The role of the police goes beyond protecting society, as the Eastern Police District empowers and gives hope to students pursuing their dreams through its “Adopt-A-Student” program, helping turn a student’s dream of becoming a teacher into reality.

Maricar T. Vilbar, 23, is a living testament to how determination, guidance, and support from people who believed in them can transform dreams into reality.

Vilbar stands as the first graduate among the program’s recipients, having become a beneficiary in 2019 when she was in Grade 11.

The EPD said this milestone proves that the program has served its purpose well, marking a historic achievement for the initiative.

Vilbar graduated from senior high school in 2020 at Nagpayong High School, Pasig City and pursued higher education by enrolling in a Bachelor of Science in Education program in 2021.

Throughout her studies, she consistently excelled and was recognized as a school achiever, overcoming various challenges along the way.

In June 2025, her years of hard work and dedication paid off as she completed her college education and became the first EPD Adopt-A-Student beneficiary to earn a college degree.

Through the initiative and dedicated efforts of the personnel of the District Community Affairs and Development Division, the program supported Vilbar's education through financial assistance, provision of school supplies, and continuous moral support.

With encouragement, values formation, and guidance from EPD, as well as the mentorship and support of Ms. Jolibeth R. Ema, the program's coordinator from Nagpayong High School, Pasig City, who believed in her potential, she was inspired to persevere and dream beyond her circumstances.

On Dec. 18, 2025, her perseverance paid off when she passed the Licensure Examination for Teachers (LET), officially fulfilling her dream of becoming a professional teacher.

“This milestone represents not only her personal triumph but also the success and long-term impact of the EPD Adopt-A-Student Program,” EPD said.

Today, EPD said that Vilbar stands as a beacon of hope and inspiration to the youth, proving that with strong support systems, mentorship, and unwavering determination, dreams can be realized.

“Her journey reflects the very mission of EPD to uplift lives through education, service, and community partnership,” it added.

In her message, Vilbar expressed gratitude to EPD, saying it became her inspiration to persevere in her studies and served as a guiding and supportive instrument throughout her educational journey.

“Salamat sa suporta at mga words of wisdom na aking nadala sa aking journey at kung nasaan man ako ngayon (I am grateful for the support and words of wisdom that guided me throughout my journey and helped me reach where I am today),” she said.

She also encouraged the youth to continue pursuing their dreams and, like EPD, to be an instrument in helping others achieve success.

“Para sa mga kabataan, magpatuloy sa pangarap. Walang madaling pagsubok, pero iba ang pakiramdam na maisakatuparan ang pangarap kahit mahirap. Maging instrumento at biyaya sa iba, iyan ay makakamit sa pagsusumikap, paglilingkod, at pagbabalik sa mga taong naging bahagi ng tagumpay (To the youth, continue pursuing your dreams. Challenges are never easy, but there is a special feeling in achieving your dreams despite the difficulties. Be an instrument and a blessing to others—this can be achieved through hard work, service, and giving back to those who have been part of your success),” she said.

Another beneficiary, John Remer B. Losande, a Grade 12 student at Nagpayong High School, has shown that with hard work and the support of the program, he is gradually working toward his dreams of finishing high school, eventually attending college, and completing his education.

Losande became a beneficiary while he was in Grade 8, during the 2021–2022 school year.

“Ang kanyang sipag, talino, at determinasyon ang nagbigay-daan upang siya ay mapabilang sa mga piling mag-aaral na tinutulungan ng EPD (His diligence, intelligence, and determination paved the way for him to be included among the select students assisted by the EPD),” it said.

He also proved to the EPD that he is deserving of the program, as he is currently the president of the Supreme Secondary Learner Government at Nagpayong High School, the chairperson of the Committee on Education, the parliamentarian of the 1st Pasig Youth Parliamentary; and the winner at the 31st Division Schools Press Conference in Feature Writing.

“Ito ay patunay na ang isang kabataang may pangarap at suporta ay kayang marating ang tagumpay (This proves that a young person with dreams and support can achieve success),” EPD said.

Losande shared that the program did not only help him with his studies but also gave him direction and self-confidence.

"Mula Baitang 8 hanggang 12, sinuong ko ang dagat ng pag-aaral, maalon man o tahimik. At sa bawat hamon, nariyan ang Eastern Police District bilang bantay-laot na gumabay at nagprotekta sa amin. Sa pamamagitan ng Adopt-a-Student Program, hindi lamang nila ako tinulungan sa pag-aaral, kundi binigyan din ako ng direksiyon at tiwala sa sarili (From Grade 8 to Grade 12, I went through my studies whether the days were difficult or easy. In every challenge, the Eastern Police District was there to guide and protect us. Through the Adopt-A-Student Program, they did not only help me in school but also gave me direction and confidence in myself),” he said.

He thanked the EPD for trusting that he could finish his studies and for guiding him along the way.

“Dahil sa kanilang suporta, naging mas matatag ang loob ko at mas malinaw ang pangarap ko. Maraming salamat, EPD, sa paggabay, pagprotekta, at paniniwalang kaya ko. Ang inspirasyon ninyong ibinigay ay baon ko hanggang sa pag-abot ng aking mga pangarap (Because of their support, I became stronger and my dreams became clearer. Thank you, EPD, for guiding me, protecting me, and believing that I can make it. The inspiration you gave me is something I will carry as I work toward reaching my dreams),” he added.

The EPD emphasized that their success serves as a powerful reminder that when opportunities are nurtured with care and commitment, they create pioneers who pave the way for others to follow.

The EPD Adopt-A-Student Program was established to help students in need by providing school supplies, basic necessities, and financial assistance. As of December, the program has 31 beneficiaries.

It also aims to ease the burden on families, encourage youth to continue their education, and strengthen the relationship between the police and the community by demonstrating genuine “serbisyong may puso (service with heart).”

Through this program, the EPD said it aims to be a partner of the youth in achieving their dreams and shaping their future.