Fr Ben Nebres receives Pro Deo et Patria Award; says he is "simply a connector and story teller"

Professor Emeritus and Former President of Ateneo de Manila University, Fr Bienvenido F Nebres, SJ was conferred the Pro Deo et Patria Award by the Catholic Educational Association of the Philippines (CEAP) during its National Convention that took place in Cebu City on 19 October 2023. 

As mentioned on the CEAP Facebook page, "the Pro Deo et Patria Award is given to individuals who exhibit exceptional devotion to their faith in God, their affection for their country, and their resolute commitment to Catholic teachings while serving God. [Fr Nebres] used his leadership to uplift those in need, particularly children... He serves as a living example of someone who believes that true joy is discovered in helping others and giving without reservation."

In his response, Fr Ben shared personal stories and learnings from his friends in this shared mission "of educating our students for excellence and service." 

As chair of Synergia Foundation in 2005, Fr Ben went to Upi, Maguindanao, and talked to Muslims, Christians, and Tiruray. He listened to the stories of the mothers, not only of their pains of being poor and of being caught in an ongoing conflict, but also their hopes and dreams of a good education for their children. In last month's Education Summit, Fr. Ben was inspired to hear that so many mayors and DepEd officials from BARMM still continue to strive to fulfill these mothers’ dreams.

During the Marawi siege in 2017, Fr Ben visited Saguiaran (the nearest evacuation center to Marawi) as part of his work in Gawad Kalinga. While an exchange of artillery fire was still ongoing, the GK leadership was deliberating whether or not to leave Marawi. But Gabie Tomboc (of GK Kusina ng Kalinga) said, “ We can hear and feel the bombing. But we can also see and hear the children. We just have to decide whom we will listen to. I think we should listen to the children.” To this day, Fr Ben reports that Gabie and her team, and many other volunteer teachers and individuals are still serving meals for thousands of children in Marawi.

May of this year, Fr Ben was in Sulu talking to a hundred out-of-school youth. These students shared painful stories of having to drop out of school because of poverty. But now that peace has come to their island (after years of war and kidnapping by the Abu Sayyaf), the kids also dream of a better future. "We cannot fail them," Fr Ben says. Now, thanks to Rose Cabrera, a KLIKme program (which aims to give High School Equivalency and IT skills) is in the works.  

His last story was about a video on YouTube, which showed a group of children who crossed the sea in a banca just to go to school (located in Sitio Liaonan in Siargao, Surigao del Norte). To find out more about their situation, Fr Ben contacted Alnie Espiel (a GK worker in Siargao), who then met with Nanay Jen, Tatay Lito, and Ate Maricar (a volunteer teacher). Nanay Jen and Tatay Lito, despite having 5 children of their own, opened their doors to 8 more children, providing them with essential needs like uniforms, allowances and school supplies. Sitio Lionan was once known as "Sitio Illiterate," but Nanay Jen took the initiative to teach the children basic reading and writing. "I am simply a connector and storyteller," says Fr Ben. "[The likes of] Tatay Lito, Nanay Jen, and Alnie are the real heroes."

Watch this video to learn more about the work of Fr Ben Nebres. 

Photos and video are courtesy of CEAP.