It Started with a Message
In early December, Airo Loking, Operations Lead at Window Treatment Marketing Pros (WTMP), shared a quiet note in the team chat. He mentioned Project Damlag, a local initiative in Mindanao that helps cover school supplies and fees for high school students in rural North Cotabato. For PHP 1,500 (around $28 USD), one student’s academic year could be supported.
There was no campaign or push—just a simple, heartfelt message: “If anyone wants to join in, I’m organizing a small round of donations.”
WTMP team members began to respond.
“I’m in.”
“Count me in.”
“Let’s help out.”
No goals were set, but by week’s end, the team had raised enough to sponsor 23 students.
Then came an unexpected reply—from WTMP CEO William Hanke. Quietly and without announcement, he pledged to match the team’s total, doubling their impact.
“It was a small way to support something that clearly mattered to our team,” Hanke later said.
With that contribution, the number of students supported jumped to 46—making it the largest donation Project Damlag has received in its 13-year history.
The Largest Contribution in Project Damlag’s History
The impact of the donation surprised even the organizers at Project Damlag.
Established in 2012 by the University of the Philippines Omega Alpha Alumni Association, the initiative has been quietly helping students stay in school through small, community-driven sponsorships. The WTMP drive—entirely informal, unplanned, and powered by individual generosity—ended up being the largest single contribution in the organization’s 13-year history.
What started as a small moment among colleagues became something that would ripple through dozens of lives.
“In the Philippines, education can change a family’s entire trajectory,” Airo said. “For many students here, even a modest sponsorship means they don’t have to drop out.”
A Meaningful Visit to Napalico High School
On the day of the handover, Airo Loking and a few WTMP team members based in the Philippines made the trip to Napalico High School in North Cotabato. The school is in a quiet rural area, and the visit was a chance to meet the students face to face.
The team was welcomed by students and faculty, who had prepared a short program for the occasion. Rather than simply distributing the school kits and leaving, the group stayed to spend time with the students. They organized a few simple games, which quickly helped ease the initial shyness. Soon enough, there was laughter, movement, and an easy sense of camaraderie between the team and the kids.
The goal wasn’t to host anything formal—just to create a light, friendly space. Conversations started over shared jokes, and students opened up about their favorite subjects and what they looked forward to this school year.
After the short activities, the team handed out school kits filled with essentials: notebooks, paper, pens, pencils, and more. The students received them with quiet appreciation. For many, it was their first time being part of an event like this.
It wasn’t a big event by typical standards, but it left an impression. A small gathering made meaningful by the shared effort behind it—and the genuine connections made throughout the day.
Support a Student, Learn More About WTMP
If you’re interested in helping support Project Damlag, you can message them through their Facebook Page. Sponsoring even one student can help them stay in school and focus on what matters most—learning.
To learn more about Window Treatment Marketing Pros or to schedule a discovery call, contact us today!
