Ang Baon Mo, Sagot Ko!

Origins and Inspiration

The journey began in 2010 with the courage and empathy of our beloved Past President, Jesusa Lukban. Having grown up in a poor household, Jesusa knew firsthand the quiet shame and frustration of going to school without enough allowance. She understood how a lack of a few pesos could become a barrier to learning, attendance, and self-worth. Rather than allowing her past to define her, she transformed it into fuel for service. In a humble, unpublicized act of kindness, she began sponsoring the school allowance of a deserving student — a small gesture aimed at ensuring that “isang estudyanteng may pangarap” would not be prevented from pursuing education because of poverty.

Growth Through Community

That single act of compassion resonated deeply within the club. One by one, fellow Rotarians were inspired to emulate Jesusa’s example. The initiative spread organically: members pledged allowances, coordinated support, and monitored each scholar’s progress. What started as individual sponsorships evolved into a structured club program with transparent selection criteria, regular check-ins with scholars, and collaborative mentorship from club members.

Impact Beyond Allowance

“Ang Baon Mo, Sagot Ko” soon proved that its value extended far beyond the monetary support it provided. The program restored dignity to students who felt invisible; it offered encouragement to families burdened by financial strain; and it reinforced the belief — strongly upheld by the club — that education is a shared community responsibility. Scholars received not only financial help but also moral support, study resources, and role models who reminded them they belonged in the classroom and could aspire to more.

Stories of Transformation

Over the years, the club has witnessed countless small triumphs that together tell a powerful story of transformation: a shy student who became class leader, a scholar whose grades improved enough to qualify for college scholarships, and a parent who regained hope seeing their child return to school consistently.

Beyond these individual successes, the program has also produced graduates who have gone on to become professionals — including teachers and accountants — demonstrating that sustained support can translate into lifelong achievement and meaningful contributions to society. Each success is a testament to the compound effect of compassion multiplied by commitment.

Sustaining the Legacy

As of 2026, under the leadership of our dedicated President Aileen De Guzman and with the continued support of Governor Gina Sanchez, the club supports 15 scholars through “Ang Baon Mo, Sagot Ko.”

Over the past 16 years, the program has generated and distributed more than ₱1,000,000 in direct educational support — built through consistent member contributions, fundraising efforts, and community partnerships. This represents thousands of school days supported, countless meals provided, and sustained encouragement for scholars who might otherwise have been forced to stop their education.

The program’s sustainability is the result of careful stewardship: regular fundraising, transparent accounting, active member involvement, and partnerships with teachers and school administrators. We have built systems to track attendance, academic progress, and the broader needs of our scholars so that assistance can be timely and effective.

Looking Forward

While we celebrate what has been achieved, the club also recognizes there is more work to do. Our vision is to expand the program’s reach, deepen the mentorship component, and create pathways for graduates to access vocational training or higher education. We are exploring collaborations with local businesses, alumni scholars, and civic organizations to provide internships, tutoring, and life-skills workshops.

A Call to Continue the Work

“Ang Baon Mo, Sagot Ko” began with one woman’s act of empathy and has grown into a movement of collective care within the club. It stands as a living example of how humble

beginnings, when met with persistent generosity, can create enduring opportunities for young people. We invite Rotarians, partners, and community members to join us — whether by sponsoring a scholar, mentoring, volunteering time, or helping mobilize resources — so together we can ensure that no child’s dream is dimmed by lack of allowance.

Conclusion

This project is more than a program; it is a promise — a promise that the club will continue to invest in its children, protect their dignity, and champion their aspirations. From Jesusa Lukban’s initial gift to a program that has now delivered over ₱1 million in educational support and produced professionals such as teachers and accountants, “Ang Baon Mo, Sagot Ko” remains proof that compassionate leadership and collective action can transform lives and build brighter futures.

Written by: Rtn. Ma. Concepcion Buan and Past President Ebert Chua, Rotary Club of North Bay East