INSPIRING SERVICE TO COMMUNITY | John Paul Tuanqui Abenojar from Polangui

John Paul (JP) Tuanqui Abenojar is the Social Services Manager for Arleigh Burke Pavilion and Community Building at Vinson Hall Retirement Community in McLean, Virginia. Vinson Hall is a retirement community supported by the Navy Marine Coast Guard Residence Foundation. It is open to retired officers and their families who served in all branches of the US military and federal government leaders and their families.

John Paul T. Abenojar at the 10th Founding Anniversary of Napo Difference Initiative (NDI) in Polangui, Albay

JP earned his master’s degree in social work at the University of Michigan in 2005, specializing in human services management. He then moved to Arlington, Virginia after graduation and began working as a social worker in long-term care facilities for seniors. In 2017, he received his Doctorate degree in Health Services from Walden University of Minnesota. In his thesis, he focused on the leadership styles of Social Work Directors and their influence, as well as the quality of patient care, clinical decision-making, and information-gathering. In 2018, he was honored by the University of Michigan School of Social Work as one of the 2018 Distinguished Alumni.

Humble Beginnings

The son of Johnar and Cecilia Tuanqui Abenojar, JP is proud of his humble beginnings in Barangay Napo, Polangui, Albay. His journey in pursuit of higher education in healthcare in the US did not come easy. There were many bumps on the road. For instance, his doctorate thesis was rejected several times, but he never gave up. He said in a 2015 Facebook post, some of his friends and family members did not believe in him, belittled him, and even made fun of his English. Nevertheless, he forgave his detractors and thanked everyone who encouraged and supported him. He said the challenges made him realize he was the driver of his own destiny. From his struggles, he came out to be a stronger person.

To those who suffer and struggle in life, JP has this to say:

“No matter what life events you face, do not give up. Always believe that there is a light at the end of the tunnel. I am not rich or cute. I do not have any special talents. But what I do have is faith in God, perseverance, hard work, determination, and grit.”
– JP Abenojar

Lito Estevez Tuanqui, foremost family heritage advocate in Albay and his mother’s cousin, says this of his nephew, “His accomplishments abroad are numerous, but he has never forgotten to help and support his birthplace, Barangay Napo, the poor children and their education and financial needs. He dreams that someday he will return to Polangui and serve as a public servant.”

JP with the dedicated mentors of his NDI Kuya at Ate Peer Mentoring Program

The Napo Difference Initiative

In 2013, JP founded the Napo Difference Initiative (NDI) to assist underprivileged school children in his hometown community in Polangui. Its two signature programs are the Ate at Kuya Peer Mentoring Program and the Quarterly Lecture Series Inspiring Young Minds. The mentoring program aims to promote positive youth development and leadership by pairing young students with mentors, encouraging community service, and fostering a sense of responsibility for others. The second program, Quarterly Lecture Series Inspiring Young Minds, is designed to inspire young people to pursue their dreams. Through quarterly lectures and talks by successful individuals from various fields, students are given the opportunity to learn from the experiences of others and gain valuable insights to guide them in their own future endeavors. NDI provides students with access to educational resources and opportunities.

Community Services and Projects

In 2023, NDI’s community services and projects included Bigas sa Magandang Bukas, with Sta. Cruz (Polangui) and Sampongan (Libon) as beneficiaries. Its feeding programs were in partnership with Philippine Nurses Association of Metropolitan Washington D.C. (PNAMDC) under the leadership of past president Carol Manilay-Robles, BSN, RN. The beneficiary elementary schools were Jose Duran, Balinad, Polangui North, Itaran, Lidong, La Medalla, Dalogo, Maynaga, Balaba, Pintor, Sta. Cruz, Kinale, and Napo. Summer Tutorial was held in Brigada sa Pagbasa Home Learning Spaces, Barrio Napo.

JP at a community outreach where books and supplies were distributed

Selected grandparents were given gifts during the Lolo at Lola Valentines Date Ko event. In the Salute to Excellence, simple gifts and recognition were handed out to Class 2023 college graduates from Barrio Napo as well as Class 2023 elementary school graduates from Napo and Balaba.

Community outreach projects were held in Bautista Elementary School (Jovellar), Legazpi National High School, and Tumpa Elementary School (Camalig). Reading books were distributed to the Polangui Public Library and elementary schools in Balinad, Napo, Ponso North, Ponso South, Mendez, Alnay, and Magurang.

Awards and Recognition

In 2018, JP was one of the recipients of the University of Michigan School of Social Work Distinguished Alumni Award, the first Filipino to have received such an award. Last year in 2023, in recognition of his achievements in community service, JP was honored with these awards: Social Work Leadership in Clinical Practice Award in honor of Ida Cannon, given by the Society for Social Work Leadership in Healthcare (first Filipino to receive the award since 1971); Gawad Pilipino Dangal ng Bayan as Outstanding Socio Civic Leader; Asia’s Humanitarian Hero Award; Philippine Nurses Association of Metropolitan Washington D.C. (PNAMDC) Community Partner Award; Philippines Distinct Men and Women of Excellence; International Golden Globe Achievers Award; and Vietnam International Achievers Award.

Gallery

Shown below are selected pictures of feeding project beneficiaries in Balinad, Cepres, Jose Duran, Itaran, Lidong, Medalla, Napo, Pintor, and Polangui North Elementary Schools: