Education is one of the sectors adversely impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, forcing millions of students worldwide out of the classroom. In the Philippines, schoolchildren stopped attending face-to-face classes and shifted to online and modular lessons in an attempt to curb the spread of the unseen enemy.
Despite these extremely difficult circumstances, a number of students have displayed exceptional tibay (strength of spirit) in the face of seemingly insurmountable challenges. They are this year’s BEAR BRAND® Fortified Batang Matibay Awardees – an inspiring group of students who show us what amazing things children are capable of when they are raised to be matibay.
Launched by BEAR BRAND® Fortified in partnership with the Department of Education in 2018, the BEAR BRAND® Batang Matibay Awards annually celebrates ten (10) select students in Grade 5 & 6 who exemplify tibay (strength) to continue their education and pursue their dreams despite the challenges they face. Nominations are gathered from public school teachers nationwide, through which each kid’s brilliance is highlighted – not only their academic and extra-curricular achievements, but more importantly, the tibay – the determination, optimism, and grit – that enabled them to accomplish these.
Due to the pandemic restrictions, this year’s Batang Matibay Awards ceremony was held virtually via Facebook Live last September 4, and joined in by Professor Leonor M Briones, DepEd Secretary; Tonisito M.C. Umali, Esq., DepEd Undersecretary for Legislative Affairs, External Partnerships and Project Management Service,; Arlene Tan-Bantoto, Nestle Philippines’ SVP and Head of Public Affairs, Communications, and Sustainability; and Rina Tadiar, Brand Manager for BEAR BRAND® Fortified.
The online event also showcased how each of the winners were awarded in their own homes together with their parents and schoolteachers. Representatives from BEAR BRAND® Fortified and DepEd gave their prizes through a simple recognition ceremony, following strict health protocols.
Stories of hope and inspiration from the Batang Matibay 2021 awardees
Out of almost 100 nominees this year, 10 students were recognized as awardees, and one of them is 12-year-old Elijah Angelo Yanzon from Imus Pilot Elementary School in Cavite. Elijah lost his father in 2019, but with the loving support of his extended family, he chooses instead to move forward with optimism, guided by his dad’s reminders about studying hard and never giving up. “Pangarap ng aking papa na maging pong successful, makatapos po ng pag-aaral. Tina-try ko po ang aking best na maging positibo ang aking pananaw sa buhay,” he said. (It is my papa’s dream for me to be successful and finish my studies. I try my best to stay positive in life.)
Nissa Yara from Marufinas Elementary School is no stranger to adversity as well – as a Tagbanua in Puerto Princesa, Palawan, she often gets bullied in school for the color of her skin. Despite this, Yara is unyielding in her resolve to become a teacher, to help her family have a better quality of life in the future and to inspire her fellow Tagbanuas. “Dahil sa aking tibay, alam kong maaabot ko ang pangarap kong maging guro para matulungan ko ang aking kapwa katutubo,” she proudly said. (Because of my strength, I know I can achieve my dream of becoming a teacher, so I could help and inspire other indigenous people like me.)
Another truly inspiring story is that of 11-year-old Mark Angelo Sunio, a student from North Caloocan Elementary School, who has had his left arm amputated in his battle against cancer. What’s astonishing is that Mark, at his age, never viewed his unique condition as a hindrance for him to achieve his goals in life. “Nawalan man ako ng isang braso pero hindi ito magiging hadlang na maiahon ko ang pamilya ko sa kahirapan,” Sunio said. (I may have lost my left arm, but this is never going to be a hindrance for me to give my family a better life someday.)
There were also stories that showcased how some children have thrived and helped other people survive amidst the pandemic. Franc Elijah Gene Pan’s parents are both frontliners, and he wants to follow their footsteps and become a doctor someday to help those in need. In the meantime, on top being a hardworking student, he looks after their household to show his appreciation for his parents. Pan – the class valedictorian and student council president at Naga Central School II – credits every achievement to hard work and the inspiration he gets from his parents. “Marami man ang nagbago sa panahong ito, hindi magbabago ang paniniwala kong malalampasan natin ito,” he said. (So much has changed, but my faith that we will get through this remains the same.)
Rich Lianne Dano, from Socorro Central Elementary School and SPED Center in Surigao del Norte, relentlessly pursues opportunities to lead, help, and inspire. Pre-pandemic, Dano led her fellow students in the community Clean & Green Project to plant trees around their school. As a response to the pandemic, she also set up a donation drive for unused clothes, which were turned into facemasks and donated to frontliners in the island of Siargao.
Just as awe-inspiring is Audrey Nicole Lorenzo from Aniban Central School in Bacoor, Cavite, who made and sold recycled pot plants to fund her community “lugaw” (porridge) pantry for the children in her community. “Gusto ko pong ma-inspire po sila, at tsaka gayahin po nila ‘yung mga ginagawa ko po sa komunidad ko po.” (I want to inspire them, so they can also serve the community.)
Two awardees from Masbate— Lea Pillado of Baang Elementary School and Carmela Marie Bohol of Penafrancia Elementary School – share the same story of living in remote areas and walking for hours to and from school. Despite the distance and the occasional bullying they experience, they remain steadfast in the pursuit of their dreams. “Ni-minsan hindi sumagi sa aking isipan na mag-reklamo sa sitwasyong meron kami, bagkus ito po ang nagsisilbing motibasyon ko upang lalo ko pa pong pag iigihan ang aking pag-aaral.” Bohol said. (Complaining about our situation has never crossed my mind. Instead, it is my motivation to do well in school.)
Multi-talented Ma. Angelica Fresnoza is a 12-year-old student from Altura Elementary School in Tanauan, Batangas. Amidst the pandemic, her father lost his job, and she did not have a device nor reliable WiFi connectivity to join her online classes. Undeterred by this, she continued to excel in school, while also honing her skills in dancing, drawing, and even teaching other kids in her community. “Pinagtibay ako ng pandemyang ito, kaya lalo kong pinagbuti ang pag-aaral ko,” she said (This pandemic has made me stronger – I always do my best in my studies).
Last but not least, Mariah Mae dela Cruz’s father is a construction worker who likewise lost his job due to the pandemic. Like Fresnoza, this student from Villaverde Central School SPED Center also worried about the same new essentials for school (gadgets, WiFi connection) but she has found ways to keep learning and excelling by taking the initiative to ask willing neighbors to teach her, so that she can keep up in class. This student’s positivity never wanes: “Kahit sa gitna ng pandemya, matibay ako. Kulang man kami sa materyal na bagay, pero masaya naman kami,” she mused (I am strong amidst the pandemic. Our family may lack the material things, but we are happy).
The Batang Matibay Awardees were chosen based on their awe-inspiring stories of tibay (in overcoming physical, emotional, and social obstacles just to continue their education), academic achievements, and their degree of involvement in non-academic projects in school or in their community. Each awardee was given a BEAR BRAND® Fortified plaque of recognition, a tablet, a cash prize, BEAR BRAND® Fortified gift packs, and most of all, a college scholarship grant to support them in their journey to finish their education.
Their schools, on the other hand, also received a BEAR BRAND® Fortified plaque of recognition, a laptop, and a BEAR BRAND® Fortified gift pack.
To date, BEAR BRAND® Fortified together with DepEd has recognized and supported 30 Batang Matibay Awardees. “Maraming salamat sa DepEd sa patuloy na pagtitiwala sa Nestle Philippines at BEAR BRAND® Fortified bilang inyong katuwang sa pagsulong ng edukasyon ng mga mag-aaral na Pilipino. Kami ay kaisa ninyo sa pagbibigay ng tibay sa ating mga estudyante,” Nestle Philippines’ Senior Vice President Arlene Tan-Bantoto said in her closing remarks for the program.
The TIBAY we all need for a brighter tomorrow
The Filipino term TIBAY translates to so many things – strength (not only in the physical aspect but also emotional, including in spirit and character), fortitude, and endurance. This TIBAY was evident in the children’s life stories that depict remarkable strength, which brings hope for a better future.
BEAR BRAND® Fortified believes that education and proper nutrition can help a child pursue the kind of future they want for themselves and their families. Every child has the capacity to excel in life, given the right education and opportunities, and through the good examples from their parents, siblings, and teachers. When these key people support and empower their abilities, children can achieve better in school, develop leadership skills and empathy for others, and take on life’s challenges head on, armed with the strength nurtured in them.
With the Batang Matibay Awards, BEAR BRAND® Fortified recognizes and highlights the value of equipping the younger generation with tibay ngayon, tulong para sa mas matibay na bukas (strength today, for a stronger tomorrow).
(To view the Batang Matibay 2021 Awards ceremony, go to BEAR BRAND® Fortified’s FB page: BearBrandPH or click https://www.facebook.com/BearBrandPH/videos/916284668987379 Other inspiring stories can be viewed via to BEAR BRAND® Fortified’s social media including BEAR BRAND Batang Matibay 2019 Awards | Pauline | Nestle PH – YouTube, BEAR BRAND Batang Matibay 2020 Awards | Myco | Nestle PH – YouTube, Sa pagpapalaki ni Mommy… – BEAR BRAND Powdered Milk Drink | Facebook, BEAR BRAND Batang Matibay Awards | Suhel | Nestle PH – YouTube, and May matayog na pangarap… – BEAR BRAND Powdered Milk Drink | Facebook. Also, check out BEAR BRAND® Fortified’s social media pages and see how you can nominate your child or student for Batang Matibay 2022!)