DAVAO CITY —Nearly 50 scholars of Davao Light and Power Co., Inc. (Davao Light), an AboitizPower subsidiary, gathered for a Kumustahan event at the power utility’s office in C. Bangoy Sr. Street, Davao City on September 22, 2023. Some of the scholars were also recognized for graduating and recently passing the board exams of their respective courses.
“Being a scholar is indeed not an easy feat but you all did well amidst your difficult situations and challenges. Through your dedication, passion, and pursuit of academic excellence, some of you have already achieved your ambitions and others are already on the road to their dreams," Fermin Edillon, Head of the Reputation Enhancement Department of Davao Light, said in his welcome speech.
Since their scholarship program started, Davao Light and its social development arm, Aboitiz Foundation Inc., have been supporting more than 100 scholars in college by providing financial assistance to each beneficiary for their school needs such as tuition fees, books, uniforms, and miscellaneous expenses.
Three of the scholars recognized, namely Raymund Naungayan, Jonas Meneses, and Paulo Gallardo, recently passed the Architecture board exams last June 2023 where there are only 2,924 passers out of the 4,784 exam takers.
“We came from different struggles, with different stories, but we ended up the same and it’s the success we have achieved today. Davao Light and Aboitiz Foundation have helped each one of us…they literally gave light to our future,” Jonas Meneses said in his speech.
Meanwhile, other scholars are now registered civil, mechanical, electrical, and geodetic engineers, nutritionists, and professional teachers. Some have become firefighters like the Accountancy graduate, FO1 Leonela Mae D. Monloy.
Arlene Tagorda, now a professional teacher, thanks the power utility for the support she received during the pandemic. She recalled how the scholarship helped her buy a new laptop, which was a necessity for online classes.
“Thanks to Davao Light and Aboitiz Foundation, I was able to survive online education,” she said in her speech.
“We are very grateful to hear stories of you supporting yourselves, your families, and your communities through your professions after we have supported your education. You have embodied the aspirations of Davao Light’s scholarship program,” Rodger Velasco, the President and Chief Operating Officer of Davao Light said in a statement.
The scholarship aims to provide the beneficiaries with education, empowering them to become self-reliant and valuable contributors to society.
The scholarship program is in line with the fourth Sustainable Development Goal of the United Nations, which is to ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all.
