DepEd, FFCCCII honor young storytellers in nationwide TikTok contest

The Department of Education (DepEd) and the Federation of Filipino Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry, Inc. (FFCCCII) recognized outstanding young storytellers and video creators during the awarding ceremony of “A Classroom for Every Dream,” a TikTok video competition, on October 24 at Luxent Hotel in Quezon City.

DepEd Secretary Sonny Angara and FFCCCII President Victor Lim led the ceremony.

In his speech, Angara thanked FFCCCII for its contribution to nation-building through education, describing the organization as the private sector’s biggest donor to the cause.

He also welcomed the use of TikTok as a platform for the competition, noting that it speaks the language of today’s youth.

Angara cited President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s call to bridge the digital divide, stressing that public schools often lag behind private institutions in terms of resources and opportunities.

He also expressed hope that the Philippines could compete with China, Singapore, and Vietnam in producing top-performing students. He acknowledged the support of lawmakers, including Senators Win Gatchalian and Bam Aquino, as well as members of the House of Representatives.

Top storytelling honors

In Category A, “My BarrioSchool Journey,” which focused on personal accounts of learning in barrio schools, Jhon Henry Aquileta of Gapan City, Nueva Ecija, won the grand prize of P120,000.

Marielle Q. Budana of Tarlac placed second, receiving P80,000, while Angelo I. Nirza of Palo, Leyte, and John Lloyd S. Paned of Banna, Ilocos Norte, tied for third place, earning P50,000 each.

In Category B, “The BarrioSchools Story,” which highlighted the schools’ broader impact on their communities, Ramil Carmona Salon Jr. of Davao City won the Professional Grand Award and P120,000.

Jindrich Queen Naomi N. Bernabe of Rizal received the Excellence in Storytelling Award and P80,000. Mark Cedrick S. Capareda of Tagum City, Davao del Norte, and Sarah Mae Cabalhug of Cebu City received the Excellence in Production and President’s Choice awards, respectively, with each taking home P50,000.

Other winning entries

Six participants in Category A received Special Citation Awards worth P30,000 each: April Mae P. Tañares of Bacolod City, Negros Occidental; Jenny Celestial of Mandaue City; John Vincent M. Leoncio of Pulilan, Bulacan; Achaia Shane L. Tan of Bacolod City, Negros Occidental; Mark Cafe of Tacloban; and Michelle H. Cendaña of Quezon.

The Category A Notable Entries were Christine Ann T. Borcelo of Northern Samar; Imerico B. Villanueva and Nikka Joey Delos Reyes of Dasmariñas, Cavite; Roberto G. Tiangco of Bulacan; and Kim Dedicantoria of San Francisco, Southern Leyte.

Category B Notable Awardees included Jhan-Jhan Q. Agustin and Jhun-Jhun Q. Agustin of Camiling, Tarlac; Toni Girence B. Panes of Quezon City; Prince Lloyd Besorio of Zamboanga del Sur; Louise Ashley A. Cal of Talisay City, Cebu; Amelia Villanueva of Dasmariñas, Cavite; Shelley Mae Villarin of Ormoc City, Leyte; Jayh-Em Ferrer of Isabela; Angel Jhos Mallari Supan of Magalang, Pampanga; Richard D. Sumalde of Surallah, South Cotabato; and Mylene Tiondo of Dipolog City, Zamboanga del Norte.

Expanding educational access

The competition highlights FFCCCII’s long-running Operation Barrio Schools initiative, which has helped bring educational facilities to underserved communities across the country.

Launched in 1991 to help alleviate rural poverty and boost the Philippine economy, the program has since donated 6,500 public school buildings in far-flung communities nationwide.

Through “A Classroom for Every Dream,” FFCCCII also underscored the importance of documenting and sharing the stories behind the initiative, highlighting not only the classrooms built but also the lives changed, opportunities created, and communities strengthened through sustained civic partnerships.