01 August 2024. By 3:00 PM, various people were gathered in the ALB Dining Halls – school officials, donors, scholars, and family members. The occasion? The Placido L. Mapa, Jr. (PLM) Grant Awarding Ceremony.
After everyone settled comfortably in their seats, the University President Dr. Winston Padojinog welcomed them with some remarks. He asserted that “Education is a right. But it remains elusive and out of reach to so many. That is why scholarships transform this right to education to a gift of education. Now many are brought closer to their dreams and aspirations of a UA&P education.”
Then the host called upon Mr. Francisco Sebastian, the Vice Chairman of the UA&P Development Board, to speak about Dr. Placido Mapa. Mr. Sebastian described Dr. Mapa as the epitome of academic excellence, being outstanding in the best local schools and international universities. He was the “total package,” who excelled working in public service or for profit companies, as a top and respected economist or as a first class development or commercial banker. Furthermore, he brought with him – wherever he went, whatever he did – his principles, values, personal character, integrity, and faith… as well as his love for country, family, and God.
Mr. Vince Cruz of the Admissions Office took his turn in the program. He briefly described the scholar selection process and enumerated the scholarship benefits. These include 100% coverage of tuition and miscellaneous fees, a 10-month stipend of P8,000/mo., an internet allowance of P1,000/mo., a laptop device, and a Professional Development Coach from among the members of the UA&P Board of Trustees.
Dr. Antonio Torralba, Member of the Board of Trustees (BOT), presented the scholars and their coaches, who are all members of the UA&P BOT. First, Justin de la Cruz, a graduate of PAREF-Northfield, is taking BS Information Technology. Next, Rianne Guiyab from St. Paul College Makati is studying BS Accountancy. Moreover, Andrei Punzalan, who graduated from Homeschool Global, and Jose Benitez, who finished Junior High School in PAREF-Northfield, are both enrolled in Junior College taking Management. Finally, Andrea Pascua from Manresa School is likewise in Junior College taking Humanities. As to the coaches, Justin was paired with Mr. Francisco Sebastian, Rianne with Ms. Judy Cam, Andrei with Dr. Antonio Torralba, Jose with Ambassador Jose Cuisia, Jr., and Andrea with Ms. Esther Santos. On behalf of the Mapa family, Dr. Mapa’s daughter, Angela, congratulated the scholars, reminding them that when they are on the road to success, they need to spend time with the people around them.
As the ceremony drew to a close, the Chairman of the UA&P Board of Trustees and the UA&P Development Board, Ambassador Jose Cuisia, Jr., stood to address the scholars, family members, and the donors. Among the benefactors present were Ms. Annie Fuentes (Executive Director, Mercury Drug Foundation), Mrs. Alice Lumanog (Vice President, Mercury Drug), Mr. Ray Canilao (President, Global Executive Solutions Group), Mrs. Mardi Mapa-Suplido (Chief Operating Officer, Aboitiz Foundation), and Mr. Philip Dy (Executive Vice President, George Ty Foundation).
[Front row, left to right] Mr. Philip Dy, Rianne Guiyab, Andrei Punzalan, Justin de la Cruz, Jose Benitez, Andrea Pasua, Ms. Angela Mapa, and Isabella Mapa
Congratulating the scholars, Ambassador Cuisia said, “Your dedication, hard work, and perseverance in your junior and senior high school years have earned you this honor. Remember that this scholarship is not just financial support – it is a testament to your potential to be a trailblazer and a catalyst for change in the community. It also shows the belief that those who support you have in your future.”
Addressing the generous benefactors, he lauded them saying, “Your commitment to investing in education and supporting these future leaders is both commendable and impactful. The target amount of the Endowment Fund is 100 million Pesos. Thank you because through you, we have already reached 50% of our goal. Yet, we need more help. Among your family members, colleagues, and circle of friends, can there be some like-minded individuals who would want to participate in this endeavor? Your contributions will ripple through the lives of these students and beyond, creating opportunities and shaping the future in ways that words can hardly capture.”
