Since 2015, the PSF has partnered with the SBCAF to provide financial assistance to the financially challenged and deserving students of San Beda. To date, the PSF has supported 52 Bedan students and produced 16 graduates through its scholarship program with the SBCAF. This year, the PSF is supporting seven Bedan students through the scholarship grant.
“Our mantra and our principle is that no student, no learner is left behind. This is why we have poured in so much support to the Department of Education and to public schools as well. San Beda is close to our hearts and we will continue to provide assistance and scholarship grants to enable the Bedan students to pursue their dreams,” said PLDT Chairman and CEO Manuel V Pangilinan.
“We value our partnership with the San Beda College Alumni Foundation in bringing hope to students who are in need of financial assistance. For the past five years, our work with the alumni foundation has gifted 52 scholars to become the best versions of themselves and reach their full potential,” said PLDT-Smart Foundation President Esther Santos.
‘Don’t ever give up, don’t lose hope’
Pangilinan praised the scholars for pursuing their dreams, despite life’s challenges. “Alam niyo, ang karanasan ninyo ay hindi naiiba sa karanasan ng iba pa nating mga mamamayan. Most of the time, kayo ang breadwinner. Kayo ang gifted in education and you have the ability to uplift not only yourself but your family from poverty (Your experiences are not different from the shared experiences of ordinary Filipinos. Most of the time, you are your family’s breadwinner. You are the ones who are gifted in education. You have the ability to uplift not only yourself but your family from poverty),” Pangilinan said, who also shared his personal journey as a full scholar of San Beda.
According to Pangilinan, it took a great deal of hard work, perseverance and determination to bring him to where he is right now. “One abiding lesson that I would like to impart to you is: don’t give up. Don’t give up your dream. Sabi nga ng isa sa inyo na sa kabila ng mga hinaharap niyong hirap, don’t surrender. Huwag kayong mawalan ng pag-asa. (As one of you have said, despite the challenges you face, don’t surrender. Don’t ever lose hope),” Pangilinan said.
Pursuing dreams
Shaun Kenrick Cunanan Y. Lee, a third year BS Economy & Public Policy student, is one of this year’s seven PSF scholars. Lee is an only child and was single-handedly raised by her mother.
Lee’s mother was diagnosed with cancer – one that greatly affected Lee and his studies. His mother insisted that he carry on with his studies and finish well. To do this, Lee balanced his work and studies. He found a freelance job by buying and selling items, which was ultimately hampered because of the pandemic.
“Through prayers, an unexpected blessing has come our way: this is the scholarship grant. With your utmost generosity, I will be able to continue my undergraduate studies here in San Beda and pursue my dream of becoming a lawyer someday. Thank you so much for the opportunity that you have given me,” Lee said.
Meanwhile, Bruce A. Rojas is also a third year student. He is studying BS Physical Education in Sports & Wellness, a new course offered by San Beda. Rojas’ parents are now senior citizens while her sister is finishing her master studies in the University of the Philippines-Manila.
“Ang tanging source of income lang po namin ngayon ay ‘yung maliit na sari-sari store sa aming bahay (The only source of income we have right now is the small convenience store we have here in our home),” Rojas said. To support himself, Rojas worked as a freelance graphic artist.
According to Lee, the first time he applied for the PSF scholarship grant, he was initially rejected.
“But then, last September, three days before my birthday, the Alumni Foundation office contacted me and I got accepted. I can say that the scholarship grant is the best gift on my 21st birthday,” Rojas said.
He expressed his gratitude to the PSF and the SBCAF for the opportunity to continue his studies in San Beda and for enabling him to pursue his dream of becoming a well-known fitness trainer in the sports industry.
“Ipinapangko ko po na this scholarship will not be put into waste. Mahirap pong mag-aral, pero wala pong mahirap kung may pangarap ka (I promise that this scholarship will not be put into waste. It is difficult to study, but there is no difficulty when you have a dream),” Rojas said.
In pursuit of its mission to support deserving but financially challenged students to pursue quality Benedictine education, the SBCAF has made the Students Scholarship Program its flagship program, as part of its commitment to assist San Beda in its educational apostolate. The SBCAF firmly believes in the pivotal role of quality education in securing a promising future for the youth.
