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Like many students, Mark Anthony Perez, a computer programmer based in Tarlac City, struggled with his education because his parents couldn’t afford to send him to school. He is a former scholar of 4Ps or Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program, which is a project of the Department of Social Welfare and Development.
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“May mga taong tumulong sa akin kaya nakapagtapos ako ng college. Sa side ng mama ko at ng papa ko, wala pang nakatapos ng college. Ako ‘yung pinaka-una,” the 22-year-old shares in an interview with Summit Videos.
ADVERTISEMENT - CONTINUE READING BELOWBecause of his experience, Mark can sympathize with the thousands of students who are now struggling with distance learning because they simply cannot afford their own gadgets. That’s why he thought of using his skills to help those who are in need.
In August 2020, Mark launched his campaign, offering free laptop and computer repairs to students. It quickly went viral, inspiring other people and organizations to send money and donate their old or broken laptops so that Mark can fix more gadgets and pass it on to students.
So far, more than 20 individuals have received laptops from Mark. But he is not stopping his advocacy — his work continues because he knows there are a lot more out there who want to continue their education but are facing different challenges.
The computer programmer is glad that he is able to inspire others and he hopes to encourage those who have the same skills to take the initiative and help others, as well. “Sobrang dami po ng nag-a-approach sa’kin. Meron pong [taga]-Mindanao, Laguna, Pangasinan — iba-ibang lugar po dito sa Pilipinas na hindi ko po ma-reach out dahil sobrang layo po nila,” he shares.
CONTINUE READING BELOWwatch nowAs for the students who received help from him, Mark’s only wish is for them to finish their studies as “payback,” for his services. “Make your parents proud,” he says.
He adds, “Huwag silang titigil. Tuloy lang sila sa pag-aaral kahit mahirap. ‘Yung success, hindi natin kaagad makukuha ‘yun. Meron tayong pagdadaanang mga hirap talaga so yung mga struggles and problems part ‘yan ng success kaya kailangan natin mapagtagumpayan para masabi natin sa sarili natin pagdating ng panahon, ‘kinaya natin at buti na lang hindi tayo sumuko.’”
Mark’s advocacy continues and his work never stops. He knows there are a lot more individuals out there who want to pursue their students but are facing different challenges.
“Dahil may mga taong tumulong sa akin, ito ‘yung balik ko para sa mga estudyante na katulad ko noon na walang-wala din,” he says.
Watch the video below and see how this young programmer is changing students' lives, one laptop repair at a time.
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To learn more about Mark's advocacy, click here. Looking for a laptop for your child? Click here for a list.
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