The Filipino kid who unknowingly received a sponsorship from former president George H.W. Bush has spoken up about how the latter’s secret act of kindness changed his life.
It can be recalled that a few weeks after the death of Bush, it was revealed that he late secretly sponsored a child in the Philippines named Timothy Villalba for a decade through a nonprofit organization.
Under the pseudonym George Walker, Bush exchanged letters with a Filipino child named Timothy and sent him money for his education, extracurricular activities, and some of his meals.
Bush was able to help Timothy through Compassion International which is a nonprofit organization that uses local churches to help children in poor communities around the world.
Compassion International shared some of the letters that Bush and Timothy sent to each other, and Jim McGrath, a spokesperson for the Office of George H. W. Bush, confirmed their authenticity
A few days after the news made headlines all over the world, ABS-CBN News reported that Timothy is now a 25-year-old secretary working in Barangay Escopa IV, Quezon City. He now has a wife and a 3-year-old child.
Reports have stated that Timothy was only able to find out that his sponsor was the 41st president of the United States when he graduated from the sponsorship program at the age of 17.
He said that he couldn’t believe that his sponsor for ten years was one of the most influential leaders in the world at that time.
“Bata-bata pa ako noon, parang shocked ako, talaga ba? Parang ang hirap paniwalaan kasi [na] presidente ‘yun,” ABS-CBN quoted Timothy as saying.
He also recalled some of thegifts he received from Bush which include a calculator and art set.
“In 10 years natulungan niya ako bilang isang bata. Sinuportahan niya ako sa hilig ko na mag-drawing. Sana may matulungan pa sila, hindi lang ako, although kahit hindi nila sabihin na sila ‘yan,” he said.
Timothy said that he is saddened that he was not able to personally meet Bush who passed away last November 30. He promised to help other children as well, the same way Bush helped him.
