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Meet Romeo Berard, a 16-year-old Canadian visionary
Jun 13, 2012 by Mark Madrona	in education
My exclusive
As the Philippines marked its 114th Independence Day last June 12, independent media outlet Vera Files published my feature article about Romeo Berard II, a 16-year-old philanthropist from Winnipeg, Canada.
The piece also appeared in Yahoo News Philippines (where Vera Files regularly provides content) on the same day. I did not receive any prior notification that the story will be published that day. In fact, Berard had to ask me via Facebook if the story had already appeared since he's been flooded with friend requests on his account.
Mark Madrona and Romeo Berard II
He is now in Vietnam, the second stop in his five-month Asian sojourn. Far from being a globetrotting tourist, hiss main objective in this trip is to spread the word about The Shining Leaders Foundation (TSLF).
Founded by Berard himself last March, the organization aims to build one school per year in less-developed communities in this part of the world. Aside from Philippines and Vietnam, other countries listed in his itinerary are South Korea, Philippines, China, Nepal, India, Thailand, Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, and Indonesia.
Berard does not come from a lavishly wealthy family, and the funds he is currently spending largely come from his own savings. As he related to me during our interview last May 19, he had to work in Netflix Canada for seven months to earn enough to finance his endeavor since his parents were at first skeptical about his plan.
Romeo Berard in Canada's CTV Television Network
He may not be a Filipino by blood, but having Filipino friends from his hometown endeared the Philippines to him. According to Wikipedia, there are three Filipino newspapers in Winnipeg.
He aims to run for a parliamentary seat before the decade ends. Canadian law allows anyone above 18 to seek an elective post. If by any stroke of luck, he ends up becoming his nation's prime minister, Berard said he wants to allot more development aid for the Philippines.
"I want to serve the people through my humanitarian efforts," Berard said. He added that he is willing to go "door-to-door, and to different politicians, private companies, and universities" for the TSLF to really meet its goals.
Romeo Berard featured in Yahoo News Philippines
The opening of the academic year this month once again reminds us that too many young Filipinos are not able to finish their studies because of poverty. According to figures from the Department of Education, of the 100 students who will enter Grade 1, only 14 will go on to obtain a college degree.
Berard's goal may appear too unrealistic to some naysayers. However, keep in mind that if a foreigner can be so determined to do something to reverse the situation, why would Filipinos themselves not do their share?
PS: Before I end this, let me express my sincerest appreciation to two people who made this story possible. To Ms Beverly Casta, who told me about Romeo's efforts through my blog (without any idea who I am. LOL). We exchanged emails about Romeo even before he arrived in the Philippines last April 22. It took almost a month before we finally got to arrange the interview because of Romeo's tight schedule.
Lastly, I want to thank Ms Yvonne Chua, a Vera Files trustee (and my college thesis adviser), for believing that Romeo's story is indeed worth publishing.
Interested parties may contact Berard at romeo.shiningleaders@yahoo.com
Tagged with: mark pere madrona, Romeo Berard contact details, Romeo Berard II, Romeo Berard Wiinipeg Canada, The Shining Leaders Foundation, Vera Files, Yvonne Chua
About the author Mark Madrona
Mark Madrona is a multi-awarded blogger and writer from the Philippines. He is also teaching for a top private university in Manila. He is the owner and main writer for The Filipino Scribe (www.FilipinoScribe.com). Know more about him here: https://www.filipinoscribe.com/about/.
14 thoughts on "Meet Romeo Berard, a 16-year-old Canadian visionary"
monisima says:
Very inspiring to know that there are young people like this man:)
markpere2010 says:
I totally agree with you. Hope to have more people like him. 🙂
I WENT TO SCHOOL WITH HIM. SO THERE.
Denny Rymer says:
I am in the Southern Phlippines doing projects. When he get to the Philippines maybe we can talk with Romero about projects.
He'll be more than willing to do a tie-up with your organization, I'm sure.
a very inspiring story indeed
What an eye-opener, Mark. And, Berard is just simply inspirational.
Thank you for reading, Kuya Sony. Hope to meet more people like him. 🙂
Tonet says:
True greatness shines when we become of service to others. Idol! 🙂
Anastácia says:
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kriman says:
Woaw at very young age, His Desire to help people is amazing.
May Godbless you Romeo Berard in your mission. 😀
Wishing him the best of luck and cannot wait to see him grow in his succesful futur ahead of him! Truely an inspiring young man. Still can't believe i went to school with him.
Batangas City says:
who have the link of the CTV video?
bobby joe says:
What is his mission for 2014? Where will he go?
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Mark Madrona
Mark Madrona is a prize-winning blogger, online journalist, and educator from the Philippines. Previously a book editor, he is now teaching communication subjects for a private college in Metro Manila. His blog The Filipino Scribe received the Best Blog Award during the 2011 Population and Development Media Awards. He is the youngest recipient of that recognition. Know more about him here: http://www.filipinoscribe.com/about/.
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