Edgar T. Elago has always believed that dreams don’t end with adversity. Growing up in Agusan del Norte, he crossed rivers and walked over 3 kilometers daily just to attend school. When his father passed away in a construction accident months before his college graduation, Edgar turned grief into purpose—beginning a lifelong mission to uplift underprivileged youth and indigenous communities.

In 2011, he launched Project Scholar, helping financially challenged high school students pursue college degrees. He personally guided them through applications and scholarship opportunities. The program has since supported over 60 scholars, many of whom are now professionals in education and engineering.

In 2018, he established Project ADAMMS (“Adopt a Mamanwa, a Manobo Student”), supporting indigenous students by covering school supplies and other basic needs. So far, the project has helped over 15 Mamanwa and Manobo youth stay in school.

To sustain these initiatives, Mr. Elago founded Cooltura Couture in 2019—a social enterprise that designs and sells indigenous-inspired formalwear, integrating Mamanwa and Manobo elements into Filipiniana gowns and barongs. The enterprise has reached international markets including Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, and the U.S., while preserving local culture and providing jobs and cultural pride in the community.

Beyond philanthropy, Edgar is a Master Teacher I at Jagupit National High School, with a Graduate Diploma in Cultural Education, a Master of Arts in Education, and ongoing PhD studies in Management. His work has been nationally recognized; in 2017, he was named one of the Metrobank Foundation Outstanding Filipinos, an honor awarded to public servants who go beyond the call of duty.

Like Ramon V. del Rosario, Edgar T. Elago is a nation-builder—uplifting lives through education, cultural preservation, and community empowerment. Through quiet persistence and deep compassion, he is creating a more inclusive and hopeful future for the Philippines.