THE SECRET to University President Fr. Bienvenido Nebres, SJ’s success is his satisfaction of seeing improvement in other people.

“It gives me a good feeling seeing the people that I influence grow,” he said.

Nebres was chosen as one of People Asia’s People of the Year, alongside 15 others who gave positive contributions to the Philippine society.

Also included are 2009 CNN Hero of the Year Efren Peñaflorida, presidential candidates Noynoy Aquino and Gilbert Teodoro, GMA 7’s Vice President for News Jessica Soho and boxing icon Manny Pacquiao.

To date, Nebres chairs Synergia Foundation and oversees the Ateneo Center for Educational Development (ACED) and Pathways

All these organizations aim to improve the literacy rate of elementary school children, promote excellence in schools, and help underprivileged high school students get a college education.

Poor contact with the poor

For Nebres, the root of poverty in the Philippines is the poor education system. “We can’t get out of poverty because we don’t address the public school system,” he said.

Most decision-makers in the country do not fully understand the problem of education. In the US, he said, there is a tradition for the government officials to send their children to public schools. In the Philippines, this is not implemented.

“The decision makers have little contact with the poor except with the maids and the chauffeurs. The problem lies in the gap,” he observed.

Nebres said that the solution to this problem is to “go down there.” Instead of blaming the government, students should volunteer to be more aware of the problem.

“When you go down, you actually begin to understand the problem, and hopefully when these volunteers grow up, they’d do something about it themselves.”

Nebres said that ACED is open for students who can volunteer to teach or to help in medical missions.

‘It’s possible’

In an interview with The GUIDON, Nebres showed a video of how they helped Lupang Pangako Elementary School in Payatas.

The school was featured in GMA 7’s show Imbestigador in 2003 because of its poor standard of education. Students attend classes in the school gym and even the principal holds his office in the corridor. The school is now a four-storey building that has a canteen, clinic and most basic facilities.

“You see, it’s possible to improve,” he said.

Judging from his experience, he said that the mayors are very crucial in improving the state of the public schools. He said that the provincial government actually has the money for improvement and they just need to be more aware of the situation.

“And because they (the politicians) need votes, they go and visit the places,” he added.

Nebres also said that the basic needs of the people should be the main concern of the next president of the country. “The basic needs, education, health and livelihood are all part of good governance.”

Good for sesqui

When Nebres knew that he was going to be featured as one of the People of the Year, he tried to avoid it because he wasn’t particularly interested in those kinds of things.

“I don’t think it makes a contribution to my work,” he said.

However, when the issue came out, many people thought it would be a good addition to the sesquicentennial year of Ateneo.

Students

The GUIDON interviewed found Nebres’ efforts in education very impressive. Focusing on education is definitely quite significant, if not the most important issue to focus on, said junior Gershom Chua.

Sophomore Katrina Sta. Maria admires Nebres for exerting effort for better education. “Ateneo’s tradition of excellence shouldn’t only be seen as something intrinsic, but more so, as something extrinsic—manifesting itself to those that need the help.”

Nebres said that he would continue all his current efforts but at the same time continuously root for improvement. By the end of his term in 2011, he plans to teach more subjects in Ateneo and improve a new doctorate program in leadership.