While teachers are expected to share knowledge with their students, some believe that their responsibility doesn't end with the textbooks, markers and boards. In fact, some often take on a parental role and go far beyond what their job requires.
For the teacher in the mountain province of Misamis Occidental, the classroom has transformed into more than just a space for education—it has become a home that feeds not only eager minds but also empty stomachs.
Jeric Maribao or also known as “Jerics Channel”, a Grade 5 and 6 teacher from Bag-ong Anonang Diut Elementary School in Barangay Bonifacio.
He gained widespread attention on social media after going viral for his heartfelt gesture of giving free snacks and vitamins to his students.
In an interview with Adbokasiya, Teacher Jeric shared that he began the unusual routine of feeding his students three years ago, using his own money, in the aftermath of the pandemic.
“Nagstart ako ng advocacy ko wayback after pandemic, kasi I thought na its very motivating to welcome again the students na magbalik sila ng pag-aaral,” he said.
Initially, he only fed his advisory class. Today, however, almost all pupils from Grade 1 to Grade 6 benefit from his generosity.
Through his growing presence on social media, Teacher Jeric has become something of an online sensation, inspiring and bringing a smile to thousands of people especially to his followers.
With the help of kind-hearted netizens, he's been able to distribute bags, groceries, and even sacks of rice for his student’s families.
“Napagpatuloy ko because of my commitment na, I am not earning money for the sake of my interest but for children talaga,” he explained.
But the road hasn’t been easy as expected.
“Nagloloan din ako paminsan-minsan sa banko, kasi hindi naman araw-araw may bumibili,” he admitted, citing that sometimes there’s no enough funds to sustain his advocacy.
However, his financial burden is lightened somewhat by his followers, who continue to support his advocacy. Still, there were moments he nearly gave up—especially during the pandemic.
Back then, many of his students dropped out to work at home. The shift away from face-to-face classes made him anxious that they might never return.
“Mayroong akong mga estudyante noon na hindi na sila bumabalik kasi mayroon na silang mga trabaho sa kanilang bahay during the pandemic. They don't want face-to-face teaching and classes anymore,” Maribao explained.
“Sineryoso ko talaga ang pagpapakain para mamotivate talaga ang mga bata,” he affirmed.
His solution was simple, to welcome students back with warm meals and warm hearts.
As a "mountain teacher" assigned to a remote area far from his residence, the challenge of teaching was more than academic.
“Noon, araw-araw akong umuuwi sa bahay namin,” he recalls. “But because of my passion, I decided to live near the school. I bought land and built a home just to sustain my advocacy,” Maribao shared.
With no help and no salary from parents, he worked in silence, before dawn, so his students wouldn’t go to class on an empty stomach.
To make his vision sustainable, he founded a small but promising initiative called 5P: Pantawid Pambaon sa Eskwelahan for Pupils Project, which aims to support the students with monthly allowances funded through corn farming done by their parents.
“With God’s grace baka kapag marami na kaming maipon within 2 years or 3 years meron na akong maibibigay na allowance sa mga estudyante every month for example 500 or 1000,” he stressed.
Jeric further shared that he wasn’t always this passionate about teaching. In fact, he never planned to be a teacher.
“Hindi ko talaga gusto maging guro,” he admitted.
When he was assigned to a remote mountain school in 2018, he found it difficult to find fulfillment in his work. However, after deep reflection in 2020, he chose to dedicate himself to a life of meaning and service through teaching.
Even when a chance to work abroad came along, something that could have helped to ease his financial struggles, he chose to turn it down.
His heart and home remain with his students in the mountains, where he continues to teach, nourish, motivate, and dream alongside them.
In a society where the efforts of teachers often go unnoticed, Teacher Maribao stands as proof that true education goes beyond textbooks. Sometimes, it starts with a compassionate heart and a simple plate filled with kindness and generosity.
