What happens when schools disappear?
For most of us, the answer is obvious.
Classes stop, children go home and everyone waits for things to return to normal.
But what if normal never comes back?
That is the question behind “Abner,” an advocacy film directed by Neal Tan and produced by Agape Productions.
“Abner” is about a public school teacher who refuses to let a calamity end his students’ education.
Played by Enzo Pineda, Abner searches for his students, rebuilds their class and rekindles their hunger to learn.
For Tan, “Abner” is mainly about passion and perseverance.
“Abner is not just a simple story about a teacher,” the director says. “It is a story about a person with unwavering purpose.”
“His power lies in his consistency, his presence, his persistence,” Tan adds.
The film also features actual public school students, many of whom have experienced circumstances similar to those in the story.
What happens to these children later in life is also part of the story.
And that makes “Abner” even more timely.
The Philippine education system is facing a serious crisis.
According to EDCOM II, nearly half of Filipino learners were reading below grade level by Grade 3 in the 2024–2025 school year, meaning many children advance from one grade to another without mastering the skills they are expected to learn.
There aren't enough teachers, either.
And those already in the classroom are often burdened with administrative work and other responsibilities that take them away from teaching.
Tan describes “Abner” as a tribute to “every unsung educator who chooses to stay, to serve, and to fight for their students even when the system fails them.”
"Abner" will have a special screening on Aug 29, 10 AM at SM Masinag as presented by Rhotech Pest Mgmnt, King Co. Ltd., The Givera's Realty, Givera's Beauty Salon, WNY Beauty Products, Louie Osmena, Ritz Cabauatan, Sue Tran, MV Solar Panel Installation Svcs and GD Truck Car Financing.