DepEd lauds honest Muslim boy for returning lost money to cancer survivor teacher
The honesty of a nine-year-old Muslim boy in Davao del Norte was commended by the Department of Education (DepED).

Ashnor Abbas Cadato, a Grade 3 learner of Sto. Niño Central Elementary School, Talaingod District, was cited for his honesty after returning a lost envelope filled with Service Recognition Incentive (SRI) money to its owner, a cancer survivor teacher named Oliva Alimes Pelias of Pandulian Elementary School in Kapalong East District.
As told to Neil Edward Diaz of SDO Davao Del Norte in DepEd Region XI, Ashnor was with her mother Asleah when he found the envelope on the grounds of the North Davao Electric Cooperative (NORDECO) Office in Tagum City, Davao del Norte on Jan. 4.
“Masaya po akong nakita ko ang pera, at alam kong kailangan itong ibalik sa may-ari (I was happy to see the money, and I knew it had to be returned to the owner),” Ashnor was quoted as saying.
With the help of his mother who posted a photo of the envelope with the owner’s name on Facebook, the money was returned to its rightful owner. Asleah said that she was “very proud” of her son's actions.

On her part, Pelias was grateful that the envelope --- which she had been searching for hours --- had been found.
Pelias, who is a cancer survivor, said that the money in the lost envelope was meant to cover some of her medical needs. This is why she was thankful that the money was returned to her.

Meanwhile, Pelias also thanked the parents of the boy for raising him well. “Values integration in the school was instilled in the heart and mind of the Grade 3 boy. Sobrang proud ako sa mag-ina (I am very proud of mother and son),” she added.