Batang Matibay: Filipino students with ‘tibay’ for brighter future

 

For almost two years, Filipino students have had to stay at home and learn through the screens of their laptops or mobile phones. They had to say goodbye to their teachers, classmates, and friends in school. Their world abruptly changed and they had to adapt to a new learning environment that they have not experienced before. But through it all, our students persevered and showed how much they value education. 

And so, selecting 10 exemplary public school students from across the country became even more special for Nestlé Philippines this 2021, which also happens to be the company’s 110th year in the country. The Batang Matibay Awards, led by BEAR BRAND Fortified in partnership with the Department of Education, recognizes students who showed astounding strength or ‘tibay’ to overcome life’s challenges – whether physical, emotional, or social – excelling not only in academics but also in making a difference in their communities. 

Their stories of resilience and determination as this year’s Batang Matibay awardees will inspire and move every Filipino, regardless of their age, to keep going despite the odds.

Disability does not equate to inability 

Despite battling bone cancer and losing his left arm at a young age, Mark Angelo Sunio is determined to continue with his studies and has even become a consistent academic achiever in his school in Caloocan City. 

At a young age, who would have thought that Grade 5 student Mark Angelo Sunio would be battling bone cancer, let alone lose his left arm because of it. His parents have also had to work extra hard to cover the cost of his treatments. But the 11-year-old from Caloocan City was not discouraged by his condition and resulting disability. Instead, Mark had a greater drive to continue with his studies and has even become a consistent academic achiever in school. 

"Naging matapang po ako kasi kailangang maging matapang sa sakit na cancer... Mag-aaral po ako nang mabuti para matupad ko ang anumang gusto ko sa buhay o pangarap ko," he said.

He also continues to embrace life and help others when he can. As described by his teacher, Mark is determined to make his dream of a brighter future for his family come true, proving that no form of adversity can hinder his optimism to finish his studies and succeed in life. 

Helping out in their own simple way

Rich Lianne Dano may only be in grade school but she has already led a Clean & Green Project to plant trees around their school and set up a donation drive for unused clothes, which were turned into facemasks and donated to frontliners in Siargao. 

Rich Lianne Dano may only be in grade school but it has always been in her nature to help others in her community. Before the pandemic, Rich led her fellow students in a Clean & Green Project to plant trees around Socorro Central Elementary School and SPED Center in Surigao del Norte, where she is studying. When the pandemic hit, she did not think twice about setting up a donation drive for unused clothes, which were turned into facemasks and donated to frontliners on the island of Siargao.

Helping out in their community is innate in Audrey Nicole Lorenzo. She made and sold recycled potted plants to fund a lugaw pantry for underprivileged children in her community in Cavite.

Helping out in their community was also innate in Audrey Nicole Lorenzo. The student from Aniban Central School in Bacoor, Cavite, made and sold recycled potted plants to fund a lugaw (porridge) pantry for underprivileged 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,” Audrey said, as she hopes this act of kindness will create ripple effects in other communities. 

Kudos to the ‘tibay’ generation  

Since 2019, Nestlé Philippines and BEAR BRAND Fortified have commended 30 Filipino students for their ‘tibay’ to pursue education despite all the challenges they face in life. 

“Our students have risen above many challenges as a result of the pandemic. This year’s Batang Matibay awardees have proven that no level of adversity can get in the way of their dreams for a better life for themselves and their families,” emphasized Arlene Tan-Bantoto, Senior Vice President for Public Affairs, Sustainability, and Communications. “As the Kasambuhay Para sa Matibay na Bukas of Filipinos children, Nestlé Philippines and BEAR BRAND Fortified are here to help nourish, support, and guide our young generation to face and win over all kinds of challenges that may come their way.” 

BEAR BRAND® Fortified recognizes the strength of Filipino students through the Batang Matibay Awards

The importance of education is ingrained in many of us at an early age. Many parents consider it as a ticket to a better life and more opportunities for their children. “‘Yan lang ang maipapamana namin sa inyo,” they would say. In turn, Filipino students are seen to have a strong sense of determination when it comes to finishing their education and becoming the people they aspire to be for their family and their community.

For S.Y. 2020-2021, there were around 25 million enrolled students in the Philippines, but not all of them share the same journey towards reaching their dreams. Due to various social challenges that disrupt learning, some kids have it far more difficult than others. You have probably heard stories of students who don’t have access to learning materials, students who walk for miles just to attend their classes, students who do their homework under lamp posts, and other similar tales of hardships.

Despite the obstacles in their way, they have shown incredible TIBAY that can help them succeed in life with the right support and guidance. Through its Batang Matibay Awards, BEAR BRAND® Fortified celebrates these students who exemplify the strength to continue their education and to pursue their goals in life.

 

What does it take to be a Batang Matibay?

There have been a total of 30 Batang Matibay Awardees since BEAR BRAND® Fortified launched the program in partnership with the Department of Education (DepEd) in 2018. Each of these awardees has a unique story of TIBAY that can inspire other students who might be going through the same struggles.

BEAR BRAND® Fortified and DepEd start the process of selecting a new batch of awardees by gathering nominations from public schools all over the Philippines. Teachers can nominate their students from the 5th and 6th grades by providing testaments and personal accounts of how they embody tibay when it comes to pursuing their education and in the face of physical, emotional, and social challenges. They must detail not only the academic achievements and extracurricular activities of the students, but more importantly the determination, optimism, and grit that enable them to accomplish these amidst life's adversities.

From these nominations, a panel of judges composed of representatives from Nestlé Philippines and DepEd carefully deliberates to name the top ten Batang Matibay awardees of the year who will be honored in a recognition ceremony.

Each awardee is presented with a plaque of recognition, BEAR BRAND® Fortified gift packs, a cash prize, and most importantly, a college scholarship grant that can help them finish their education and secure themselves a better future. Likewise, their respective schools also receive plaques of recognition, BEAR BRAND® Fortified gift packs, and laptop computers

2021 Batang Matibay Awards

Last September 4, ten students coming from different regions in the country were recognized as this year’s batch of Batang Matibay awardees. Due to the constraints of the pandemic, the ceremony was held virtually via Facebook Live.

One of the awardees is Mark Angelo Sunio, a grade 5 student from Caloocan City. At a young age, Mark has displayed an astounding amount of strength in his battle with bone cancer, which has led to him losing his left arm. Despite this challenge, the 11-year old is still full of hope and drive to continue with his studies and win in life. His teachers describe him as a consistent academic achiever and someone who's always willing to offer his help to those who might need it.

"Naging matapang po ako kasi kailangang maging matapang sa sakit na cancer... Mag-aaral po ako nang mabuti para matupad ko ang anumang gusto ko sa buhay o pangarap ko." Mark said.

Aside from their day-to-day expenses, Mark’s parents are working hard to cover the costs of their son’s treatments. Fortunately, the incentives that he will receive as a Batang Matibay awardee will not only help support his education but also their family’s needs.

Over the years, the inspiring stories of Batang Matibay awardees like Suhel, Pauline, and Myco have touched the hearts of the public. You can watch their stories of TIBAY on BEAR BRAND Powdered Milk Drink’s Facebook Page.

BEAR BRAND® Fortified recognizes the importance of equipping this generation with Tibay ngayon, tulong para sa mas matibay na bukas.

Make sure to check out BEAR BRAND® Fortified’s social media pages to know when nominations start for S.Y. 2021-2022 and how you can nominate. Who knows? The next Batang Matibay just might be from your community!