DAVAO CITY — Nine scholars from the Aboitiz group’s scholarship program dubbed as SN Aboitiz Power Group’s (SNAP) Bridging Gaps in Higher Education through Tertiary Scholarships (BRIGHTS) received their diplomas and awards during separate commencement exercises held in the provinces of Ifugao, Isabela, and Benguet. AboitizPower subsidiary SNAP owns and operates several large hydropower plants in Luzon.
Seventeen (17) BRIGHTS scholars graduated in different degrees of which nine receiving Latin honors — one magna cum laude and eight cum laude — for school year 2021-2022.
“Considering the academic performance expected from scholars and the stress that the pandemic has placed on students worldwide, our first batch of graduates accomplished something very admirable, especially those with academic honors. We are proud of all of our graduates,” said SNAP President and Chief Executive Officer Joseph Yu.
Among the BRIGHTS scholars who graduated top of their class, Camryn Paleng, a BS Agriculture cum laude graduate from Benguet State University (BSU), shared that the support she received from the scholarship program made her life easier as a student.
“Because of the program, I was able to focus on my studies without worrying about my finances—I can’t imagine going to school without SNAP,” she said.
Meanwhile, John Mark Dasalla, an Isabela State University (ISU) cum laude graduate and aspiring teacher, expressed his gratitude for the program. In the past four years, he has considered BRIGHTS to be one of his family’s greatest blessings.
“This opportunity inspired me to strive for high grades and to make my dream profession a reality,” Dasalla said.
“Agyamanak ti amin amin nga tulong yo kanyami (Thank you so much for all of your help),” he added.
Wanting to give back to SNAP for all the help that she received in college, Marinele Mira Dulon, cum laude graduate of Ifugao State University (IFSU), said she hopes to contribute to the company’s mission of creating positive change in the host communities where it operates.
“This scholarship grant made my college life more manageable and meaningful. I hope to repay the favor by participating in SNAP’s community development efforts in the future,” she said.
BRIGHTS is a scholarship initiative under SNAP’s corporate social responsibility program. It aims to support disadvantaged but deserving students from its immediate host communities. Beyond providing financial assistance, it also intends to develop well-rounded leaders by encouraging scholars to participate in community and environmental outreach programs as well as leadership seminars.
“Our program is currently screening applications for SY 2022-2023 from our immediate host communities in the hopes of enabling more young people to power a sustainable future,” Yu said.
Since 2018, a total of 79 college scholars have received educational assistance through the program with university partners in Benguet, Ifugao, Isabela, Cagayan, and Nueva Vizcaya.
