'Ninong ng Bayan' has 238 godchildren, and counting

It’s common to be a godparent, but how about being one to 238 children?

In Dagupan City, Jam Javier has become known as the “Ninong ng Bayan” or the Town’s Godfather, and he admits he can’t even remember all of them anymore.

At 16 years old, Javier became a ninong for the first time. Now 34, he still finds himself surprised at how his list of godchildren continues to grow.

“Recently, may nakasalubong ako. Nag-bless siya sa akin. ‘Ninong,’ sabi niya sa akin. ‘Sino ka?’ ‘Ako po ‘yung anak ni Chi-Chi,’” Javier said.

Inside his home in Barangay Pantal, Dagupan City, Javier keeps a collection of baptismal souvenirs, each one a memory of a new godchild.

The photos, he jokes, can be used as “receipts” by those asking him for gifts.

“Oh, malaki na anak mo, seven years old na. Baka naman. Ako naman, as a god parent, bibigyan ko naman sila kahit konti,” he said.

Javier is not picky about whom he becomes a godfather to. Different children, different dates, and different places, he says yes every time.

“Andito lang palagi si ninong niyo, nakasuporta sa inyo,” he said.

For him, it brings him joy when he's asked to be a godfather. He sees it as a meaningful role to guide and support the children. Because of this, he has found it difficult to turn down a request from parents.

Outside his role as a godfather, Javier also serves his barangay as a council member. Mary Ann Quinto, a friend of Javier, said Javier’s always ready to lend a hand.

“Siya po ang unang tumulong sa akin bilang kumpare,” Quinto said.

On July 5, 2025, Javier is set to stand as a ninong once again, his 239th time. —GMA Regional TV