Sometimes, it only takes one person—or one defining moment—to change the course of someone’s life.
This was the story of retired Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) spokesperson Rear Admiral Armand Balilo, who shared his inspiring journey from poverty to achieving his dreams on Joyce Pring’s podcast, Adulting with Joyce Pring. The episode, titled “You’ll Stay Poor Until You Think Like This,” is available on YouTube and Spotify.
A former World Vision sponsored child, Balilo recounted the hardships he faced growing up in an environment surrounded by drug peddlers, gamblers, and idlers. Through World Vision, a humanitarian organization that supports vulnerable children and communities, he gained opportunities that helped shape his future. At a young age, he learned the value of hard work, taking on various jobs such as selling rice cakes and scrap materials, working as a jeepney conductor, and engaging in barter trade.
“Naexperience ko yung environment na hindi conducive sa isang batang lumalaki, because you see all the bad things,” he shared.
While it would have been easy to be influenced by his surroundings, Balilo remained determined not to follow the same path. “Kahit nakita ko yun, nagtatanong na ako kung bakit ganun at maagang namulat sa akin na ayoko maging ganun.”
Even as he constantly asked himself, “Ganito na lang ba?” he also wondered how he could rise above his circumstances. As if by God’s providence, he encountered social workers from World Vision who introduced him to enriching activities such as fellowships and tutorial sessions, where he was also provided with learning materials.
“I came from a family na hindi rin naman nakatapos kasama na nanay at tatay ko. I took the opportunity kasi may mga libro, may tutorial. Natututo ka, may pagkain pa so I might as well commit to the activity.”
Eventually, Balilo became one of World Vision’s sponsored children where his education was financed until college. Through the program, he received regular stipends and essential support for both himself and his family. More importantly, he said the social workers helped shape the direction of his life.
“They taught me values during conversations and tutorials. They injected character building.”
Today, Balilo hopes the younger generation can develop the same resilience and determination that helped him overcome poverty.
“Malaking influence ang social media sa mga bata ngayon. But I’m blessed to have mentors who guided me to build a more positive mindset, and not focus on the narrative of poverty.”
He also underscored the importance of positive role models who can inspire children living in vulnerable circumstances to strive for a better future.
“I hope these children can encounter even just one person or a circumstance that can help transform their current environment into something better.”
Alongside strong role models, Balilo stressed the importance of organizations like World Vision in creating opportunities for lasting change.
“The intervention that they made, hindi lang sa akin, pati dun sa ibang mga sponsored children, can testify how their lives were translated into something like success; may values, na alter yung kanilang future because of World Vision.”
For Rear Admiral Armand Balilo, his story is proof that meaningful interventions, guidance, and perseverance can transform lives. From a boy who grew up in poverty to a high-ranking military officer, family man, and retiree, his journey shows that sometimes, all it takes is one person—or one opportunity—to change a child’s future for the better.
You too can be a vessel in changing a child’s life by sponsoring a child through World Vision. For Php 1,000, you can equip a child with the tools and support needed to help them fulfill their dreams and reach their full potential. With your donation, you are providing more than a school kit, you are giving them hope. Donate now by visiting https://www.worldvision.org.ph/back-to-school/.