Service Before Self in Action: FPRMFI Brings Essential Aid to Santo Niño Elementary School
By: Ashlyn Marie D. Buyucan
Maddela, Quirino – The Florentino Pascual Ruiz Memorial Foundation Inc. (FPRMFI), in partnership with Sto. Niño Elementary School, local barangay officials, teachers, and various community partners, successfully held the “Kids Hope Project 2025” event on November 3, 2025, at the school grounds of Santo Niño Elementary School.
The initiative, guided by the theme “Service before Self: the legacy continues,” aimed to provide hope, encouragement, and tangible support to the children while strengthening the bond between the foundation, the school, families, and the wider community for the continuous well-being and education of the pupils.
The program was a celebration of community involvement. It began with an opening prayer led by the SNES DIVAS and the singing of the national anthem conducted by Grade 2 pupil Gillian G. Balbero. Meanwhile, Grade 1 pupil Vince Ryle Kindipan delivered the Welcome Remarks.
Hon. Geronimo Gonzaga Jr., Barangay captain of Sto. Niño, delivered the opening remarks, emphasizing the critical role of education in securing a bright future for the children. This was followed by an acknowledgement of guests and partners by Johan Drei G. Pabilada, the SELF president.
Selected pupils from Grade 2 showcased their talents with a vibrant intermission number, performing the “sala ti mais” (katutubong sayaw/native dance), which highlighted their unique cultural heritage.
The program’s inspirational segment featured Hon. Marinela G. Balbero, Chairman of the Committee on Education, who delivered an inspiring message that underscored the value of compassion and community involvement in child development. Gratitude messages were then shared by pupils Keith Andrei G. Pidong (Grade 6) and Generose T. Dayo (Grade 3), followed by an inspirational address from School Principal I, Mr. Janel P. Lacno.
Selected pupils from Grade 2 showcased their talents with a vibrant intermission number, performing the “sala ti mais” (katutubong sayaw/native dance), which highlighted their unique cultural heritage.
The program’s inspirational segment featured Hon. Marinela G. Balbero, Chairman of the Committee on Education, who delivered an inspiring message that underscored the value of compassion and community involvement in child development. Gratitude messages were then shared by pupils Keith Andrei G. Pidong (Grade 6) and Generose T. Dayo (Grade 3), followed by an inspirational address from School Principal I, Mr. Janel P. Lacno.
The main part of the event was the formal presentation of the Kids Hope Project. Mr. Harlem Ruiz, FPRMFI President, provided an overview of the activity, which was immediately followed by the awarding of certificates and tokens to the partners and guests.
The much-anticipated distribution of gifts brought smiles to the children’s faces. Every pupil received slippers, followed by the giving of bags and snacks.
The event concluded with a closing message from Hon. Bernardo P. Balbero Jr., SPTA President, and a closing prayer led by Grade 4 pupil Princess Althea B. Castro. The entire program was smoothly and engagingly hosted by Ms. Aira Joy J. Tolentino.
The “Kids Hope Project 2025” was a profound success, serving as a powerful reminder that even small acts of kindness can bring lasting hope to children and the community.