Dingdong supports ‘fostering positive change through education’

The YesPinoy Foundation, with actor Dingdong Dantes as chair, has already produced an engineer, a pilot, and a marketing expert, among others, and is now offering “additional programs” for budding entrepreneurs.

The initial goal of the foundation, created on Aug. 21, 2009, was to bridge resource gaps in education and assist out-of-school youth, as well as children of fallen Marines, which Dantes said was “a mission close to my heart as a reservist.” Through time, it evolved and focused on YES, which stands for “youth, empowerment and service to the country.”

Dantes said the “strategic shift” was the foundation’s response to the “challenges and realizations that accompanied the program’s implementation.” One of them was their realization that “many fallen heroes had no children due to the nature of their roles,” he told Inquirer Entertainment.

As a result, the foundation transcended “the conventional boundaries of scholarship. We reoriented our efforts toward empowering communities through education.” They also aligned their efforts with “like-minded organizations,” and collaborated with established nongovernment organizations—a move, which Dantes said, “emerged as a significant transformation.”

When asked to share one of the program’s success stories, Dantes said: “Aside from an individual who is now an engineer, another who’s a pilot, one as a marketing expert, and another who runs a company servicing both private and government projects in construction, what truly moves me are the stories of individuals within the education-to-employment program during the pandemic. This eventually led to the establishment of the startup, DingDong PH.”

Free enrollment

Not wanting to reveal the identities of these individuals, Dantes recalled the experience of one beneficiary, who had worked in the entertainment industry for 20 years, after his business “faced a production halt” as a result of the pandemic lockdowns.

Dantes said the individual decided to enroll in the program, which was conducted for free, with the hope of “professionalizing the rider industry within the (entertainment) business. After completion, he became eligible for recommendations to top companies, delivering delicate items for them.”

He added, “He has forged a new career in the delivery industry, providing for his family despite the volatility of his previous sector. More significantly, he has embraced a new identity as an entrepreneur and a professional, offering a solid alternative to his passion for the arts.”

Dantes said the foundation is currently offering additional programs “that could further elevate individuals into the realm of entrepreneurship. While it is still up to the beneficiaries’ decision to refine and advance their learning, we are here to provide the necessary tools, resources and opportunities once they commit. This mirrors the opportunities I’ve received from those who believed in me when I was starting out.”

‘Deeply personal’

As to why he continues to help others through the foundation, Dantes said his motivation was “deeply personal.”

“I identify as a scholar, not only because of the hard work invested by my parents, but also due to the unwavering belief and support extended by individuals who propelled me into becoming a working student at the age of 17,” said Dantes who was first seen on the small screen via GMA 7’s teen-oriented program “T.G.I.S.”

“I understand the impact of opening doors for someone eager to be helped and determined to succeed. Sometimes, all we need is that break and the door of opportunity,” the actor pointed out. “Once someone lets you in, the flow of opportunities becomes unimaginable. As long as the commitment to a greater purpose is there, I would always put my bet on these individuals, especially our young people.

“They are the ones with true grit and guts to make a difference in this world. Tataya ako sa kanila, katulad ng mga tumaya sa akin noon. All they need to do is ring that doorbell, and a door will be opened.”

The actor then emphasized the importance of building a good relationship with the beneficiaries. “Each day presents us with individual challenges and problems. Our goal is to guarantee the well-being and comfort of our partners and beneficiaries amid these circumstances. The primary focus now is on how we’ve improved the quality of their lives. Our role in guiding and supporting them is essential.”

Dantes pointed out that what they do at the foundation is not merely to give “superficial aid.”

Power of education“In reflection, I’ve come to understand that the crux of the issue lies in superficial aid—where mere checkboxes replace meaningful connections. Beyond the provision of opportunities, I’ve come to advocate for a more profound approach. Donors should not only grant opportunities for others, but also connect beneficiaries with reputable spaces for comprehensive skill development and life improvement,” he stressed.

“It’s not about the number of individuals given the chance to study, but rather about quantifying the positive transformations brought about by the comprehensive developmental program,” Dantes added.

On the whole, Dantes said that, with his involvement in all of YesPinoy Foundation’s programs and projects, “my belief in the transformative power of education has solidified. The journey, marked by challenges and insights, reinforced the importance of meaningful connections, strategic partnerships and a comprehensive vision for fostering positive change through education.” INQ