79% of VICSAL scholars graduate with honors

CEBU, Philippines - Out of hundreds of Cebu's graduating public high school student-applicants, 19 were picked to become part of the pioneering scholars of VICSAL Foundation, Inc. in 2007.

These applicants went through a series of scholarship screening – from paper screening to examination, pre-interview, final interview and home visit. Each phase is an elimination round under the scrutiny of the Education Committee together with a Program and Evaluation Officer whose professional backgrounds range from being managers on human resource development, treasury, audit, and accounting, to being corporate vice president for finance.

The ones who have fought a good fight have enjoyed full payment on tuition and school fees, as well as monthly book and miscellaneous allowances, on-the-job training and summer jobs, and involvement in any of the foundation's initiated programs like tree planting and mangrove propagule planting, bloodletting, and relief operations.

Fifteen of them have not only managed to spell out success in all its brightness and highlights – they have gracefully showed how excellence in every endeavor could be made achievable if enthusiasm reigns.

"I know there are a lot of individuals who want to have this opportunity and yet you chose me, and this makes me very blessed to be part of the VICSAL Family – a family where I was able to meet a variety of people who helped mold me into an individual who has passion towards her dreams. A person who could someday extend her blessings to other individuals who is in need of support," expressed an ultra grateful Neil Sharlene Quiros, who graduated Cum Laude (BSMA - University of San Carlos), to her benefactors during a recent Thanksgiving Party.

"Your generous support helped me to fulfill a lifelong dream of going to college," says fellow scholar Elgie Panimdim who was conferred upon a Bachelor's Degree in Industrial Technology major in Computer Technology --- Magna Cum Laude --- at the Cebu Technological University-Main Campus.

During a gathering at the City Sports Club Cebu last April 1 to announce of their graduation and to celebrate their victory, Panimdim underscored that VICSAL has lightened her financial burden which allowed her to focus more on the most important aspect of school - learning. "Through your support, I am well on my way to achieving my academic goals and hope that with my degree I will be able to make a difference for others in a way as meaningful as the VICSAL Foundation has for me."

As for equally beholden Ma. Leizel Sobrevilla (BSIT-Computer Technology, Cum Laude - CTU), her felicitous message went this way: "As I reflect on my present blessings, my heart and mind instantly filled with thoughts of you. For you provided me not only financial assistance but also you served as my inspiration in reaching my dreams."

Psychology graduate Khael Quinain of the USC has a different story. He said he is the scholar who was always mentioned during VICSAL meetings because of low grades. "I nearly got evicted from the program. Nevertheless, you have believed in me and trusted in my capabilities. For doing so, you have inspired me to work harder in my studies and to prove to myself that I can make it and I can get this done…your compassion is beyond words. You have changed my life, continue to change more."

The other VICSAL scholars who finished the race as Cum Laude at the CTU are Raymund Acosta, Joanne May Balcon, Lester Laborte, and Isa Toquero who are all into Industrial Technology major in Computer Technology; Jobeth Benemerito - major in Drafting Technology; and Leonard Igot - major in Electrical Technology. Jilla Marie Paz Bacalan and May Elicanal graduated BS Hospitality Management while Vincent Michael Bandola completed his two-year ladderized course in BS Industrial Technology major in Civil Technology.

The lone scholar from Cebu Technological University-Danao Campus is Karen Guiroy (BSHM, Cum Laude); while Fatrick Tabada (AB Masscom - Cum Laude) is the only one from the University of San Jose-Recoletos.

Maria April Jay Aspacio, Faith Camille Briones, and Kenneth Lim (BS Management Accounting, Cum Laude) as well as Jan Vincent Nazareno (BS Chemistry, Cum Laude) are from the USC.

The Foundation made it clear though that these scholars are not obliged to work for the Foundation's member-companies.

"It is enough for the Foundation to have seen the grantees succeed in their academic endeavors. But for those who are interested, they are given the priority for employment. Constantly, the Foundation monitors the whereabouts of the graduate-scholars thereby forming a Scholars Alumni Association. As of SY 2010-2011, the Foundation has 75 recipients," this was further learned.

Scholars are required to maintain a general point average of 2.0 or its equivalent and with no grades lower than 2.5 per subject. In cases wherein a scholar fails to maintain the standard grade requirement like in Khael's case, further investigations are being made. A frequency distribution table is being secured from the school concerned to see how the scholar's grade faired with the rest of the class. From prelim, especially in midterm (which is considered as the critical stage) to pre-finals, the Foundation monitors the scholars performances. In case of fluctuating grades, the concerned scholar is invited for a counseling session to know the underlying factors that affect his/her academic performance.

The Commitment

Unceasingly, the Foundation continues to face the challenges in making a difference through its educational, charitable and social welfare and development efforts geared towards creating a social and economic impact in society.

The Foundation envisions a society where citizens are skilled and self-sufficient, and the underprivileged, the sick and the victims of calamities are empowered. And one of its missions is to sponsor and/or facilitate formal and non-formal methods of instruction to particular subgroups of the population where its scholarship program falls. The program has helped the financially challenged but deserving and potential public high school students to pursue post-secondary education whether under a Bachelor's Degree program or an Associate Degree of their choice. It has contributed to the increased number of educated and promising individuals who will help in the transformation of our society to become a better world to live in for everyone.

In capping the notes of gratitude, Leonard Igot summed up every scholar's message to their benefactors: "Thank you for offering us a light in a dark dwelling so that we could continue our steps towards the door of triumph."

How far can a Foundation as such walk the extra, extra mile?