This is the story of the COVID MUSTARD SEED PROJECT, an initiative spearheaded by CKS High School Batch 1992 alumnus Fai T. Chua (施輝庭).

It all started last March 15 when Fai heard from a close friend that the Philippine General Hospital (PGH) was running short of Protective Personal Equipment (PPE), which struck him and his wife, Melody, so hard that they decided to do something about it.

Drawing from the bible verse 2 Corinthians 8:7, “But since you excel in everything—in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in complete earnestness , see that you also excel in this grace of giving.”, the couple immediately started encouraging their friends to join the initiative as it became clear to them that the situation is urgent and, more so, the privilege of giving is not exclusive to a few.

At 1:06am of March 16, the first pledge of donation came from a church pastor and that same morning, some of his batchmates from CKS high school batch '92 started pledging their support as well.

The initiative focused on needed items that would most likely go scarce and those that are not produced locally like face masks and other PPEs. By walk of faith and in anticipation of possible surge in prices and logistical difficulties, the couple decided to import 20,000 KN95 masks and 3,000 medical gowns amounting to three million pesos, well ahead of similar endeavors by other groups.

Despite being the face of the initiative, Fai acknowledges everyone who collectively took part and will take part in the COVID Mustard Seed Project initiative, knowing that he and his wife cannot do it alone, including volunteers, colleagues, and his CKS Batch '92 family for their trust and support, Mrs. Rose Handog of PHILRADS, the Philippine National Police and the Bureau of Customs, among many other government and non-government entities and partners.

As of March 31, the project has distributed 98,000 masks and 2,800 protective coats to more than 32 institution-beneficiaries.

Fai is committed to continue the COVID Mustard Seed Project until the battle against the virus pandemic is won, and he encourages more little contributions with the spirit of Bayanihan on a "5 loaves and 2 fish" approach. He also believes that during these times of crisis, businessmen have to be 'Men first before Business'.

Thank you, Fai. Your CKS College family is proud of you!