THE Davao Light and Power Power Co., Inc. (DLPCI) held its scholars' gathering and recognition on Friday afternoon, September 22, at the Davao Light Admin Office. At least 50 scholars were in attendance.
The event aimed at acknowledging the scholars' achievements, including graduations and successful licensure examinations.
Since its inception, DLPCI and its social development arm, Aboitiz Foundation Inc., have supported approximately 100 scholars in the city.
During the gathering, Fermin Edillon, head of DLPCI's Reputation Enhancement Department, emphasized that destiny played a significant role in their becoming scholars of the institution.
"Being a scholar is not easy, but you all did well amidst your difficult situations and challenges. Through your dedication, passion, and pursuit of academic excellence, some of you have already achieved your ambitions, and others are already on the road to their dreams," Edillon said.
DLPCI Raymund Naungayan, Jonas Meneses, and Paulo Gallardo recently passed the Architecture board exams in June 2023. Out of 4,784 participants, only 2,924 passed.
In interviews with Meneses and Naungayan, both expressed gratitude for Davao Light's scholarship program, highlighting how it alleviated their financial burdens while pursuing their education.
Meneses became a DLPCI scholar during high school, while Naungayan joined in his third year of college. Today, both are working as international architects for a UK-based company.
“Pasalamat ko sa Davao Light kay tungod sa ila, naka-skwela jud ko, nakahuman jud ko (I am thankful to Davao Light, because of them I was able to study, I was able to finish my studies),” Naungayan said.
“Dako kaayo siyag tabang ba kay instead na mangita pako ug others ways na mangita ug income akoa nalang jud kay maningkamot ko ug skwela, magtinarung ug skwela and in return kay gi supportahan ko mila (Their support was a tremendous help. Instead of juggling work to fund my education, I could solely focus on my studies because they were already backing me),” Meneses said.
Meanwhile, some scholars have become registered electrical, civil, mechanical, and geodetic engineers.
Others have ventured into the healthcare profession as nutritionists, while some have pursued teaching to empower Filipino children with knowledge.
A few have even explored career paths beyond their degrees, like Leonela Mae D. Monloy, who graduated in Accountancy but is now a firefighter (FO1).
DLPCI president and chief operating officer Ridger Velasco expressed his delight at the scholars' achievements and underscored how their determination helped them complete their education. He emphasized the company's immense happiness in supporting their educational pursuits.
"We are very grateful to hear stories of you supporting yourselves, your families, and your communities through your professions after we have supported your education. You have embodied the aspirations of Davao Light's scholarship program," Velasco said.
DLPCI's scholarship program aligns with the fourth Sustainable Development Goal of the United Nations, which strives to ensure accessible, equitable, and high-quality education opportunities for all, promoting lifelong learning. RGP