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Cristina Bugayong, the Grade 6 student who returned lost cash and checks worth P300,000, is now the official poster girl for honesty and integrity of the Department of Education.

Acting Secretary Fe Hidalgo told The Manila Times that they have decided to enlist Bugayong as DepEd’s national model for honesty and integrity so that all students can emulate her.

Hidalgo said she will issue a memorandum to all regional DepEd offices informing them of Bugayong’s new role.

She led officials in the recognition ceremony for Bugayong during the flag ceremony at Tomas Morato Elementary School in Quezon City Monday morning.

Bugayong also received a plaque of appreciation, five sacks of rice, five boxes of noodles and medical and dental health program for her family. She also got her new dentures.

Hidalgo said they are pooling seed money for Bugayong’s bank account.

Bugayong became a national sensation when she returned the cash and checks, which were dropped by messenger Lito Mora on T. Gener Street in Kamuning. Mora said the money belonged to Techpoint Computer Corp.

Bugayong has been receiving all kinds of help. Techpoint gave her a computer set while STI College awarded her a two-year college scholarship.

The Quezon City government offered her educational aid while Quezon City Councilor Ariel Inton gave her P5,000.

Cristina was also personally received by President Arroyo in Malacañan, who gave Bugayong’s father, Cesar, a former seaman, a job.

"I’m very proud of you," the President told Christina.

Source: Jonathan Hicap. "Honest student is poster girl." ABS-CBN News. 1-18-2006. 1-18-2006. http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/storypage.aspx?StoryId=27439.