2,400 students in S.Leyte receive school supplies from GMA Kapuso Foundation

A total of 2,400 students in Southern Leyte have received school supplies from the GMA Kapuso Foundation, according to a “24 Oras” report Monday.

Among the beneficiaries were the two children of Rumel Anajao, who dives in the ocean to look for gold in the sand.

Though he only uses goggles and a hose connected to a compressor as safety equipment, Rumel said he does not mind the danger. He only wants his children to finish their studies.

“Mahirap po kasi nasa ilalim. Sinisisid mo yung ilalim para makakuha ng kaunting ginto, para makabili ng ulam at kanin sa pamilya namin,” he said. “Pangarap ko po mag-aral po silang mabuti, ‘yon lang.”

("It's hard because you go underwater. You dive under to get some gold to buy food for our family. My dream is for my children to study hard.")

Rumel’s eight-year-old son Crismel also wishes to finish his studies. When he has no classes, he helps his dad check the sand he collects for some gold.

Determined to have a better future for their family, Rumel’s wife dedicates her time to also teach their kids at home using an old plywood as a blackboard.

The GMA Kapuso Foundation is accepting donations through bank deposits, Cebuana Lhuillier, GCash, Shopee, PayMaya, Zalora, MegaMart, Globe Rewards, Metrobank credit card, and Lazada.

For more information, visit the GMA Kapuso Foundation website. — Franchesca Viernes/BM, GMA News