FFCCCI, Education Secretary Sonny Angara Honor Winners of "A Classroom for Every Dream" TikTok Video Competition

QUEZON CITY— Education Secretary Juan Edgardo "Sonny" Angara and the Federation of Filipino Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry, Inc. (FFCCCI, led by President Victor Lim, honored outstanding storytellers and video creators in the awarding ceremony of the A Classroom for Every Dream" TikTok Video. Competition, celebrating how the federation's long-running "Operation Barrio Schools" initiative has transformed lives and opened doors to education across the Philippines.

Held on October 24, 2026, at Luxent Hotel, Quezon City, the ceremony recognized compelling Tiktok video entries that documented the impact of FFCCCIl's 65-year philanthropic undertaking. The event brought together stories of opportunity, perseverance and community transformation, underscoring the power of public education to nurture dreams and strengthen the nation.

Launched in 1961 with goals of helping alleviate rural poverty and to boost the Philippine economy, the FFCCCII Operation Barrio Schools has already donated over 6,500 rural public school buildings nationwide, helping underserved and economically disadvantaged communities gain access to better learning facilities. The largest and longest-running private sector educational civic initiative of its kind, the project has encouraged Filipino Chinese entrepreneurs to contribute to the Philippine public school system through the construction and donation of much-needed public school buildings in rural communities across the country.

The competition featured two categories: "My BarrioSchool Journey" and "The BarrioSchools Story." Through personal narratives and creative storytelling, participants highlighted how classrooms can change individual lives, inspire communities and help build a brighter future for generations of Filipino learners.

COMPLETE LIST OF WINNERS AND RECOGNIZED ENTRIES

Category A - My BarrioSchool Journey

Major Awards

•   Ist Place
•   2nd Place
•   P120,000: Jhon Henry Arquileta, Gapan City, Nueva Ecija
  P80,000: Marielle Q. Badana, Tarlac
•   3rd Place — P50,000: Angelo 1. Nirza, Palo, Leyte
•   3rd Place
  PSO,000: John Lloyd S. Paned, Banna, Ilocos Norte
  Special Citation Awardees
•   President's Choice Award
•   Youth 1 cadership Award — P30,000: Jenny Celestial, Mandaue City
•   P30,000: April Mae P. Tañares, Bacolod City, Negros Occidental
•   Modia Excellence Award — P30,000: John Vincent M. Leoncio, Pulilan, Bulacan
•   Education Impact Award — P30.000: Achaia Shane L.. Tan, Bacolod City, Negros Occidental
•   Community Anspiration Award
•   Community Inspiration Award

P30,000: Mark Cafe, Tacloban

- P30,000: Michella H. Cendaña, Quezon

Notable Entries

•   Christine Ann T. Borcelo, Northern Samar
•   Imerico B. Villanueva, Dasmariñas, Cavite
•   Nikka Joy Delos Reyes, Dasmariñas, Cavite
•   Roberto G. Tiangco, Bulacan
•   Kim Dedicatoria, San Francisco, Southern Leyte

Category B— The BarrioSchools Story

Major Awards

•   Professional Grand Award — P120,000: Ramil Carmona Salon Jr., Davao City
•   Excellence in Storytelling — P80,000: Jindrich Queen Naomi N. Bernabe, Rizal
•   Excellence in Production — P50,000: Mark Cedrick S. Capareda, Tagum City, Davao del Norte
•   President's Choice Award — P30,000: Sarah Mae Cabalhug, Cebu City

Notable Entries Awardees

•   Jhan-Jhan Q. Agustin, Camiling, Tarlac
•   Toni Girence B. Panes, Quezon City
•   Jhun-Jhun Q. Agustin, Camiling, Tarlac
•   Prince Loyd Besorio, Zamboanga del Sur
•   Louise Ashley A. Cal, Talisay City, Cebu
•   Amelia Villanueva, Dasmariñas, Cavite
•   Shelley Mae Villarin, Ormoc City, Leyte
•   Jayh-Em Ferrer, Isabela
•   Angel Jhos Mallari Supan, Magalang, Pampanga
•   Richard D. Samulde, Surallah, South Cotabato
•   Mylene Tiondo, Dipolog City, Zamboanga del Norte
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• Through this competition, FFCCCI reaffirmed the importance of preserving and sharing the stories behind Operation Barrio Schools-not only as a record of school buildings constructed, but as a testament to the lives enriched, opportunities created and communities strengthened through sustained civic partnership.

• The federation's enduring message is that every classroom represents more than a structure: it is a gateway into reality.
  to knowledge, a foundation for hope and a place where Filipino children can begin turning their dreams.