One of the topnotchers in the October 2014 Bar Examination, Atty. Sandra Magalang gave credit for her success to the former Department of Health Secretary Juan Flavier who initiated the project “Oplan Sagip Mata.” The program touched the lives of tens of thousands of anonymous children and one of them was UP Law graduate Sandra Magalang.
Sandra Magalang & Her Message (Photo Credit: RachFeed.com)
The UP College of Law salutatorian, Sandra Magalang was one of the nameless beneficiaries of Oplan Sagip Mata, twenty years ago. She captured the media attention during the wake of the late senator Juan Flavier when she left a message to Flavier’s family recognizing the former senator.
Topping the 2014 Bar examinations is considered as one of the most inspiring story among the topnotchers of the country’s most difficult examination. Once upon a time, Law graduate Sandra Magalang was a poor, cross-eyed girl who had low hopes but the project “Oplan Sagip Mata” changed her life.
The story of Sandra Magalang caught the attention of various news media organization when she paid tribute to the late senator by leaving a message in the guest book.
Here’s the Complete Message of Sandra Magalang which was posted by James Flavier on Facebook:
I apologize for writing at the back of this guest list, but this is the only way I can think of to convey my gratitude to your family and to Dr. Flavier.
My life was changed by his Oplan Sagip Mata almost 20 years ago, and thanks to this great man I was able to live differently despite being born cross-eyed and poor. Without him, I could not have achieved the honors I have achieved, and his health programs have helped me reach places I never thought I would. I even graduated summa cum laude from this university, and this is all thanks to your great father/grandfather/loved one.
Thank you, and my deepest condolences.
Sincerely,
Sandra Magalang, UP Diliman 2010, 2014
The identity of Sandra Magalang was confirmed by UP Law Professor JJ Disni who confirmed that Magalang is the Salutatorian of UP Law, 2014.