At just 28 years old, Karla Bagtas, an English teacher from San Simon High School, is changing lives not only in the classroom but far beyond it.
Karla, a content creator and educator, is known for her heartwarming online content showing the daily sacrifices of teachers.
However, her generosity doesn’t stop with teaching.
Through her “Adopt a Child Advocacy Program” (ACAP), Karla allocates part of her online earnings to support underprivileged students.
She provides them with essential school supplies, bags, and shoes, proving that education is a cause worth fighting for.
“Matagal na akong nagtuturo sa public school. Ako mismo nakikita ko ‘yung nararanasan ng mga estudyante namin—yung mga mahihirap, yung mga may kakulangan… financially, emotionally, and spiritually,” Karla said.
What started with just 70 beneficiaries has now grown into a movement, helping over 1,000 students across the Philippines.
Her mission is rooted in a simple belief: blessings are meant to be shared.
“Sabi ko, mag-iiskolar ako. Sampung bata lang ang kaya ng natirang budget. ‘Yung sampung ‘yun, papalitan ng bag, notebooks pati shoes bago magpasukan. Siguro maraming na-touch… siguro domino effect ‘yun,” she said.
Karla’s advocacy inspires students like Neil David.
“Mas nagiging masipag po… mas gugustuhin na makapag-aral ng mabuti at maabot yung pangarap,” David said.
A RIPPLE EFFECT
By spreading kindness, Karla hopes to ignite a ripple effect, encouraging others to pass on the good they experience.
“Let’s spread kindness. Kasi ‘yung kindness na iyan, domino effect na iyan… yung kabutihan na raramdaman mo kapag pinasa mo iyan sa iba, ipapasa niya sa iba,” Karla said.
For Karla, every act of kindness leaves a lasting impact, empowering others to face life’s challenges head-on.