OLONGAPO CITY — For solo parent Amabella Cruz, the financial assistance extended by Subic EnerZone Corp. and the Aboitiz Foundation to her daughter means one less burden to worry about as she supports her child’s education.
Cruz, whose daughter Mikey Louise Manalansan is a Grade 11 student at Regional Science High School, thanked the two organizations for including her daughter among the beneficiaries of the program.
As a solo parent, Cruz said the assistance would help provide for her daughter’s school-related needs and expressed hope that she would continue to qualify for the program when she reaches Grade 12.
Her daughter was among 20 Grade 11 and Grade 12 students from six public and private schools in Olongapo City who received financial assistance during a turnover ceremony on Oct. 2 at the Subic EnerZone Corporation Building in the Subic Bay Freeport Zone.
The beneficiaries came from Columban College, Sta. Rita High School, Tapinac Senior High School, Regional Science High School, Barretto High School and St. Joseph College.
The assistance provides P7,300 for qualified public school students and P14,500 for those enrolled in private schools, covering one year of educational expenses.
Engr. Jeff Figuerrez, Subic EnerZone marketing and communications head, said the scholarship and financial assistance program began in 2010, initially supporting students from Grade 7 to Grade 10.
The program was expanded in 2017 to cover senior high school students through college, with priority given to students who demonstrate academic excellence and financial need.
For the current school year, Figuerrez said nine Grade 12 and 11 Grade 11 students were selected as beneficiaries.
Applicants must be residents of Olongapo City or Bataan, have a final average of at least 90 percent, and have no grade below 85 percent in any subject. Selection also considers the student’s financial circumstances and ability to sustain their education.
Figuerrez said the program has supported around 120 students prior to the current batch. Some former financial grantees have also gone on to work for EnerZone and other Aboitiz companies.
He cited former beneficiaries who are now working as metering and protection revenue engineers, describing this as one of the program’s significant outcomes.
“We are fortunate that this program has an impact so far. We are still hoping that there will be more opportunities for our students,” Figuerrez said.
For Eyriell Cassandra Dizon, a Grade 12 student of Regional Science High School, the assistance will help cover transportation, books and other school-related expenses.
Dizon said the financial support is especially helpful because attending a school far from home entails additional transportation and educational costs.
“Even though it’s P7,300, it’s a big impact,” Dizon said, expressing gratitude for the opportunity and for an organization that recognizes the potential of young people.
The continuing program reflects Subic EnerZone Corp. and the Aboitiz Foundation’s efforts to support academically deserving students and help families cope with the costs of education.
Through the initiative, the organizations hope to help beneficiaries stay focused on their studies, pursue higher education and eventually prepare for employment opportunities. Photo: Dante Salvaña
