Saving Centavos

by Venice Marie B. Hulleza, Team 4

“What do you do when you see a 25-centavo coin lying on the road?” This is common question needing a simple answer. But that simple answer can define what’s in store for you.

This is the part where reality bites: most people would choose to ignore that coin. Let’s face it, that coin can’t even feed a hungry mouth. But sometimes, you just need to look ahead instead of just focusing on the mediocre coin you are currently holding in our hands to see the difference that it can make. This is what the people of Brgy. Malagyan did, and now, they are about to use 25 centavo coins to fund something that can make a difference in their lives.

Last February 27, 2009, the Mind Builders, in partnership with the PTA of Malagyan elementary School as well as the Malagyan community, celebrated the awarding ceremony for the winners of Mr. & Ms. Beinte Sinko 2009. Present during the event were Mrs. Lirio Carigaba, head teacher of Malagyan Elementary School, PTA President Antonio Fajurano, Jr., Hon. Rose Mary Galvan, barangay captain of Malagyan, and Prof. Serafin O. Malecosio, Jr., UPV NSTP-CWTS Coordinator.

The concept of Mr. & Ms. Beinte Sinko was suggested by Hon. Galvan who is also the PTA’s vice president during Team 4’s meeting with the PTA. Judging of the winners will be based on the amount of 25 centavo coins they have collected during the contest duration. Other denominations are not allowed in the contest. Each grade level chose a male and female student, both of which have collected the most number of coins for their grade level. This pair then represented the level for the school competition.

The canvassing was held on February 18, 2009 at Malagyan Primary School. The parents, teachers, students and a representative from the Mind Builders were present. It was also during that day that the winners for the said event were announced.

John Kevin Fajurano and Christine Joy Nulada were crowned Mr. & Ms. Beinte Sinko 2009. They are both third graders and have collected 30 kilos of 25 centavo coins. Awarded first runners up are Carla Faigones and Xavier Moscaya, Jr. from the Grade 4, collecting a total of 13 kilos. The second runners up are Rhea Mae Fagarita and John Paul Faujurano representing the Grade 5. Together, they collected 7.5 kilos of coins. The third runners up are from Grade 1, collecting a total of 4.11 kilos. They are Connie Nicolasora and Christian Angelo Galvan. The fourth runners up are Glory Jenn Yap and Ronald Faner II from Grade 2. Together, they collected 2.5 kilos of 25 centavo coins.

From this activity, the school has raised a total of P 3, 660.00. This amount will be used as additional funding for the electrification project entitled LOL (Lighting Others’ Lives) that is currently being spearheaded by the Mind Builders in Malagyan Elementary School.

So you see? The “lowly” 25 centavo coin isn’t so lowly after all. What we need is just a little inspiration and the desire to look ahead. Who knows? You might see a long line of 25 centavo coins ahead of you, all of them waiting to be picked up just like the one you hold in your hand.