THE discipline he learned and maintained as an Aboitiz scholar helped Carlo B. Galicia land on the top 9 of the recent chemical engineer licensure exam.
Carlo first received a scholarship from Aboitiz Foundation when he was in high school. He continued to receive the grant until he graduated college in March 2017 from the Cebu Institute of Technology-University (CIT-U).
“Being an Aboitiz scholar was one of the biggest things to happen in my life. It has taught me to be responsible, be grateful, and to value all opportunities. Most importantly, it taught me discipline (because we had to maintain a grade point average), and this pushed me to do my best in everything I do,” he said.
Carlo got a final score of 82.10 during the chemical engineering board exam, putting him on the top 9 spot out of 310 passers.
Carlo has been a recipient of an Aboitiz Foundation scholarship for nine years, from high school until he graduated from college last March 2017.
“I was in a state of disbelief because I did not expect to land in the top 10. When I finally came to my senses, I really felt very happy and very proud,” Carlo said.
As an Aboitiz scholar, Carlo says that he has learned several life lessons over the course of his education.
The Aboitiz Foundation has long been a staunch supporter of Philippine education reform, believing education is where the Group can make the biggest impact. This, in turn, supports the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals, specifically on Quality Education (ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all).
“We are very proud of Carlo’s outstanding achievement, which is only the result of hard work and dedication. We at the Aboitiz Foundation will continue to support exemplary students such as Carlo in the fulfillment of their dreams as we drive change for a better world by co-creating communities that are safe, empowered, and sustainable,” said Maribeth L. Marasigan, Aboitiz Foundation first vice president and chief operating officer.
As of end-2016, the Aboitiz Group has already provided 32,429 scholarship grants since 1988. Including Carlo, the Aboitiz Group supported a total of 297 college scholars in 2016, with 11 graduates employed in various Aboitiz companies nationwide.
Last June, Aboitiz Equity Ventures, Inc. Human Resources’ Aboitiz College Scholarship Program (ACSP) awarded scholarships to 20 students.
Financial assistance under ACSP covers tuition and miscellaneous expenses, book requirements and transportation needs. The scholarship is renewable every semester, for as long as the student maintains the 85 percent grade point average requirement (or its equivalent) and makes normal progress toward a degree. (Contributed article)