Team DailyPedia
A photo of a young man from Batangas dining with public school kids went viral on social media over the weekend.
Ericson Fernandez, a student from De La Salle Lipa, realized he lost his iPhone while he was on his way to SM Lipa. He then immediately called up his mobile number and a woman answered. That woman was a public school teacher from Paninsingin Elementary School named Veronica Calawod, and she informed him that his mobile phone was safe and intact, and that he can get it anytime from the school.
When Ericson went to pick up his phone, he learned that four students by the name of Tyron, Jerome, Joros, and Clifford were the ones who found his phone and turned it over to their teacher. He was also able to hear how the students value honesty that was taught by their teachers. Delighted and happy with what he learned, he asked their teacher if he could treat the four kids to a meal at a fastfood chain.
This is Ericson’s original post:
“This happened yesterday when I accidentally lost my iPhone. I was on my way with a friend to SM Lipa when I realized that my phone is not in my pocket, at first I did not panic nor mind looking for my phone because I thought that I have left it at my dorm but when I tried calling my number a stranger answered and said that she found my phone so then I rushed back to my dorm and asked if I can have my phone back. She said that she’s at the Paninsingin Elementary School so I went there. When I was waiting outside the school a young boy asked me “kuya kayo po yung nawawalan ng cellphone?” so I said yes and he accompanied me inside the school. We went to their classroom and as I entered there room I greeted politely then the teacher asked me if I am the legit owner of the phone, she asked me to enter the password, so I did. Then she returned my phone after I have proven that I am really the owner. I was thanking her for giving me back my iPhone but the teacher said that it is not she who found the phone but her students. I was astounded because I did not expect that, I was happy that time and amazed to the students because they brought the phone to their teacher right away and did not keep the phone instead. That is not all, I heard another student saying “Ma’am diba masama magnakaw” and the teacher answered”Tama, pag hindi sa’yo ibalik dapat sa may ari” And also the teacher told me that her students were praying for me that hopefully I will call so that I can have my phone back. I am just standing there and listening to them, I was really astonished and touched because they made me realize that their still good in this world. Because I was really happy for what they did, I said “ililibre ko na lang kayo” then the teacher talked to her class and said “O! Ayan class pag may ginawa kayong maganda may babalik rin sa inyo na maganda”. I am so happy to repay them for their good deed so then I excused them to class and we went to Jollibee and ate. I am very happy and I feel so blessed because if it was not for them maybe I will never have my phone back. I am very thankful to them not only because they returned my phone but also I learned a lot from them. I am so happy for them because at their very young age they know what is right and what is wrong. I am really inspired by them and also I want others to be inspired because they reminded me that whenever you do good things it will really pay off and as for me seeing them smile while they eat they’re chicken joy it bring me joy to my heart. Thanks to them I have my phone back 😄.”
According to ABS-CBN News, Ericson said he did not expect his post would go viral. “Hindi ko po inexpect na magiging viral yun kasi pinost ko lang po yun kasi nga po natuwa talaga ako sa ginawa ng mga bata and ako po yung taong mahilig mag share sa social media ng nga experiences lalo na kung positive po,” Fernandez said.
(I did not expect that my post would go viral. I just posted the photo because I was just delighted with what the kids did and I am the type of person who likes to share experiences on social media, especially the positive ones.)
In addition, Ericson also stated the difficult situation of the students in the said school. He said they were only holding classes on a stage which was very uncomfortable since it was very hot.
Aside from getting back his phone, Ericson was able to show the public that good values are still being taught in Philippine public schools. He also was able to use social media not only to inspire others with positive posts, but also able to expose the dire situation of public schools and was able to make an appeal to the government to take action.
On a final note, Ericson said that everything we post on social media can affect readers. He then asked the public to post more positive experiences to inspire and make other people happy.
Kudos to Ericson, the kids from Paninsigan Elementary School, and their adviser, Veronica Calawod!
