A Classroom for Every Dream: join and share inspiring stories on TikTok

The Federation of Filipino-Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry, Inc. (FFCCCII)  is calling on the public, especially the youth, to share stories of hope, inspiration, and transformation through its second TikTok video competition, “A Classroom for Every Dream: How FFCCCII Barrio Schools Have Improved Lives.”

The first competition, held in 2025, celebrated the diplomatic ties between the Philippines and China and encouraged participants to highlight how education can open doors to opportunity.

The initiative was launched yesterday, March 9, during a media launch hosted by FFCCCII board members which include President Victor Lim, Vice President Reynold Sy, Youth Integrated Committee Chairman Peter Mangasing, Co-Chair Jayson Sze, Vice Chair Ian Cheng, and Public Information Committee Chairmen Eddie Cobankiat and Wilson Flores.

Lim, on welcoming members of media and guests, said,  “It's my great pleasure to welcome you to the launching of our TikTok video competition, A Classroom For Every Dream. The operation of Barrio School is a project of the Federation of Filipino-Chinese Chamber. It's already the 65th anniversary since 1961. So, this year we are commemorating the 65th anniversary for launching this TikTok about the Barrio School.”

Sy, the youngest vice president in the federation's history, shared, “This project is close to our hearts. This is what the Filipino-Chinese chambers of all over the Philippines do to help our fellow Filipino brothers and sisters. Because ang sabi nga nila dati, we are here, we are born here, we make a business here, we live and die here."

He emphasized the organization’s deep commitment to helping fellow Filipinos through education. “Sabi nga nila di ba, 6,100-6,200 doon sa 2024. Ngayon, we already reached 6,500. Hopefully, tuloy-tuloy pa rin with the help of all the federation. Hopefully, we can do our little part to help our Philippine economy and our brothers and sisters.”

He explained that the project reflects the shared responsibility of Filipino-Chinese business communities across the country to contribute to national development and uplift marginalized communities.

Mangasing explained, “This TikTok Video Competition part two aims to share inspiring stories from FFCCCII Barrio schools. It also highlights how education can transform lives and communities.  Likewise, encourage digital storytelling among youth and the public and also raise awareness of the impact of Barrios schools initiative.

"Through authentic stories, the competition celebrates the transformative power of education. So diyan nakikita kapag mayroon eskwelahan sa mga barrio, parang nagkakaroon ng pag-asa, nagkaroon ng hope at iyong kanilang mga pinapangarap ay nangyayari.”

Cheng outlined the submission process saying,  “Doon sa poster, you just need to scan the qr code. And then pag-scan nyo, nandoon iyong mechanics and then nandoon na rin iyong registration form. You will just choose if Category A or Category B kayo.”

Cheng reminded, “Bawal siya i-post ng public. Ang public posting lang natin is from May 5 to May 15 only para maging fair to everyone.”

Cobankiat shared a real-life anecdote on how education can transform lives. He spoke about the late Filipino-American tech entrepreneur, engineer and Silicon Valley capitalist Diosdado “Dado” Banatao.

“His parents were a farmer and a housewife in a small town in Cagayan Valley. He walked barefoot to school to study and then he become one [of] the most successful tech entrepreneur in Silicon Valley. In fact, he invented this graphic accelerator chips that’s in all our cellphones today.”

“Without him, there will be no Windows sa Microsoft. All the tech will not be as fast as progress without his technology,” he added. 

Cobankiat said Banatao’s story demonstrates how determination and access to education can lead to remarkable achievements.

Details about the FFCCCII TikTok video competition

The competition is divided into categories A and B.

Category A – “My FFCCCII Barrio School Journey” focuses on personal experiences or stories from students, alumni, and school staff connected with the FFCCCII Barrio Schools. 

Category B – “The FFCCCII Barrio Schools Story” is open to the general public, including professionals, vloggers, and storytellers who wish to showcase the broader social impact of the initiative even if they are not directly connected to the schools.

Participants must be 13 years old and above. During that period, participants must include the designated hashtags: #FFCCCIIBarrioSchools and #MyFFCCCIIBarrioSchoolJourney for Category A, and #FFCCCIIBarrioSchools and #TheFFCCCIIBarrioSchoolStory for Category B.

Entries should highlight the impact of FFCCCII Barrio School initiative such as, how the FFCCCII Barrio school changed someone's life or created opportunities. How does school contribute to personal, values, information, future, aspiration or national progress. How the initiative positively affected the person, a family or a community. And, the long-term educational or social impact of the program.

The duration is 1 to 2 minutes only. The format should be vertical video suitable for TikTok. File format must be in MP4. For  language, any language is allowed but English subtitles are required. All entries must be original content for this competition.

The criteria for judging the participants will be based on relevance to the theme (35%), creativity and originality (25%), message or story (25%), and technical quality (15%).

The competition offers a total prize of more than ₱850,000. Each category will award ₱120,000 for the grand prize, ₱80,000 for second prize, and ₱50,000 for third prize, while 20 notable entries will receive ₱30,000 each.

The deadline for submission is on May 15, with the announcement of winners scheduled on June 8. The awarding ceremony is on June 20.