The soldiers of the 1st Cavalry (Rapido) Company Armor Division under the 5th Infantry Division, Philippine Army, based in Camp Melchor Dela Cruz in Gamu town, are not only ensuring public safety, but they also extend their hand to the needy, especially the indigent students.

The “Piso Ko Para sa Kinabukasan Mo” is a project of the soldiers which started on February 10, 2015. It aims to send some students to school to fulfill their dreams. 

The project is simple. They collect plastic bottles and sell them. The proceed will be saved for the indigent and deserving elementary and high school students by giving school supplies and allowances. They also seek donations from philanthropists in society.

As of August 18, 2022, there were at least 29 scholars of the 1st Cavalry Company. The project is still soaring. 

Col. Remigio Dulatre, assistant chief of staff of the Civil Military Operations, 5th Infantry Division, Philippine Army, who served as the guest during the Memorandum of Understanding signing between various stakeholders in implementing the project last August 18, 2022, emphasized the importance of pursuing education of student scholars.

“Ang pagiging iskolar ay hindi biro kaya naman huwag ninyong hayaang madismaya ang inyong mga sponsor, bagkus ay matuwa pa sila at matulungan ang mga susunod din na  naghahangad na maging iskolar.” Dulatre said.

Jamaica Aviles, a beneficiary who will be an incoming 2nd year Bachelor of Science in Chemistry student, said, as an scholar of the project, she got an opportunity to continue her studies in college.

“Napakalaking tulong po sa akin ang proyekto ng Armor. Mula noong Grade 10 ako scholar na nila ako. At nakatatanggap ng libreng mga gamit pang eskwela at meron pang allowance. Nagagawa ko ring tulungan ang aking nanay,” Aviles said.

King Jefferson Obane, a grade-12 student scholar, said without the help of the Rapido troops, he might not have a chance to go back to school.

"Sa totoo lang po kulang na kulang ang pinansyal na pangangailangan namin kaya nagpapasalamat ako sa mga kasundaluhan po natin na nagbigay ng oportunidad sa mga katulad ko na makapag-aral. Kaya asahan po ninyo na mag-aaral ako ng mabuti,” King Jefferson said.

Meanwhile, the guardian of one of the beneficiaries, Leticia Sales, said the “Piso Mo Para Sa Kinabukasan Ko” project was able to help ease her burden, especially with the school needs of her niece.

“Maraming salamat po dahil mag-uumpisa na naman ang pasukan, hindi na po kami magkaka-problema sa mga gamit ng pamangkin ko. Kaya maraming, maraming salamat po,” Leticia Sales said.

Army Captain Katrina A. Bernardino, company commander of the 1st Cavalry (Rapido) Company, thanked the stakeholders who voluntarily manifested their help to extend and assist the deserving students as she assured them that the project will continue and eye more beneficiaries.

Bernardino also urged their partners and stakeholders to continue their support to help indigent students.

She said the 1st Cavalry Company of the 5th Infantry Division, Philippine Army will continue its mission to help the indigent youth to reach their ambition of finishing college to get a degree. #### (OTB/MGE/PIA Isabela)