Metrobank Foundation awardees tell kids about importance of family

This year’s Metrobank Foundation Outstanding Filipinos—teacher Rujealyn Cancino, Chief Insp. Ryan Manongdo and Philippine Navy chief surgeon Col. Jocelyn Turla—engage young students through a story about a boy who dreams of living in a big house during an Inquirer Read-Along session on Saturday. JOHN PAUL R. AUTOR/INQUIRER

No storm is stronger than a family that stays together through thick and thin.

This was the message of the awardees of the 2016 Metrobank Foundation Outstanding Filipinos to about 120 children who joined Saturday’s Inquirer Read-Along session, which featured tales about peace at home and in communities.

“The storm, no matter how turbulent, could only destroy the house, not the family that stays strong together and love one another,” said Col. Jocelyn Turla, chief surgeon at the Philippine Navy.

Turla, together with teacher Rujealyn Cancino of Lingayen Elementary School in Pangasinan and Police Chief Insp. Ryan Manongdo of Asingan, Pangasinan, read Genaro Gojo Cruz’s “Ang Batang May Maraming Maraming Bahay,” about a boy who dreams about living in luxurious houses amid his family’s desolation.

“We must also be grateful for the things we have, instead of bragging about things we don’t actually possess,” Cancino said.

For Manongdo, he urged children to dream big as long as you believe in it and you are willing to take the challenges that encompass it. “Use your education and character to overcome your trials,” he said.

Saturday’s session at Inquirer office in Makati also featured storytellers actress Janine Gutierrez and Ann Abacan, prinicipal of Sophia School in Meycauayan, Bulacan.

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