Building Brighter Futures Through Education
ABCf is a non-profit organization dedicated to helping financially challenged students gain access to quality education.
In 2001, a group of friends came together with a simple but powerful idea: to help bright, deserving children complete their education. At the time, a Department of Education report revealed that out of 100 children entering Grade 1, only 60 finished Grade 6, and just 40 made it to high school graduation.
We believed we could give some of these children a better chance at finishing school - and so A Better Chance Foundation (ABCf) was born.
Our very first project began in mid-2001 through a partnership with the ERDA Foundation, sponsoring preschool scholars in Metro Manila and nearby provinces. Back then, kindergarten was not yet mandated by the national government, so this initiative filled an important gap.
In 2002, we launched the Night High Program with the Dominican Order of Catholic schools at Siena College, Taytay, Rizal. It was not difficult to find talented young people eager to study within the school's surrounding communities. The program later expanded to five other Dominican schools and thrived for 20 years.
When our first batch of Night High scholars graduated in 2007, we made a momentous decision: to provide college scholarships to the most outstanding graduates of the program. Since then, our focus has been on higher education, strengthened by our enduring partnership with the Polytechnic University of the Philippines (PUP), which continues to help us identify exceptional students who can be part of our scholarship family.
None of this would have been possible without the generosity of our donors - corporations, partner foundations, families, and individuals - to whom we are deeply grateful. Many have been with us for over a decade, and some even go beyond financial support by opening employment opportunities for our graduates.
The pandemic years challenged us as we lost many long-time partners. Today, we are in a period of rebuilding, with renewed optimism that more supporters will come forward to join our mission.
With every gift, big or small, you are helping shape a brighter future - one scholar at a time. To learn more about how you can be part of this journey, email us at abetterchancefoundation2001@gmail.com. Together, we can continue to give young people a better chance.
ABCf envisions itself to become a significant and respected contributor to nation-building by giving equal opportunity to education and other learning facilities among indigent but deserving Filipino children towards developing their human potential to the maximum and eventually, making them an asset to society.
ABCf, in cooperation with the government and other learning institutions as well as in collaboration with targeted families and communities, aims to provide financial assistance to economically-challenged but properly motivated children to enable them to pursue quality preschool, elementary, secondary as well as college education.
Sir Lew is the Founder of A Better Chance Foundation (ABCf). His journey with ABCf began with a movie. In
1999, at the age of 60, he watched Pay It Forward and was deeply moved by its message that people can make a difference in the lives of others by extending the good fortune they have received. Inspired by the film’s simple but powerful question, “What are you waiting for?”, he resolved to do something for financially challenged students. With no prior experience in social work, education management, or philanthropy, Sir Lew began reaching out to people who shared his desire to help underprivileged families keep their children in school. Two years later, in July 2001, at age 62, he joined six other individuals in founding A Better Chance Foundation. For its first 20 years, Sir Lew was closely involved in the day-to-day management of ABCf, helping build the organization from the ground up. Today, while the Foundation is led by a new generation of dedicated professionals, he continues to play an important role, particularly through his personal relationships with scholars. Whenever he is in the Philippines, Sir Lew makes time to meet scholars over lunch, getting to know them beyond their academic achievements and understanding their dreams and challenges. When he is in Nevada, where he enjoys desert hiking and photography, he often shares photographs of the Mojave Desert with scholars he has come to know personally—keeping connections alive across thousands of miles. Sir Lew describes ABCf as an “entrepreneurial foundation”—an organization that must continuously earn the trust of donors and demonstrate that their contributions create meaningful results. For him, the Foundation’s greatest measure of success is the thousands of young people who have passed through its programs, earned their degrees, and, in many cases, helped lift their families toward a better future. His enduring belief is simple: one person can make a difference. Whether as a donor, scholar, volunteer, or friend, each person brings something valuable to the table. Together, he believes, people can create opportunities, change lives, and pay forward the blessings they have received.
With a profound commitment in social and global health, including environmental sustainability, Ms. Eleanora ‘Nora’ De Guzman has spent over
35 years of expertise as a Senior International Development specialist in planning and directing communication projects across Asia and Africa. She has served as Senior Technical Advisor for wildlife conservation initiatives in Thailand, Chief of Party for USAID programs in Senegal, the Philippines, Vietnam, and India, and an International Communication Officer for UNICEF in India and Indonesia. Ms. Nora’s consultancy work includes projects for the World Health Organization, the World Bank, and the Johns Hopkins Center for Communication Programs across Asia. She has presented extensively in local and foreign conferences, like the Department of Health in the Philippines. She holds a Master in Development Studies from the Institute of Social Studies in the Hague, Netherlands; a Master’s Degree in Environmental Planning from the University of the Philippines; and the Bachelor Degree in Sociology from the Philippine Miriam College.
Jericho P. Orlina is the President of A Better Chance (ABC) Foundation, bringing to the role a profound commitment to
educational empowerment and a distinguished career built on strategic leadership and financial stewardship. A Certified Public Accountant by profession, Jeri possesses a deep-seated expertise in governance, audit, and fiscal management, skills honed over decades in top-tier executive positions. Currently, he also serves as the Assistant Vice President for Business Affairs at Centro Escolar University, where he manages and grows the institution's non-academic enterprises. His prior leadership roles include turning around companies as a General Manager and overseeing complex national operations as a Division Manager for a major supply chain. His executive acumen was formally refined at the Asian Institute of Management, where he completed a Management Development Program. This advanced training in strategy and leadership complements his foundational Bachelor of Science in Commerce, major in Accounting, from Ateneo de Naga University. As President of ABC Foundation, Mr. Orlina leverages his extensive experience in both business and academia to guide the foundation's mission and vision. He is dedicated to creating and expanding opportunities for deserving scholars, ensuring the foundation's resources are managed with the highest level of integrity and strategic foresight to maximize its impact on nation building.
With a steadfast commitment to upholding justice and public service, Atty. Walter T. Young is the current Managing Partner of
the Young De Silva Pagunuran Law Firm. He passed the 1980 Bar Examination with an overall rating of 83.35% and a score of 91% in both Remedial Law and Legal Ethics. He earned his degrees in Law and Economics from the University of the Philippines Diliman, which he graduated in top 16 in his class. Atty. Young has actively served in professional and civic organizations, including as Secretary-General of the Integrated Bar of the Philippines and as Assistant Secretary-General. He was a Philippine Delegate to the 72nd International Law Association Conference in Toronto, Canada. At age 77, Atty. Walter is still very active and plays badminton regularly. Today, aside from being a Trustee, he serves as Foundation's Corporate Secretary.
Atty. Mike Atanante is a multifaceted legal and corporate expert, who brings decades of experience advising government, corporations, and civil
society. Currently, he’s a partner at Gargantiel Ilagan Atanante Law in Quezon City and a consultant to the House of Representatives. He also serves as the National Director of the Integrated Bar of the Philippines National Center for Legal Aid, helping decongest court dockets and release overstaying persons deprived of liberty (PDLs). He passed the 2005 Bar Exams and practiced aviation law in Cebu Pacific Air in 2008, as well as the tax and corporate law, advising on mergers, acquisitions, and cross-border dealings. Mike also served as a court attorney at the Supreme Court of the Philippines in 2006, honing his legal research and writing skills. Outside the office, Mike is a consummate investor with fascinations in aviation, fintech, real estate, and business outsourcing. He finds happiness in traveling, with Hong Kong, Paris, and New York among his favorite destinations, and is a retired triathlete who competed locally and internationally. These days, he enjoys playing golf with friends, brothers, and son.
Grounded in strong communication principles and organizational integrity, Kaycee Crisostomo is the Corporate Communications and Marketing Director of TVI Resource
Development Philippines Inc. or TVIRD. A Canadian mining company that focuses on precious and base metals in the Philippines. For 13 years now, he’s been responsible for commodities, such as gold, silver and nickel; and was recently appointed as the board member of the Philippine Associated Smelting and Refining Corporation (PASAR). Prior to that, he was also the Marketing Communications Manager for Asia Pacific of Emerson Electric Asia Pte. Ltd. Kaycee started his career in the financial services industry as a communications officer in the Yuchengco Group of Companies.
Within the foundation, Rene C. Logatoc, R.N., AEMT, MAN, MAREXA was instrumental in establishing the partnership with Dominican schools for
ABCf’s Night High Program. With an extensive background in emergency medical services and community welfare, he currently works as a Medical Training Consultant for SOS International and serves as Chairman of the Rizal Police Advisory Group. He is a certified Basic Life Support Trainer for both the Department of Health (DOH) and the Philippine Heart Association (PHA), as well as a Regional Lead Assessor and National Trainer for Emergency Medical Services (EMS) NC II and NC III. His previous positions include Director of Siena College Christian Community Development, Community Emergency Nurse for the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), and Staff Nurse at The Medical City. Rene holds a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Manila Doctors College and a Master’s degree from Silliman University
Dinna Sarmiento is the Business Development Manager of A Better Chance Foundation (ABCf), where she oversees day-to-day operations and nurtures
relationships with donors, scholars, partners, and other stakeholders. A mother of five and grandmother of six, Dinna is married to Dean Ulan Sarmiento. Her professional relationship with ABCf Founder Sir Lew began in the 1990s, when they worked together at Filway Inc., where Sir Lew was one of her superiors. The two reconnected in 2023, as Dinna was preparing for retirement. Sir Lew invited her to become involved with ABCf, an opportunity she welcomed as a meaningful way to devote her retirement years to service. Today, she brings her years of professional experience, people skills, and genuine passion for helping others to the Foundation. In her role at ABCf, Dinna helps ensure that the Foundation’s programs and activities run smoothly while keeping its community of donors, scholars, and partners connected to its mission of creating better opportunities through education.
Hazel Zaballero is the Communications and Advocacy Officer of A Better Chance Foundation (ABCf), where she helps advance the Foundation’s
advocacy, strengthen its public presence, and share the stories of scholars whose lives are being transformed through education. With over 30 years of experience across administration, finance, legal, marketing, communications, research, and advocacy, Hazel considers herself a “Jill of all trades.” She currently heads Marketing at Privacy Key Specialists PH, a data privacy consulting firm, and has also worked in publishing, industry associations, business development, and consulting. A certified Life and Relationship Coach and an active Rotarian, Hazel has served as President of the Rotary Club of Taguig West. She brings to ABCf her diverse professional experience, passion for service, and belief in the power of education to create lasting change.
Latest Story We proudly celebrate a historic and deeply meaningful milestone as Atty. Leonardo Dimatalo becomes the first ABCf alumnus to pass the Bar Examinations. His success in the 2025 Bar Exams is not only a personal triumph, but also a moment of shared joy and pride for the entire ABCf community.
Leo’s journey of excellence began early. He was class valedictorian in high school, a reflection of the discipline and determination that would continue to define his academic and professional path. As an ABCf scholar at the Night High School of Siena College in Taytay, Leo demonstrated resilience and grit, qualities that carried him through college and law school.
In college at Adamson University, Leo was a self-supporting student who worked as a student assistant at the Registrar’s Office while taking on various part-time jobs—including working as a mascot, dishwasher, and waiter—to sustain his education. After graduating, he worked at the Bureau of Internal Revenue and did part-time accounting work under Atty. Mike Atanante, one of ABCf’s Trustees, all while pursuing his law degree. His hard work paid off as he graduated as a Top 10 student of the Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila College of Law. He eventually made the difficult decision to resign from work to fully focus on his bar review, leading up to the Bar Examinations he took in September 2025.
On January 7, ABCf staff closely watched the online release of the bar results. When his name finally flashed on screen, the room erupted in cheers and joyful celebration. Messages of congratulations were immediately sent, and true to form, Leo responded with humility and gratitude, thanking ABCf for being part of his journey and for the support that helped make this achievement possible.
As he begins the next chapter of his life as a lawyer, ABCf wishes him every success in the legal profession. His story stands as a powerful reminder of what is possible with opportunity, perseverance, and the support of a community that believes in one’s potential. Congratulations once again, Atty. Leonardo Dimatalo—your ABCf family is immensely proud of you.
Resilience, motivation, and determination define our featured scholar, Kimble Grace Virtucio. Born the sixth of seven siblings, his parents believed he was a child blessed by divine grace—hence the name Grace, given to a son as a testament to faith and hope.
From his earliest years, Kim’s path was intertwined with the Upskills+Foundation, Inc. (UFI), where his mother worked. Through their support, his transportation, food, and health needs were provided, ensuring he could focus on his studies. When he entered the College of Nursing at Mary Chiles College, Upskills continued to stand by him, covering his tuition fees. Later, he was introduced to ABCf, becoming one of their scholars as well, further strengthening the foundation of his academic journey.
Yet, life tested him in unimaginable ways. One day, Kim returned home from school to find his house reduced to ashes due to a second wave of fire in their area. His response was not despair but acceptance: “It is what it is.” With quiet strength, he added, “One has to move on from the rubble. One has to think positive to recover from this tragedy.”
Now a third-year Nursing student, Kim embraces the challenges of his chosen profession. He sees them not as obstacles but as stepping stones—hurdles that demand courage and perseverance. With the unwavering support of his family, Upskills and ABCf, his family’s new three-storey home is rising from the ruins, a powerful symbol of hope and renewal.
When asked about his ambition, Kim’s words reflect both humility and vision: “I do not belittle my background. But I do wish that I can uplift my family from this humble abode.”
Kimble’s journey is more than a story of survival—it is a testament to faith, resilience, and the transformative power of education. His life reminds us that even in the face of tragedy, determination can rebuild not just homes, but futures.
We are the Education on Wheels and ABC Foundation scholars from our beloved community Tondo. We enrolled in the Education on Wheels (EOW) program because it gave us the opportunity to continue our education despite the challenges we face in life. Many of us have responsibilities such as work, family, or financial limitations that make it difficult to attend a regular college program. EOW has allowed us to pursue our dreams without giving up our other responsibilities. For some of us, it has also been a second chance to continue an education that was once interrupted.
By enrolling in EOW, we hope to finish our college degree, gain knowledge and skills, and prepare ourselves for better career opportunities in the future. More than earning a diploma, we aim to improve our lives, support our families, become responsible professionals, and inspire others by showing that it is never too late to continue learning and achieve our goals.
Studying in the EOW bus for our face-to-face classes has been a unique and enjoyable experience. Although it is different from a traditional classroom, we find it comfortable, organized, and conducive to learning. The air-conditioned and well-maintained environment helps us stay focused during discussions. More importantly, the bus symbolizes the program's commitment to making education accessible to students who need flexible learning opportunities.
For our online classes, we appreciate the convenience of being able to attend from home or other locations. However, we also experience challenges such as unstable internet connections, limited access to gadgets, technical issues, and balancing school with work and family responsibilities. Despite these difficulties, we continue to participate actively in class and complete our academic requirements to the best of our abilities.
Being an EOW scholar requires discipline, commitment, and effective time management. We cope with our responsibilities by planning our schedules, prioritizing schoolwork, submitting requirements on time, and staying focused on our goals. We also encourage and support one another whenever someone encounters difficulties. Through perseverance, teamwork, and determination, we continue to overcome the challenges that come with being working students and scholars.
ABCf has played a significant role in our educational journey. The financial assistance and educational support provided by ABCf have helped lessen the burden of school expenses, allowing us to focus more on our studies. Beyond financial aid, ABCf has given us hope, confidence, and motivation to continue pursuing our education. Their support reminds us that there are people who believe in our potential and are willing to invest in our future.
Overall, being part of the EOW program has been a meaningful and life changing experience for our class. Despite the challenges we encounter, we remain grateful for the opportunities provided by EOW and ABCf. We are committed to finishing our studies, achieving our dreams, and using the knowledge and opportunities we receive to create a better future for ourselves, our families, and our communities.
Erica Cerrera is the Class President of our first batch of EOW scholars. A dedicated single parent of three children and a full-time Personal Assistant and Secretary to a respected family in Bacood, Sta. Mesa, Manila.
Thirty-seven scholars under ABCf's Education on Wheels (EOW) Program received their stipends last April for both the first and second semesters of School Year 2025–2026. Three scholars were unable to attend the distribution, while one scholar has withdrawn from the program.
To help them prepare for the second semester, the scholars also received yellow pad paper and steno notebooks as part of their school supplies.
This assistance was made possible through the proceeds of ABCf's fundraising dance held in 2025, together with the generous sponsorship of Atty. Dicky Salazar, who supported the scholars' stipends for the entire school year.
ABCf extends its heartfelt gratitude to everyone who participated in the fundraising event and to Atty. Salazar for investing in the education and future of our scholars. Your generosity continues to empower deserving students to pursue their dreams despite life's challenges.
In celebration of Women’s Month, A Better Chance Foundation, Inc. (ABCf) embarked on a deeply meaningful outreach program at the Correctional Institution for Women (CIW) on Mar 26. Beyond providing vital health and educational resources, the event served as a powerful bridge of connection and mutual inspiration. In this moving reflection, ABCf scholar Ma. Criselle Trinidad shares how a childhood dream of giving back came full circle, reminding us all that true empowerment begins with simple, heartfelt acts of kindness.
Growing up in Mandaluyong, I witnessed several community outreach programs organized by the city and our barangay. They provided free consultations, medical check-ups, and even meals for residents. As a child, I was always curious and would often ask the staff questions during my turn—how these projects were organized, when they were conducted, and what people could do to help. Those experiences left a lasting impression on me.
There were also times when I would pass by Correctional Road near our old house. I often stood near the gate of the Correctional Institution for Women (CIW) before running off to play again. Even at a young age, I told myself that someday, I wanted to enter CIW not as a visitor, but as someone who could help—perhaps as a volunteer or sponsor.
Years later, I was given that opportunity after becoming a scholar under ABCf. When I first saw their announcement about conducting free eye check-ups at CIW, I immediately knew that I wanted to take part in it. This year, I was finally able to participate in the outreach program held last March 26 in celebration of Women’s Month.
When scholars were asked who was interested in volunteering, I did not hesitate to express my willingness to participate. On the day of the outreach, while we were on our way to the venue, I was also given the opportunity to speak on behalf of the scholars of ABCf and share our experiences. I felt very nervous, yet deeply grateful for the chance to share my thoughts.
During my speech, I wanted the women to know that they are seen, that every step forward matters, and that as long as they continue moving forward, there will always be hope for a better future. I also expressed how fortunate we are to be guided and given opportunities through ABCf.
The entire outreach experience felt warm and meaningful. It was heartwarming to witness how appreciative the women were for everything that was given to them. Beyond the free eye check-ups, P&Ause also donated a printer to support the school's operational and educational needs and generously sponsored meals for the participants. These acts of kindness demonstrated a genuine commitment to supporting and empowering the women of CIW.
Another meaningful part of the event was the beginning of an initiative to improve the CIW’s library. Mr. Dave Kuchenbecker, a retired American lawyer residing in Manila, together with Ms. Rhon Bautista, Chief Librarian of Union Church, planted the seeds for the refurbishment of the library through a donation of books and the planned training of PDL (Persons Deprived of Liberty) librarians. Their efforts highlighted the importance of education and learning opportunities in helping individuals rebuild their lives and prepare for a better future.
The connections built during the activity, along with the CIW scholars showcasing their different talents, made the event even more memorable. We danced with the women, tried the pastries they made, and even took home some of their creations. More importantly, it was inspiring to see them striving to move forward and work toward a better future for themselves.
Even now, the happiness and warmth I felt during that outreach still linger in my heart. It reminded me of the same feeling I had as a child – the hope that someday, I would become someone capable of giving others the help and support they need. Through this experience, I realized that meaningful change often begins with simple acts of kindness, and I am grateful to have been part of an initiative that brought hope, encouragement, and opportunity to others.
This March and April, ABCf successfully completed its stipend distribution for the 2nd Semester of Academic Year 2025–2026. Through dual distribution sites held at the Polytechnic University of the Philippines (PUP) campus and the ABCf office, financial assistance was delivered to a total of 239 traditional scholars.
The release of financial support ensures our student beneficiaries can focus on their academic goals, cover essential educational materials, and navigate everyday campus expenses without extra financial stress.
To Our Scholars: Your perseverance and passion continue to inspire us. Every late-night study session and milestone achieved brings you closer to your dreams. Stay focused, finish the semester strong, and remember that our entire community believes in your potential.
To Our Generous Donors: Thank you for your unwavering commitment. Your contributions directly pave the way for young minds to pursue higher education without financial boundaries. Every scholarship funded creates a lasting impact that ripples out to families and communities alike.
Together, we build a brighter future through education!
