In a quiet hospital ward, where beds outnumber toys and treatment schedules replace school timetables, a group of teenagers—led by their teacher—walked in carrying small gift packs and uncertain smiles, unaware that they were stepping into something far greater than a one-day outreach.

For teacher Kristine Crisseda Mangareng of Longos National High School in Malabon City, that moment eight years ago marked the beginning of a life mission—one born from grief, transformed by compassion, and sustained by community.

On May 2, 2018—what would have been her late mother’s birthday—Teacher KC, as her students fondly call her, invited her Grade 9 class to join her in a simple gift-giving activity at the National Children’s Hospital.

Her mother had passed away the year before from Stage 4 stomach cancer. The young educator was still navigating the weight of grief and depression.

“Akala ko noon one-time event lang ‘yun (I used to think it was just a one-time event),” she recalled. “May isang batang nagtanong sa akin, sabi niya, ‘Ma’am, kailan po tayo babalik?’ (But then a child asked me, ‘Ma’am, when will we come back?’) — and that question changed my life,” she added.

Mangareng said the question lingered long after the visit ended. Instead of answering with a date, she responded with a commitment.

What began as a small act of remembrance grew into Project Ulayaw: Above and Beyond, now a recognized non-government organization providing emotional support, educational access, and hope to children facing serious illnesses and difficult circumstances.

At first, the focus was clear: pediatric cancer patients confined to hospital wards. Volunteers brought hygiene kits, school supplies, and toys to distribute.

But Mangareng soon realized that what mattered most was not what they carried in their bags—but what they carried in their hearts.

“Healing is not only medical,” she said. “It is emotional. It is human.”

The group returned not just once, but repeatedly—reading stories, listening to fears, celebrating small victories, and reminding young patients that they were seen beyond their diagnosis.

As the needs of children and families became more apparent, Project Ulayaw expanded into four core programs.

In 2020, the group launched Brave Art, an initiative helping young cancer patients sell their paintings to fund chemotherapy expenses—transforming hospital downtime into creative empowerment.

By 2023, Project Ulayaw formally introduced HospiEscuela, in partnership with Warriors for Warriors: Your Blood, Their Lives. While the partner group mobilizes blood donation drives, HospiEscuela ensures hospitalized children continue learning despite their medical battles—bridging the gap between treatment and textbooks.

Another program, SandigEscuela, extends educational support to children in institutional care. The organization also partners with parents in Malabon raising children with cerebral palsy and rare conditions, offering both academic assistance and emotional solidarity.

Mangareng said what began as a classroom initiative has evolved into a network of students, volunteers, donors, and advocates united by a simple principle: go above and beyond.

Recently, Mangareng was recognized by DepEd for her tireless service and the measurable impact of Project Ulayaw on children and communities.

In a statement issued Friday, February 27, the agency said Mangareng was among the awardees of its DepEd Heroes Program, which celebrates educators whose service transforms lives.

DepEd Secretary Sonny Angara commended her dedication, noting how such work restores faith in public service.

“I’m not surprised that your students and your members succeed, because when you see people less fortunate than yourselves, you really appreciate life more and you give more,” Angara told Mangareng. “You realize that many are not as fortunate or have not been given the same opportunities,” he added.

For Angara, programs like Project Ulayaw remind the education sector why it exists—not just to produce graduates, but to form compassionate citizens.

“The Department is blessed to have you. Talagang tuwing may programa kaming ganito, nawawala yung pagod namin at sulit ang lahat ng sakripisyo namin dahil alam namin may katulad ninyo sa field (Truly, every time we have programs like this, our fatigue disappears and all our sacrifices are worth it because we know there are people like you in the field),” he added.

Despite the recognition, Mangareng insists the honor does not belong to her alone.

For her, it belongs to the students who give up weekends to visit hospital wards, to the volunteers who pack hygiene kits late at night, to the donors who believe that small contributions can fuel big change.

And perhaps most of all, it belongs to the child who once asked a simple question—because of that, they never really left.