Bong Go’s ‘Sapatos Ni SAP, Tsinelas Ka-Swap’ Honors Inspiring Cebuanos

Ten Cebuanos from different walks of life with inspiring stories were honored as the first beneficiaries of “Sapatos ni SAP, Tsinelas Ka-Swap” in Cebu City on Thursday, June 28.

Special Assistant to the President (SAP) Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Go launched this initiative to reach out to indigents across the nation to give them not just shoes, but a new spring in their steps.

The advocacy was realized by major corporate citizens and supporters of Go, who took inspiration from the secretary’s practice of giving shoes to victims of fire and other calamities.

According to Go, this program is his way of helping not only those who were hit by calamities but also athletes, students, and even farmers, who are in need of shoes but are unable to buy.

“Simpleng bagay lang po ang pagbibigay ng sapatos, pero sa pamamagitan nito, nagiging tulay tayo para matupad ang isang pangarap, para makapagbigay ng malaking ginhawa sa iba at para maiangat ang pagkatao ng bawat Pilipino (Giving shoes is a simple thing, but through this, we are helping them reach their dreams that will give them comfort and will lift up every Filipino),” Go said.

Among the recipients was Kent Mark, who, despite toiling in garbage to support himself and his siblings, finished as valedictorian of their high school class while also a scholar in senior high.

Jason Calunsag, a ‘habal-habal’ driver from Oroquieta City, who’s currently trying his luck in Cebu City, also received a pair of shoes from Go’s advocacy.

Another recipient was Jaypee Remedios, a youth leader who advocates for job opportunities for out-of-school youths.

Kent, Jayson, and Jaypee were joined by Victor Pogoy, a blind masseur with 10 children and Allen Canoy, the son of blind parents, who worked his way to be a day care teacher.

These are just some of the stories of the new owners of shoes who are bound to continue giving meaning to their every step, and leaving a mark in the community.

The “Sapatos ni Sap, Tsinelas ka-Swap” was officially launched nationwide on June 23 at the Ynares Center, Antipolo City.

This was made possible by the initiative of private individuals and companies like Puregold Price Club, Inc., San Miguel Co., Cherry Mobile, Robinsons Land Corporation, Family Mart, Robinsons Malls, Megawide Construction Co., Phoenix Petroleum Philippines, Inc., 2GO Group of Companies, and World Balance.

Go said he is also looking to coordinate with the Department of Education (DepEd) and Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) for his advocacy drive.

These agencies can help in identifying the program’s future beneficiaries, since DepEd and DSWD know who are greatly in need of aid, said Go.

“Marami pong nangangailangan sa mga sapatos na di niyo na kailangan. Maglalagay ng drop boxes sa 200 branches ng Puregold nationwide. Ihulog ninyo lang po ang mga sapatos ninyo doon at kami na ang bahalang mag-collect at mag-distribute sa mga deserving nating kababayan (A lot are in need of the shoes that you are not using. We will place drop boxes in the 200 branches of Puregold nationwide. Just drop your shoes there, we’ll collect and distribute them to deserving Filipinos),” said Go.

The Secretary was also in Cebu City to hold a meet and greet with the Philippine Accessible Disability Services (PADS) Dragonboat team who won Gold in the competition in Hong Kong last week. (rmn/jkm/PIA7-Cebu)