Bangkang papel boys

The "Bangkang papel" boys (Paper boat boys) were a group of three boys who wrote their dreams and wishes on paper which they folded into paper boats and let float on Pasig River towards Malacañan Palace in 2001[1] as their symbolic way of bringing to then Philippines President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo their aspirations.[2] They were Erwin Dolera, Jomer Pabalan, and Jayson Vann Banogon, age ranges 9–8 years-old respectively, and were also among the survivors of the Payatas garbage slide tragedy in July 2000.[3] The paper boats never reached the Palace, but the activity, organized by an urban poor group, caught the attention of Arroyo.[1]

The plight of the boys touched the heart of the newly installed chief executive, President Arroyo, who presented them during her first State of the Nation Address (SONA).[4] Arroyo invited the boys to the presidential palace and gave them scholarships, livelihood, and other support services.[5] In 2010, Arroyo has one thing she promises to do, even if her term ends in June, it is the continuous educational assistance for the boys.[2]

The current administration of President Duterte assures continued aid for the three boys, even though Arroyo had informed the three that their scholarships will be good only until 2010.[6]

On July 7, 2016, Dolera died at San Lazaro Hospital after two weeks of battling pneumonia and complications due to tuberculosis. He was 24 at the time of his death.[7] Dolera was a production assistant of News 5.[8]