INTERVIEW BY: GELO GONZALES
November 12, 2009 | 2762 views
Did your nomination help with the further growth of DTC?
Now, more than ever, we have more resources. DTC is more energized and much more determined to reach more kids.
Like the evolvement and progress of our tools of service from bags to the Kariton, our approaches, programs and curricula evolve and will keep on progressing. The duplication of the pushcart school system upon the efforts of the different groups who took interest is happening now in Manila and up to Bacolod and Zamboanga, then also what they are now doing in Indonesia and as far as Kenya.
Is there more satisfaction now, now that you’re noble deeds are being recognized by global institutions?
One great teaching we have learned from our mentor is to be contented and satisfied with what we have at the moment but seek to improve and aim for more in the coming days.
The international attention we caught and the various recognition we receive are things we celebrate. But we feel satisfied and fulfilled whenever we see the positive change in the lives of our beneficiaries, who were formerly disinterested to learn but have now graduated and some of which are passing with flying colors—all because they value the right things now more than just being materialistic.
What is your advice for an individual who want to spark change and reform but feel like the obstacles are too overwhelming?
Change should start from within. It doesn’t have to be big or glamorous. It doesn’t have to be published. Even the smallest and simplest things we do to make things better around is a start of greater things. But for our efforts to have an impact one should seek the help of others because no one is too strong to do things on his own. It's like Ako Mismo to Tayo mismo, from Juan to BayaniJuan. Cooperation and unity are keys to make significant change happen.
