In June 2009, the Ilian & Kitorok Tribal Schools opened with two classes each. All the children were thrilled to be in a classroom, eager to learn in a school for the first time ever. Benjie is one such student at Kitorok Tribal School, though his experience going to and from school was not quite like the others. Benjie was born with one leg and his other, was only a stump up to the knee. Determined and motivated to study, he would hop for over an hour each way to get to Kitorok. Perhaps the most amazing feat however, is that this young boy never missed one day of class all year!
In September 2010, Fr. Nestor came to visit the U.S..During his stay, he shared Benjie's story with a friend, Romy Buerano, who in turn, in awe of Benjie, shared the story at his non-profit Golf Charity the following month. Many of the attendees of the golf event were touched by this story, including the guest musician, John Lamoureux. John stayed awake that night and started researching ways to help this boy. The following morning, Romy's wife, Mona, received an email from John, about a program called Physicians for Peace, in Norfolk, VA, that seemed promising in changing Benjie's life. Prayers were answered as it turned out that there is a Physicians for Peace program called "Walking Free" that is part of the Philippine General Hospital in the heart of capital city, Manila, headed by a Dr. Bundoc. Proper connections were established between Dr. Bundoc and Benjie's family, and before he knew it, Benjie was on his way to Manila for surgery and fitting of his artificial limb. After three weeks of gait training, Benjie headed home to Kitorok in December 2010, able to walk and play with the other village children.
Today, Benjie continues his love for learning at Kitorok as an eager student and as the class Vice-President for school year 2010-2011.
Acknowledgement: With sincere thanks to John Lamoureux who played a crucial role in jump-starting this project. To Michael Angulo who helped located Dr. Penny Bundoc. To Marsha Browne and Charlie Rundberg, who offered financial assistance for his medical care. To the Buerano family who believed that everything is possible in taking care of Benjie. To Korina Sanchez's TV Show, Rated K who covered Benjie's story. To Fr. Nestor, who tirelessly supported Benjie from the very beginning. And to all of YOU, our friends and supporters who believed in this cause. Thank you very much! You have all changed Benjie's life for the better. Maraming Salamat! Romy & Mona Buerano.