George Bush Sr.’s scholar still amazed by ex-US president’s kindness

Barangay secretary Timothy Villalba Jr. until now still couldn't believe that the late George Bush Sr. put him through school from when he was seven until he graduated from high school.

According to Mariz Umali's report on "24 Oras", the 25-year-old only found out after graduating high school that his sponsor was a former president of the United States.

"Hanggang ngayon shocked pa rin po kasi ako. Gulat pa rin po ako hanggang ngayon na presidente pala yung sponsor ko. Masyado pong mataas kasi presidente ng Amerika po eh," Villalba said.

He is now the secretary at a barangay hall in Project 4, Quezon City,

Villalba said he finished his education with the help of a sponsor, whom he only knew as George Walker—Bush's middle name.

He was seven years old when he was given financial aid through non-profit organization Compassion International.

Villalba said Bush used to write him letters.

He had also gifted the boy a gadget and a large set of art materials.

"Lagi siyang nagpapadala. Lagi niya kong naaalala. Ako naman sumasagot din naman ako kaagad... Nakakapunta siya ng White House. Ano kaya siya dun? Pa'no siya nakakapasok?" Villalba said of Bush's letters.

He added that it was clear through his letters the kind of person Bush was.

"Sa dami dami ng bata sa mundo na pwede niyang tulungan, ako po. Sobrang nakakatouch po na sabihin unang letter niya may 'I love you' na," Villalba said.

Now, Timothy wants to pay it forward and help other youths in need.

"Gusto ko talaga na tumulong sa mga kagaya ko noon na nangangailangan lalo na sa pagaaral," he said.

Timothy also expressed hopes that he would be able to personally thank the Bush family for the late president's generosity. —Jessica Bartolome/NB, GMA News