Last April 21, Janard Morfe, a 12-year-old boy battling leukemia, travelled from his hometown in Casiguran, Aurora, to visit the Cleanergy Center at the Admin Compound of AboitizPower geothermal unit AP Renewables, Inc. (APRI) in Brgy. Bitin, Bay, Laguna.

It was a day that his wish to be an engineer came true!

The visit, co-organized by Make-A-Wish Foundation Philippines, allowed Janard to explore the Cleanergy Center, an educational facility within the APRI premises that provides free tours to educate the public about clean and renewable energy.

The initially shy Janard became more comfortable as the tour progressed, especially when he met APRI’s enthusiastic team members and resident engineers.

Janard revealed, “Habang tumatagal nag-enjoy na po ako sa mga (bagong) Ate at Kuya ko. Nag-enjoy ako makita yung mga bagay sa AboitizPower at ma-experience yun. Hindi ko po makakalimutan yun.”

His mom Marilou added, “Salamat sa pag-welcome sa amin. Ang sarap ng pakiramdam! Yun ang una naming punta pero pamilya agad ang turing sa amin. God bless you all!”

Noemi Sebastian, VP for Corporate Services of APRI, shared that her encounter with Janard, although via a video conference, was an incredible experience. “I’m happy that APRI became a part of his journey. Our employees are honored to join a remarkable activity like this,” Sebastian quipped.

Engr. Warren Maralit, VP for Facility of APRI MakBan Geothermal Power Plant, who gave Janard his personal hard hat as a remembrance of the trip, explained how Janard touched him and his team.

“For us in APRI, Janard is a reminder to always be better in our work. He inspired us to consistently excel, in the same way we tried to inspire him to continue dreaming despite all hardships,” Maralit said.

Janard is a beneficiary of Make-A-Wish Foundation Philippines, the only non-profit organization in the country that grants the wishes of children battling life-threatening medical conditions to enrich the human experience with hope, strength, and joy.