CLARK FREEPORT – “Cut the cycle of poverty through education.”
Thus, said Irineo “Apung Neung” R. Alvaro Sr., father of businessman philanthropist Irineo “Bong” Jr. who immortalized his father’s words by granting some 97 student- benefi ciaries full four-year college scholarships under the Bridges and Benevolent Initiatives (BBI) Foundation’s “Tulong Dunong Scholarship Program.”
The student-beneficiaries were recognized at the grand Fiesta Pavilion of the Midori Hotel and Casino here on Friday as the younger Alvaro as well as trustees of the foundation and executives of colleges and universities were present.
“With this noble undertaking, it reminds me of my late father who once told me that if I want to get out of poverty I need to finish my studies,” said Alvaro Jr., chairman and president of BBI Foundation.
“Initiatives through scholarships is in line with our mission to help exceptional and deserving students realize their dream of a college degree which is one sure way to cut the cycle of poverty,” he added.
The foundations goal is to act as the bridge and bring about change in the lives of the needy in poverty stricken areas through its social services, entrepreneurial empowerment including disaster management programs.
According to Alvaro, BBI Foundation aims to provide opportunities for people to become self-reliant, independent, resilient and productive members of the community in particular and of society in general.
“All of our recipients demonstrate great potential in leading the next generation because they dream big. Let us continue to inspire these young minds and let them believe that they will achieve what they wish to accomplish,” Alvaro said.
Student beneficiaries and recipients of the scholarship programs were from the City College of Angeles, Angeles University Foundation, Mabalacat City College, Don Honorio Ventura State University, Pampanga State Agricultural University and Systems Plus College Foundation.
