Pinoy from The Black-Eyed Peas finds the hero in himself

apl.de.ap is iamninoy-iamcory Special Ambassador for Education!

apl.de.ap (a.k.a. Allan Pineda Lindo, Jr.) of the world-famous singing group, The Black Eyed Peas, is the iamninoy-iamcory movement’s special ambassador for education. 

This was announced by Rafael C. Lopa, president and executive director of the Ninoy and Cory Aquino Foundation (NCAF), in a joint press conference with the Ayala Foundation, Philippine Development Foundation (Phildev), the Apl Foundation and the 57-75 movement to reverse the education crisis.

The iamninoy-iamcory Movement is NCAF’s core youth mobilization and empowerment program, carried out in cooperation with various partners and networks. Its mission is to surface a new generation of Filipinos who are willing to step up as selfless heroes in their own right.  Since its launch in August 2008, the movement has been tying up with organizations with existing programs in five areas—governance, livelihood, education, environment and health—with a view to deepening youth engagement in change initiatives.

Through NCAF and the Ayala Foundation, apl.de.ap has had initial discussions with key stakeholders of 57-75 and Phildev, among other organizations championing the educational reform advocacy. “They have briefed me on the nature and magnitude of the problems facing the Philippine education system, and on the programs they have lined up to address some of the most fundamental of these problems,” said apl.de.ap. He expressed his intent to focus his efforts on closing the huge gap in public school classrooms and on establishing libraries and computer libraries in schools, starting with the schools he attended in Angeles, Pampanga.

Ayala Foundation, through the Filipinas Heritage Library, is spearheading the MyLibrary project. According to Vicky Garchitorena, Ayala Foundation president, the project aims to expand and enrich the learning experience of students and other members of communities through improving the collection of resource and reading materials available in the public or school library in cities and municipalities in the country, improving the library facilities, enhancing libraries’ services, and setting up related activities that aim to promote a greater love of reading and learning. “To take advantage of apl’s appeal, we want to include a music resource center in these libraries as a come-on for students to enter and make use of these facilities,” Ms. Garchitorena added. One particular MyLibrary site will be constructed in Sapang Bato, Pampanga – apl.de.ap’s hometown.

Project Second Home is an initiative under the 57-75 Movement, pushing for the construction of 10,000 classrooms in two years. According to Cecile Alcantara of 57-75, the project, which will be formally launched later this year, aims to consolidate efforts and direct funds to the construction of classrooms in areas that need the most assistance. Project Second Home encourages both corporations and individuals to contribute to this initiative. Through funding and donations or even the conduct of your own school building program, we can all help ensure that we keep classrooms a haven where children can discover themselves and their world.

“I still cherish my Pinoy roots,” explained apl.de.ap, “and I would like to give back whatever I can to the land of my birth. The best way to do that, I feel, is by creating opportunities for young Filipinos.”

 From his own experience, apl.de.ap knows how important it is to get a good education. In November 18, 2008, he launched the Apl Foundation to help various communities and children within the Philippines and throughout Asia.

“Perhaps, it is providential that his birthday falls on November 28, a day after that of Ninoy Aquino,” explained Mr. Lopa said. “This tells me that he is destined to help us take the Filipino brand of heroism to the next level.”