- Essay -
A Priceless Legacy by Johna P. Bautista
For many Filipino parents, education is one precious legacy which they could ever leave to their children. No wonder why they would practically do anything just to be able to send their children in school. In fact, many have opted to work in other countries where they could earn more, unmindful of the loneliness and homesickness that they have to wrestle from time to time, setting aside sentimentality in favor of some dollars which they remit regularly to finance their children's education.
But one sad reality is that, even if they want to, not all parents can afford to give their children education, especially college education because, today, education has become a priced commodity. Operating schools has become a lucrative business instead of a gesture of charity. State-owned colleges and universities which were established primarily to accommodate poor but brilliant students have now become a venue for children of rich and influential people. That is why slots that could have been automatically enjoyed by financially hard-up students. On the other hand, equally big universities and colleges that are owned and operated by some religious organizations, specifically by the Catholic Church, are charging very high tuition fees. That's why enrolling in these schools does not even enter their minds. So, what can the poor hope for?
Ideally, education should be freely enjoyed by all regardless of their social status. Isn't it that the poor are the ones more in need of education because this is one sure way by which they could improve their lives later on? Therefore, depriving them of education is tantamount to depriving them hope. Wouldn't that be gross cruelty?
Thank God that there are people like Bro. Eli Soriano and Kuya Daniel Razon, who are not only sensitive to the plight of their fellowmen, but they also have the willingness and the readiness to be of help. Guided by the admonition written in Galatians 6:10, "As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith," the establishment of a free school was conceptualized. Hence, despite financial constraints, the school building was constructed. And with God's help and mercy, La Verdad Christian College, the only educational institution in the country, became operational in June 2010. This means that many youths are now being given the opportunity to improve their lot, and become productive citizens instead of menaces to society. This also means that many have become recipients of a legacy that does not depreciate and cannot be stolen. What else could be a more valuable legacy than an education that was given freely?
Kuya Daniel is fully aware that supporting and maintaining this endeavor is a herculean task. As always, raising funds has been a very tough ordeal, but with God's help, Kuya had come up with various ways that could augment financial difficulties. To name a few, he had launched coffee table books, he had held photo exhibit, fun run, and concerts; he had even made a movie — all these for the benefits of the scholars at La Verdad Christian College both in the Apalit and Caloocan campuses. Of course, there are other efforts which are no longer made public. Undoubtedly, only people of deep faith and great love in their hearts can do what Kuya Daniel has done, and has been doing.
Apparently, Kuya Daniel's understanding of the value of education stemmed from the fact that he, too, is a teacher. Aside from the fact that he used to be a teacher in a university, basically, he is a teacher to the people around him, to his brethren in faith, and to every person he meets. Every time he opens his mouth to speak, rest assured that there are always valuable lessons to be learned from him. And as a teacher, he also acknowledges two formidable teachers in his life, both of whom are very influential to the kind of person he is today — foremost is our Lord Jesus Christ, the greatest Teacher of all times and, secondly, Bro. Eli Soriano who taught and continues to teach him the teachings of the Lord. But it is also worth mentioning that Kuya Daniel, together with Bro. Eli Soriano, is a benefactor to the many hopeful students of La Verdad. May God always keep him safe and healthy. Long live, Kuya Daniel! May God bless you always!