meal Program aims to ease the burden of many of these students through its scholarship program which was discreetly established by Teresa “Nene” Chan over 35 years ago. Ms. Chan has always valued education despite the fact that her own father, Tony, never had the opportunity to study as he was forced to move to the Philippines alone, at the age of 12. Tony had the heart and mind to succeed, and he credits his hard work, discipline, and honesty as guiding principles in his life. It is for this very reason that Nene seeks out scholars who show determination, and discipline but lack the financial capability to complete their education.
There have been many successful scholars from the 1Meal / SAFEC programs over the years. It is with great pride that we present 5 more to the growing list.
Jay Norl Tayco, is one such beneficiary of the 1Meal Program Scholarship. He just recently graduated from the St. Joseph Regional Seminary in Jaro, Iloilo. He is now part of the Diocese of Kalibo fulfilling his mission. His journey was not the smoothest, as many times he was faced with the choice to help earn money for his family, or to continue his vocation. He stood by his decision to join the priesthood after much prayer and thought and now he continues his journey as he experiences life in the parish of Numancia, Aklan for the next 3 months.
Kit John Nardo grew up in a large family with 4 brothers and 2 sisters all of whom are currently studying. His mother is a massage therapist and his father is a chauffeur for a private family. Kit John graduated last year with a degree in Business Administration majoring in Financial Management from the University of San Agustin. He is now working and has been able to ease the financial burdens of his family with his stable job at a licensing firm. At some point during his studies, Kit says, he could no longer afford the tuition fees and the risk of ending his academic endeavor almost became a reality. He is grateful that he was able to continue and eventually finish his studies as he wanted to make his parents produ and show them that all their handwork and sacrifices for him and his siblings paid off.
Robinson Raymundo Jr. was part of the batch that had to take their Medical Board Exams during a global pandemic. though it may have been a challenge, Robinson is now a fully qualified MD. His journey was a long one, filled with many hurdles, and he was grateful that his aunts helped pay for his High School Education. And that the 1Meal Program was with him during the journey through Medical School. Robinson has a bright future ahead and with a heart for the less fortunate, it is without any doubt that Dr. Raymundo will change the lives of many people for the better.
Jezza Marie Anam had the dream to teach children from a young age. She is now one step closer with a degree in Secondary Education, majoring in English. She hopes that this education will give her the opportunity to spread the gift of education to more and more people. As she says, education is an instrument that has touched her own life and she hopes will touch many more through her. Though it may take time, it is only through an education that we can truly effect change in our community and in our country.
Jessa Marie Doronila is another successful 1Meal Program scholar who is currently working in a prominent law office in Iloilo. Through her handwork and dedication she succeeded in completing her education. The scholarship may have been a tool that helped relieve some of the burden, but it is through Jessa’s perseverance, and discipline that she is where she is now.
It is the 1Meal Program and SAFEC Foundation’s goal to assist more students in their dreams of achieving an education to improve their lives and the lives of their families. It is of upmost importance that they see that they are not alone in the struggle and that if they continue to put in the work there will be someone to show them support. The experience of struggle, though it may make observers feel sad, is a crucial element for success. The struggle reveals who we truly are and what we are made of. We must rise and face the challenges ahead, let go of blame, redirect the pain, and strive to improve the situation of others. This very experience will give us the motivation and determination to understand what we want form this life and show us a path in achieving our goals.
