Metrobank scholars prove Rizal right

Manila, Philippines - “Having a simple life in the province was already enough for me. I never thought that one day I’d be in front of a large group of people delivering a speech as a graduate of one of the top universities in the country,” said Elvin Cruz, Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering graduate, magna cum laude, from the University of the Philippines-Diliman to his fellow scholars from the Metrobank Foundation Inc. during its 13th Graduates’ Forum held recently in Makati City.

Coming from a less fortunate family in Baliwag, Bulacan, Elvin had no plans of studying in Metro Manila. He What he wanted to do was simply to be able to graduate from a reputable school in his hometown. It was Elvin’s guidance counselor from high school who had introduced him to the scholarship program of Metrobank Foundation, and from there, Elvin’s hard work, passion and commitment led him to succeed.

For many years, Metrobank Foundation has been a source of inspiration among bright but less fortunate students all over the country. Students who have been admitted to partner universities and educational institutions in the Philippines such as the University of the Philippines, University of Santo Tomas, Polytechnic University of the Philippines, Technological University of the Philippines, Ateneo de Zamboanga University and Notre Dame University are given the chance to pursue their dreams through the financial assistance given by the foundation.

In addition to covering 100 percent of the tuition and allowances of the students, the Foundation’s College Scholarship Program encourages its scholars to participate in community projects that benefit the less fortunate. This is aimed at fostering social responsibility and stewardship, and encouraging participation in nation building.

Elvin, together with 27 other scholars, is now a step closer to his dreams. Three of them are Engineering graduates under the foundation’s UP scholarship program; two others are Accounting graduates under the Grants in Aid of College Education (GRACE) assistance program; six Engineering, two Computer Science, four Entrepreneurial Management, and three Accounting graduates are under the President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo (PGMA) scholarship program; and eight Architecture graduates are under the MBFI-Pacific Paint (Boysen) Philippines, Inc. college scholarship program. Aside from Elvin who finished magna cum laude, five cum laudes topped this year’s graduates.

One of the highlights of the Graduates’ Forum was the lecture on “Jose Rizal as Hero.” In commemoration of Rizal’s 150th birth anniversary, the scholar-graduates’ pledged their individual commitment to live and uphold the ideals of our national hero.

During the forum, the graduate scholars shared their experiences in various community activities. “I can serve as a hero in my own way,” said Edison Cruz, a scholar from the Polytechnic University of Philippines with a degree in BS Computer Engineering. Being the elected Sangguniang Kabataan chairman of his barangay, Edison leads the conduct of youth camps, sports fests and an arts program called “Sining Kabataan.” These programs, according to him, promote the dynamism of the youth towards positive change.

“We at Metrobank Foundation, through our corporate social responsibility programs, initiate and support leading edge programs that uplift the people’s lives and inspire the best in the Filipino. In line with our theme Excel, Engage and Empower, we recognize remarkable individuals, especially the foundation scholars, and encourage them to engage with their communities, to aspire more and to give back to society,” said Aniceto Sobrepeña, Metrobank Foundation president.

Since 1995, the Metrobank College Scholarship Program has been assisting outstanding students complete their college education. Over the years, the program has produced a total of 804 graduates, more than 500 of whom are now licensed professionals and about 700 scholar-graduates are working in the country’s top corporations.

These scholars are proof that Rizal was right when he said that the youth is the hope of the fatherland.