In December 2021, Super Typhoon Odette (international name Rai) struck the Philippine Islands. Palawan was among the areas hit hardest by the typhoon. The trail of devastation left was so extensive that, until today, residents still feel its effects.
Despite Palawan’s reputation as a popular tourist attraction, the progress in rebuilding typhoon-damaged areas, including schools, remains a challenge. Tucked behind the postcard-worthy views of white sand beaches and lush tropical forests are children studying in dire conditions. Some are fortunate enough to have a shared classroom space in their school’s covered court while others continue to study under the sweltering heat of the sun.
True to its mission of improving access to education in remote and disadvantaged areas, the Yellow Boat of Hope Foundation has, slowly but surely, helped the community in Palawan regain a sense of dignity and hope. The Foundation has completed classroom repairs and built starter classrooms to ease congestion and enhance the students’ overall learning experience.
Of course, none of this would be possible without the generosity of our partners and the dedication of our volunteers—our Hope Paddlers. In Roxas, located on the eastern coast of Palawan facing the Sulu Sea, Mr. Francis “Franz” R. Llavan is leading the charge.
Sir Franz, 37, is a resident of San Miguel, Roxas, Palawan. He is the Head Teacher of New Cuyo Elementary School and our hardworking Community Facilitator. His journey with YBH only began in April 2023, however, the impact he has made in such a short time is remarkable. His personal story is equally moving and powerful.
At an early age, Sir Franz knew that he wanted to be an educator. His mother, now 62, was a teacher. She was the one who inspired him to pursue education. She raised him and his three brothers alone because his father died when he was only four years old.
As a single-income home, they struggled financially. Sir Franz’s biggest hurdle was getting through college. Fortunately, he became a scholar of World Vision through their Sponsor a Child Program. Through this scholarship, his strong resolve and faith, he was able to finish his studies and become a teacher like his mother.
Drawing from his personal experience as a scholar of World Vision, he hopes to help the children in his community by forging partnerships with organizations like YBH to bring the assistance they need.
Aside from being an educator, Sir Franz is also a man of faith. He is a member of the Lector and Commentator Ministry and is a Marriage Encounter Coordinator in the Family and Life Ministry together with his wife. In the aftermath of Super Typhoon Odette, he was appointed Chairman of the Education Ministry by Fr. Roderick “Dick” Yap Caabay, Parish Priest of San Lorenzo Ruiz and our Lead Implementer in Palawan.
As chairman, he was able to engage with the different schools in Roxas South District and relay their concerns to YBH and stakeholders willing to give a hand. His leadership set in motion the gradual restoration of structures ravaged by the typhoon nearly four years ago now. Magara Elementary School and Caramay Elementary School were among the first schools to have their classroom repairs completed.
On January 25, 2024, Sir Franz was assigned School Head of New Cuyo Elementary School. He immediately saw a great need for classrooms as none of the school’s six standard classrooms survived the typhoon and all grade levels were being cramped at the school’s gymnasium. Today, the school has two Yellow School of Hope: Starter Classrooms. These starter classrooms were built through the collective efforts of the teachers, parents, and volunteers.
“Masaya dahil maganda na yung bagong classroom nila. Hindi na sila makakaamoy ng mabahong dumi ng hayop tapos hindi na mainit sa loob ng classroom,” Maisa Dagaraga, one of the parents, said happily when asked how the starter classrooms have improved the children’s learning experience.
“We’re happy because they now have a beautiful classroom. They won’t smell animal waste anymore and it’s not as hot inside the classroom.”
Through the Bayanihan spirit of the community and Sir Franz’s initiatives to maintain cleanliness and orderliness in the campus, New Cuyo Elementary School was awarded 2nd Place at the District Level School Beautification Contest—a testament to his hard work and excellent stewardship.
Sir Franz’s efforts have not gone unnoticed. On November 29, 2024, he received the Outstanding School Head Award as well as a Supervisor Award during the Gawad Parangal organized by Roxas South District. He shares the credit for all his accomplishments with his supportive wife, Mrs. Armalin D. Llavan, who has been with him every step of the way, encouraging him and giving advice where needed. She and their three daughters are his main source of inspiration.
Looking ahead, Sir Franz aspires to transform New Cuyo Elementary School into an integrated school. With the support of stakeholders, teachers, and parents, they have started to secure the requirements needed to establish the school of their dreams.
