“We are really very poor,” said businessman Irineo “Bong” Alvaro Jr.
From a student aide doing errands in several schools that he attended, Alvaro’s educational background was a bit confusing. He spent a year at the University of Sto. Tomas before moving to the Wesleyan University and finally settling at the former Holy Angel College. In all schools, Alvaro worked as a student aide just to get the education that his late father, Irineo Alvaro Sr. wanted for him but never given the chance to give him because of old age and poverty. Alvaro’s mother was already 46 when he was born.
“In whatever way you can magaral ka,” (In whatever way you can get an education) Alvaro recalled the words of his father. Irineo Sr told his son that he could no longer send him to college due to dire poverty in the province.
Alvaro Sr, however, bequeathed his name to his son – untainted, immaculate. When Alvaro Sr died 20 years ago, the son set out on his journey – uphill and tortuous – but he found his niche in the firmament of success.
I have known Alvaro, the son, as an activist. But fate brought him to politics and the rest is history. Between a public servant and a businessman, Alvaro I believed excelled in the latter but he did not eschew his passion for helping the poor. “Parang may kulang pag hindi ko to ginawa,” said Alvaro referring to the annual medical and dental mission.
His foundation, the Bridges of Benevolent Initiative Foundation, Inc. also seeks to end the cycle of poverty through education. Through small steps, Alvaro was gaining a headway by giving back to the poor community where he came from by extending free college education.
More poor students in Magalang, Mabalacat City and Angeles City will get education under his watchful eye. BBI Foundation will provide opportunities for people to become self-reliant, independent, resilient and productive members of the community.
“Our scholarship recipients have potentials in leading the next generation,” according to Alvaro. With or without in government service, Alvaro had been blazing the trail for the young minds to succeed and in the process end the cycle of poverty. Mind you, the scholars are prohibited from getting married in the next two years after graduation. They will have to work first to support their respective families.
“This is the way we do it,” said Alvaro as he mingled with beneficiaries of the medical mission who gathered at the Fiona United Methodist Church in Barangay La Paz, Magalang.