KIDS HOPE Project Brings Smiles To Learners
- Villa Gracia, Maddela, Qurino
By: Rochel Gaffud
The Florentino Pascual Ruiz Memorial Foundation Inc. (FPRMF, Inc. or FPRMFI) kicked off its annual KIDS HOPE PROJECT 2025 in Villa Gracia, Maddela, Quirino on May 23, 2025, benefiting more than 150 pupils from three local schools.
Led by Foundation President Mr. Harlem Ruiz, the FPRMFI Organizers provided Jollibee Kiddie meals with inspirational toys, ice cream on cones, slippers, school bags, new sets of school supplies and so forth to learners of Villa Gracia Integrated School (VGIS), Dialanese Elementary School (DES), and Sang-aydi Elementary School (SES).
The initiative aims to inspire children for the upcoming school year, which opens on the 16th of June 2025. “This event is a way of sharing hope to keep you inspired in achieving your dreams,” Mr. Ruiz shared during his speech. “Always remember that your dreams and the world are wider than the Sierra Madre Mountain, so allow yourself to explore,” he added.
To add inspiration and excitement to the event, FPRMF Inc. scholars also showcased their skills and talents. Ms. Rochel Gaffud, the immediate past president of Maddela Comprehensive High School’s Supreme Secondary Learner Government and an FPRMFI Senior High School Program beneficiary delivered her encouragement message, while Ms. Ginalyn Marabut, a FPRMFI Graduating Student of Quirino State University, College of Education, major in Home Economics, and Mr. France Beltran, also an FPRMFI Senior High School Program beneficiary entertained the learners through their heartfelt performances.
Meanwhile Barangay Captain Nestor B. Buyuccan also expressed his gratitude to FPRMF Inc. for their continued generosity, calling it “another grace of the Lord” for their community. While Mr. Jester A. Tukling, the Principal at Villa Gracia Integrated School, emphasized that the event plays a crucial role in supporting the children, especially given the area’s remote location. Furthermore, The PTA President of Villa Gracia Integrated School, Mr. Rhyan L. Guifaya, also shared a heartfelt message of gratitude to everyone who exerted effort to make the event a success.
The FPRMFI team-including Founder and Chairman Emeritus Dr. Nelz Ruiz, Finance Executive Ms. Necy Movilla, and Administrator Mr. Reynor Raymundo-celebrated this milestone alongside dedicated scholars and volunteers. Ms. Sheena Immayaho and Katriel Gae Capitulo led the Committee on Team Building and Children’s Games, while Ms. Jackilou Blanco and Mrs. Ginalyn Marabut headed the Committee on Events and Organization. The Committee on Documentation and Journalism was composed of Rochel Gaffud and Kenneth Andaya; Angelica Verdadero Burce led the Committee on Gifts; France Adrian Beltran and Aldrich Vallejo handled the Special Presentations; Mr. Keane Radley Ruiz also volunteered his time and effort to help make the occasion a success.
The event highlighted the spirit of genuine kindness and the power of community to inspire hope and learning.
About the Author:
Is a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science student at Saint Mary’s University and a scholar of FPRMFI. She was a member of The Herald, the official student publication of Maddela Comprehensive High School, for four years and is currently active in the Saint Mary’s University Debate Society and serving as the 1st Year Political Science Representative for the Marian Allied in Philosophy and Social Sciences. A firm believer that “Writing is the art of giving silence a voice, and change a chance.” She advocates that every voice matters —each equally deserving of space, value, and freedom.