Bangkang papel boys

The "Bangkang papel" boys, (Paper boat boys), were a group of three boys who wrote their dreams and wishes on a paper which they folded into paper boats and let float on Pasig River towards Malacañang Palace in 2001 as their symbolic way of bringing to then Philippines President Gloria Arroyo their aspirations. They were Erwin Dolera, Jomer Pabalan, and Jayson Vann Banogon, age ranges 9–8 years-old respectively, and were also among the survivors of the Payatas garbage slide tragedy in July 2000. The paper boats never reached the Palace, but the activity, organized by an urban poor group, caught the attention of Arroyo.

The plight of the boys touched the heart of the newly installed chief executive, President Arroyo, who presented them during her first State of the Nation Address (SONA). Arroyo invited the boys to the presidential palace and gave them scholarships, livelihood and other support services. In 2010, Arroyo has one thing she promises to do, even if her term ends in June, it’s the continuous educational assistance for the boys.

The current administration of President Aquino assures continued aid for the three boys, even though Arroyo had informed the three that their scholarships will be good only until 2010.