Anne Curtis’ ‘Dream Machine’ grants Puerto Princesa children’s wish

Actress and advocate Anne Curtis brought her passion project, Dream Machine, to remote communities across Puerto Princesa this year, distributing essential school supplies and protective rain gear to 638 children and families.

Founded nine years ago, the advocacy organization focuses on youth empowerment and community-based assistance.

"We built Dream Machine anchored on the simple belief that no dream is too small and no one should be made to feel ashamed of what they hope for," Curtis said in a statement detailing the outreach efforts.

During the organization’s Balik Eskwela initiative from 3 to 8 June, volunteers visited nine communities across Puerto Princesa to distribute comprehensive academic kits to 300 students. Each package contained ten notebooks alongside pencils, art paper, envelopes, rulers, and basic classroom supplies to prepare students for the academic year.

Dream Machine returned to Palawan to execute a targeted rain gear distribution drive across 11 remote barangays and puroks, including Barangay Mangingisda, Barangay Luzviminda, Barangay Iwahig, Lucbuan, Bahile, and San Jose.

Volunteers handed out rain boots, raincoats, and umbrellas to 338 beneficiaries to assist children navigating unpaved and flooded footpaths during the monsoon season.

The dual initiatives were conducted in partnership with the Academy for Excellence in Leadership Transformation.

"A notebook, a pair of boots—these aren't just supplies," Curtis said. "They're a way of telling a child their dreams matter and that someone is willing to help them get a little closer to their dreams."