How PHP20 Grew To Millions from Illustrado
By Bo Sanchez
We give gifts not only to our loved ones, friends, co-workers, or clients. More than any time of the year, the Christmas season is also the time people give gifts to the less fortunate, visit homes for the elderly, orphans, street children, women in crisis, even those in prison.
But let me tell you about people who give not only during Christmas, but also all year round.
Here’s my story…
It all started with P20.
In 1979, Rey Ortega was having breakfast with four friends.
While reading the newspaper, his eye caught an article about 200,000 out-of-school street kids in Metro Manila.
The figure blew his mind. He couldn’t believe it. 200,000 kids on the streets?
He told his four friends about it and pulled out his wallet. “Look, I have an extra P20 here. We may not be able to help 200,000 street kids, but if we chip in, we can send at least one of these kids back to school.”
Immediately, his friends agreed. And together, they marched to Tipas Elementary School in Taguig, Rizal.
They talked to the principal and asked, “Do you know of a student graduating from Grade 6 who can’t go on to high school because of poverty?”
The principal said yes. “Her name is Rodora Lopez.”
So Rey sent Rodora to school.
The following year, he sent another one.
The year after that, he sent another.
And he has not stopped ever since.
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