Our Story

Michael, Angat Initiative's founder, hails from a small farming community in the Philippines. Growing up, he witnessed firsthand the daily struggles and limited opportunities faced by his neighbors and friends. 

For many in Michael's town, the path to success was narrow. In this modest community, children's aspirations were often shaped by the professions they saw around them: nurses, teachers, priests; sometimes doctors and engineers. These were the dreams they clung to, the roles they envisioned for themselves, because these were the only professions they knew existed. Michael was no different; his dreams were initially confined to these familiar paths.

However, Michael's parents believed deeply in the transformative power of education. They instilled in him a relentless pursuit of knowledge and did everything they could to send him to the best schools they could afford. Their sacrifices and encouragement paid off when Michael graduated as the valedictorian of his local elementary school. This achievement opened the door to Regional Science High School (RSHS), a specialized public high school nearly two hours away from his home.

Michael embraced the long commute, knowing the significant opportunities that awaited him at RSHS. His dedication and hard work culminated in his graduation as the salutatorian of his high school. His academic journey did not stop there. With the support of generous scholarships and the guidance of mentors, Michael's educational path led him to Ateneo de Manila University for a bachelor's degree in Management Engineering, Fordham University for a master's in International Political Economy, and the University of Virginia for an MBA.

These opportunities, which transformed his life, were made possible by the support and belief of many along the way. 

Michael acknowledges that there are thousands of talented children in the Philippines with backgrounds similar to his own, yet financial constraints often hinder their potential. Inspired by his own journey, Michael founded Angat Initiative to give back to his community and to help other deserving students achieve their dreams. Angat Initiative is committed to providing scholarships and mentorship to underprivileged Filipino children, ensuring they have the resources and support needed to succeed.

Michael's story is a powerful reminder to what can be achieved with the right support and education. Through Angat Initiative, we aim to replicate this success on a larger scale, giving more children the chance to rise, excel, and fulfill their dreams. Join us in our mission to empower the next generation of Filipino leaders and change-makers. Together, we can create a future where every child has the opportunity to reach their full potential.

Michael’s educational journey, bridging rural Philippines and the halls of renowned universities, instills hope and exemplifies the boundless opportunities education can unlock. As the founder of Angat Initiative, he is not just sharing his narrative; he is actively paving the way for young Filipinos to write their own stories of success. Michael’s vision through Angat Initiative is clear: to offer a ladder out of poverty and into the world of possibilities through education and mentorship. 

Meera's dedication to uplifting the lives of young Filipinos through education is a reflection of her shared roots and aspirations with Michael, Angat Initiative’s founder. Also hailing from the province of Bataan in the Philippines, her path has been one of close parallels with Michael's, having been both high school and university classmates.

With an innate understanding of the challenges faced by students in her community, Meera brings invaluable local insight to Angat Initiative. As the co-founder, she is the linchpin of the organization's operations on the ground in the Philippines. Her days are spent in the heart of the action — from engaging in dialogues with school administrators to orchestrating impactful meetings with students.

Meera’s role is pivotal in ensuring that the vision of Angat Initiative translates into tangible experiences and opportunities for the children they serve. Her passion, coupled with her operational acumen, helps fuel the mission of Angat Initiative: to empower, educate, and elevate.