Two weeks ago, VERA Files came out with a story on an abortion-inducing drug, Cytotec, being sold online.
It was a well-written piece about a topic that is relevant in the wake of reports that every year, half a million Filipino women induce abortion, which is a crime in the Philippines.The article also brought out the downside of Internet, a revolutionary technology that has made almost everything accessible by just the click of the mouse.
Yvonne told me that there’s an interesting story behind the Cytotec article: the life story of the writer. She said: “Ed started out at the bottom of my IJ class and had major, major writing problems. But when the term ended, he got a grade of 1.0 for his final project: the Cytotec story.”
Yvonne sent me an article about Ed which appeared in the Adamson University website.
Ed, the second of the eight children of a tricycle driver in Kalamansig, Sultan Kudarat, was the first to attend school because the eldest had polio.
In high school, he got several medals but didn’t make it to the academic honor roll. But he qualified for a scholarship for the national college a town away, courtesy of a local congressman.
But that early, he felt that he could reach his goal if he were in Manila. He let go of the scholarship, and instead wrote to an uncle who resided in Parañaque asking for money to buy a ferry ticket to Manila. His uncle was kind enough to give him what he requested.
“With nearly nothing but a rosary and a packet of Magic Flakes, his first trip out of Mindanao was somehow full of hope and promises. For three days and two nights, he faced hunger and a turbulent storm at sea when the ship reached Visayas, but he never regretted his decision,” the article in the Adamson website said.
While he was under his uncle’s care, he engaged in entrepreneurial activities like selling barbecue to cover his daily expenses. He also wrote asking help to Noli de Castro, then host of a top-rated public service radio and TV program.
The article further related: “Then he inquired for a job at the NAIA extension office which was just near his uncle’s place. He was directed to Homeland Janitorial Services in Intramuros which was the hiring agency for its maintenance personnel. He passed all qualifications, but there was no vacancy at the NAIA. There was, however, a slot available at Adamson University. And this is where the series of serendipitous events took off.
“He was assigned to Adamson in January 2002. His first post was at the ST main entrance, just outside of which is the informal smoking lounge of the University. As it was accreditation period for Adamson then, he had to make sure that the area was clean of cigarette butts all the time.
“Never losing sight of his dream, Edgardo soon got wind of the University’s Ozanam Study Grant Program (OSGP), whose office was, as luck would have it, just a short walk up on the second floor of the ST Building. By February, just over a month of working as a janitor in Adamson, he had filled out an application for the OSGP.
“Fr. Gregg Bañaga Jr., CM, who, as Student Affairs VP and director of the scholarship program, headed the panel that interviewed applicants, would never forget Edgardo for what he said during the interview: that he didn’t want to be a janitor all his life. This, on top of his high school merits, was more than enough to secure him a spot among the scholarship grantees. When the next school year opened within a few months, he was enrolled in Adamson as Mass Communications student.”
By the time De Castro replied to his letter with an offer for a college grant, he had opted for the OSGP scholarship which was supplemented by a setup wherein scholars can work as student assistants on campus and receive an allowance of P2,200 a month.
A conflict with his uncle forced him to look for another place to stay. As a student assistant, he was assigned to the Institute for Religious Education. Jan Navallasca, who headed the department then, at once offered to share with him the room he boarded and acted as his foster father during his whole stint there. To top it all, the entire faculty and staff he was working with dutifully poled fifty pesos each month to augment Edgardo’s lodging expenses, the article said.
Between his studies and work as student assistant, Ed still never missed mass and found time to join church youth activities. He became vice president for external affairs of the Society of St. Vincent De Paul (SSVP), the organization of student assistants.
The article said he was awarded most outstanding student assistant for apostolic work and best editorial in his capacity as editor of Dyaryo ni Enteng, the official publication of the SSVP.
Edgardo finished his course in less than four years. He graduated cum laude in October 2006. He was so happy that his father and his uncle were able to attend his graduation.
He immediately found a job at a PLDT Business Center by way of an Adamson placement tie-up with the company. He is now working in a call center while pursuing his masteral studies at UP.
What an inspiring story. He would be an asset to the journalism world if he decides to be a journalist.
Dreams and Imaginations are powerful, especially when augmented or helped with Prayers, strong Faith and well focus to the future. With the outstanding attitudes of SitJar-Ed, to reach his goal, I am sure,he will be a very successful journalist. His story is already inspiring the readers, especially the topic about ” drugs inducing abortion “. He could be of great help on this issue, as investigative reporter. Killing “babies”-abortions” is just like murdering an adult individual on a daylight bases. I can’t understand why governments-doctors are supporting this luciferic-demonic act. Life or procreation is an act of spiritual values, or invisible Divine power-energy. Why don’t people or couples find ways of Divine Procedures to limit procreation. Hard Prayers can control demonic acts and be free from sinning. Find out ” a personal relationship ” with our GOD ( as Saints and Monks do ), to control the human urge of creating life that will affect progress in a family, as suggested by the CBCP or religious groups.
Mother Nature is already awaken to respond the sins of the world, as in Japan, and other nations. The Civil unrest in the Middle East, Yemen, Egypt, Libya, Bharian, and related countries who does not respect the Law of Procreation or Life. These are all Wake Up Call !..GOD Bless to SitJar-Ed, who at his prime time, knew and already awakened to the realities of life, while others, were still stubborn, lukewarms and unbelievers. My food for thougts about the issue.
Ellen,
Had goose pimples reading this article. R
What an extraordinary achievement by this remarkable young man…A classic, wonderful story that can very well serve to inspire everyone, and I mean everyone.
Bravo Edgardo, your parents are right to be proud of you. May you succeed in everything you choose to undertake.
Godspeed, Egardo!
Edgardo: May you inspire others to be like you. May your tribe increase. We, Catholics, believe in the intercessory power of the Rosary..and the special devotion to the blessed Mother…Just a reminder…March 25, the feast of the Annunciation….the day Mary said Yes, Thy Will be Done, when asked to be the Mother of Christ…
Kung may tiyaga, may nilaga!
if there’s a will,there’s always a way…sana marami pang Filipino ang gumaya sayo pero sana huwag ka ng mag abroad para lang kumita ng pera.
Keep on chugging, Edgardo, until you get to the top, until you reach your goal.
Edgardo got a topic that interested and inspired him, otherwise he had problems in writing according to the report. Or maybe the teacher inspired him. talents have to be awakened. many writers could not write a sentence without alcohol though.
Hindi siguro ito yung janitor ng Adamson na nakasuntukan ko, hihihi. Mas matanda yun at kalbo, di ko na sana papatulan dahil sa harap ng simbahan ako naka-parking, kaso hinampas ako ng walis tambo, kaya siya ang iwinalis ko sa kalsada. hehehe.
Akala ko e reresbakan ako nung mga gwardiyang lumapit yun pala magso-sorry dahil lasing daw yung janitor. Sabi ko sa mga gwardiya, “Pakisabi na rin sa mama, sorry rin. Pag nagising na siya”. hahaha.
Ikaw talaga Tongue, kung ano-ano ang napasukan mo.
Totoo yan, meron akong ka-meeting na mga estudyanteng babae kasama nung secretary ko dun sa harap ng St. Vincent Church. Tinutulungan ko sa slide presentation nila e itong janitor, nagwalis ng lupa, at parang sinasadyang sa kotse ko pinalilipad yung alikabok at bato. Kaya sinita ko, hampasin ba naman ako nung walis tambo e di sinakal ko sabay ipalo ko yung mukha sa gilid ng kotse, tulog!
It’s the first and only time na nagamit ko yung Tae Kwon-do ko outside the gym. Di naman ako pala-away. I’m a lover! hehehe.
Marami nga doong working students sa Adamson, mga clerk of court na nasa pre-Law, at yung ibang gov’t offices sa paligid ng Ermita-Lawton.
Pag dating sa panggabing classes, ibang klaseng populasyon ang makikita mo sa mga universities. Kagaya niyang si Edgardo, mga sariling sikap karamihan.
Hi TonGuE-tWisTeD,
Of course it was not me. Ha ha ha. Thank you for the comments guys. I really appreciate it. I admired Miss Ellen T and Prof Chua, kaya nagawa ko rin yang investigation ko. God Bless US ALL.
Ed Sitjar
Good job, Ed. May you continue to be an inspiration to all working students (like I was). Make it your own inspiration, too. We will be checking on you from time to time until you are molded into the likes of Ellen or Yvonne. Kaya pagbutihin mo.
Pahabol. I have a very soft spot for kids like you. Against all odds you are making it! May you serve as an inspiration to all the kids who do not have the monetary ability to propel their ambitions but made it to the finish line by sheer hard work and determination. Keep it up and continue to be an inspiration to everyone!