Metrobank Foundation and GT Foundation Commend 2020 Scholar-Graduates in first-ever Virtual Conversations

Written by Laarnie Luna on July 10, 2020. Posted in Education, Grants, GT Foundation, Media, News, Press Release

The Metrobank Foundation, Inc. (MBFI) and the GT Foundation, Inc. (GTFI), together with Pacific Paint (Boysen) Philippines, commended this year’s batch of scholars during a series of virtual Graduates’ Conversations on June 30, July 2 and 7, 2020.

A total of 14 scholars finished their undergraduate degrees from Manila Tytana Colleges (MTC), University of the Philippines Diliman (UP), and University of Santo Tomas (UST). They are the recipients of the GTFI-Manila Tytana Colleges Youth for Excellence and Service (YES) and MBFI-Pacific Paint (Boysen) scholarship programs. Out of the 14 scholars, seven (7) graduated cum laude.

The virtual encounter, which honored the accomplishments of the scholars, was led by MBFI president Aniceto Sobrepena. “There are so many challenging events happening around us now and I’m glad that our scholars did not give up and continued to become strong individuals. We are all proud of your accomplishments and we appreciate everyone for attending this online activity,” said Sobrepena in his welcome remarks.

The management congratulated the scholars and provided hope and encouragement as their in-person graduations have been canceled or postponed as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. The scholars also shared their stories and life journeys and recalled the people who helped them along the way. They outlined their plans on vision boards to guide their next steps in life.

Catherine Ryanne Naraga, a Bachelor of Science in Accountancy graduate, from Manila Tytana Colleges, considers her GT YES scholarship as one of the greatest blessings that enabled her to pursue Accountancy. Her family had a rough time supporting her college education because of her father’s illness that prevented him from coming back to work as a seaman. Her mother, who works in their barangay has not enough income to support their daily expenses. In this time of pandemic, they only relied on her father’s monthly pension and cash allowance from the local government unit. Now that she has finished college, her main plan is to focus on reviewing for the CPA licensure exam and look for a stable job.

Marian Joyce Dacquel, a Bachelor of Science in Architecture graduate, cum laude, from the University of the Philippines Diliman, shared that ever since 3rd-year high school she already envisioned herself becoming a successful architect. These all came true when she was granted the MBFI-Boysen scholarship program. Marian made sure to keep track of her academic performance and continued to be a consistent ‘college and university scholar’ throughout her five years taking Architecture. Marian recently passed the 2020 LAE and got qualified to UP Law. Aside from being an architect, she believes that practicing law is one of the best ways to give service to the country.

Karen Elyssa Eloriaga, a Bachelor of Science in Architecture graduate, cum laude, from the University of Santo Tomas, said that the scholarship served more than just financial support for her college education; it motivated her to excel in academics and reminded her that God works miracles in her life. Despite the day to day adversities, she has experienced in the university and during this current pandemic, she remains optimistic and strong in pursuing her dreams of becoming an architect. In the future, she hopes to join an architecture firm where she can gain substantial experience and earn a stable income. After this, Karen wishes to give back to the community by building social housing and providing scholarships for the poor.

Also present in the three-day graduate’s conversations were MTC president and former University of the Philippines Diliman chancellor, Dr. Sergio Cao, MBFI executive director, Nicanor Torres, Jr., MBFI assistant executive director Irene Labitad, Boysen vice president Engr. Ruben Cueto, Boysen marketing manager Vergel Dyoco, Boysen office manager Natalie Lee.

Reinforcing the vision of the Metrobank Group’s late Chairman Dr. George Ty Siao Kian to nurture the country’s future leaders, the online activity allowed the scholars to meet their benefactors and interact with their fellow scholars. Since 1995, the Metrobank Scholarship Program has been awarding financial grants to support deserving students through college. To date, the program has produced over 1,000 graduates in collaboration with its partner institutions and schools.

For more information on MBFI’s scholarship programs, please visit www.mbfoundation.org.ph.