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| A life-changing facebook wall post |
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By Michael Vincent D. Cajulao http://www.zambotimes.com/arch |
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ZAMBOANGA CITY — Technology can make or break man. It depends on how we
utilize it. As technology advances, so are the limitless possibilities for
man take advantage. Nowadays, social networking is rather at its unbelievable peak. Almost everybody is into it. There is Facebook, Twitter, and other kinds of networking. This networking-mania is actually a mixed-bag. While most use it for connecting with family, friends and loved ones, some unscrupulous people use it to their advantage. Thus, it can make or break us. But more than connecting with other people, such technology can also be used to REACH OUT to those who are in dire need. And a great example of this is the touching story of the pupils from Layag-Layag settlement in Barangay Talon-Talon. It all started as a simple wall post in facebook by Jay Jaboneta, the New Media Manager of the Presidential Communication Operations Office (formerly Office of the Press Secretary), on October 30, 2010, one day after visiting the city. Jay, in his post, told the story of the perseverance of the pupils from Layag-Layag settlement, swimming across the sea just to go to school daily. In our short telephone conversation Jay narrated the perils these students have to go through every day. "I felt so much compassion for the kids learning that they have to swim about a kilometer everyday just to make it to school. Such a display of perseverance and the love for education by these kids moved me", Jay said. After posting the story, Mr. Josiah Go read Jay's wall post and instantly felt the need to act on it. Mr. Go started a mini-fund raising activity for the kids. A week after, volunteers headed by philanthropist-veterinarian Anton Lim, proceeded in raising more funds to come up with a project. The project? Build a boat that will ferry the kids back and forth to school. He partnered with Tzu Chi Foundation, a Chinese non-profit organization whose primary concern is to lend a helping hand to those in need. Together, they raised the remaining funds needed to complete the project. Mr. Lim found a boat-maker in Abraham Mawadi, who was recommended by Barangay Kagawad Jesse Jamolod. When everything was set, Mr. Josiah Go transferred the fund to Mr. Lim on December 2010. Needing of first grade materials for the boat, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources IX donated logs for the project. A deed DENR Regional Executive Director Arleigh Adorable is more than happy to do. New Year started, and so was the actual building of the 25-seater (for kids) motorized boat. Time flew fast when Jay received a call from Mr. Lim asking him to come to the city for the turnover ceremony of the project. He flew from Manila Friday afternoon to the city. The following day he called me about it. He invited me to go but, unfortunately, I have an equally important activity to attend to. We had a short conversation and hearing him speak from the other line, I can feel the joy in Jay's heart. Jay was clueless as to when the project will be turned over. All he knew is there were initiatives being undertaken to help the kids. Last Sunday, the kids were treated to a very big surprise. But it wasn't only the kids. Jay was also full of excitement to see the fruit of his simple wall post. "I didn't think it would be this big of a project. I just received a call from Mr. Lim telling me that the project would be turned over to the community. I'm just very happy for the kids", he enthused. Finally, Jay saw the project. But more than that, he was happier to see the overwhelming joy in the smiles of the kids, the parents, and the community in general. The boat's name? "Bagong Pag-asa" (New Hope), a fitting name for the community cherish. And it all started in a simple wall post. It's just one of the many ways how technology impacts lives. Well, in this case, in a positive way. It's how we use technology to advance the welfare of others rather than take advantage of them. Again, technology can make or break us. In this situation, man chose to make lives better than break them apart. (MVC/PIA9-Zambo City) |