Apo Agua recently celebrated the graduation of the pioneering batch of its college scholars from its host communities.
The scholars include Andy Bustamante, Jr. of Barangay Tambobong (BS Information Technology from Davao Vision Colleges), Janica Gierran of Barangay Tawantawan, (BS Political Science from Holy Cross of Davao College), Ronisa Orbeta of Barangay Tamugan (BS in Business Administration major in Marketing Management from St. Paul College of Davao), Prince Charles Mike A. Booc of Barangay Wines (BS in Business Administration major in Financial Management from Holy Cross College of Calinan Inc), and Jenny Flor Canubas of Barangay Gumalang (BS in Legal Management from University of Mindanao)
Launched in 2019, Apo Agua’s College Scholarship program is aimed at providing educational support to deserving Davaoeños as they pursue their college degrees and prepare for future employment. To date, there are a total of twenty- five (25) Apo Agua scholars, of which five (5) from the pioneering batch have successfully completed their studies. Each year, qualified students from host communities who require financial assistance and have shown exceptional academic performance and a strong commitment to community service are selected to be part of this scholarship initiative.
“The support I got isn’t just financial but it’s a beacon of hope and affirmation of my potential. With Apo Agua’s assistance, I was able to jump one step of the ladder I am currently climbing to achieve my goals in life and fulfill my academic ambitions,” Janica Gierran, Apo Agua 2023 Scholar Graduate.Aside from the full college scholarship program, Apo Agua also actively participates in the annual Brigada Eskwela program of the Department of Education. This year, the company donated paints and materials to various schools to help create a more conducive learning environment for students. They also distributed school supplies to five hundred (500) students under the School Needs Support Program, and provided Cash Assistance to twenty (20) high-achieving high school students, including those from the Indigenous Peoples communities.
“We are committed to helping students from all backgrounds, particularly the indigenous peoples members of our partner communities to achieve their educational goal. Our support to the Education Sector through our various programs is our way of helping the future leaders and mobilizers of change of our society. We strongly support students who have the potential to make a positive difference in their respective communities and chosen fields,” said May Che Capili, External Relations Officer of Apo Agua.
To celebrate the various milestones of its education projects and acknowledge the support of its partner schools, Apo Agua organized a Culminating Activity with the theme “Empowering Dreams through Education” last October 12, 2023. In attendance were the School Heads and Representatives from this year’s partner schools, Third District Congressman Isidro “Sid” Ungab, DepEd SGOD Chief Dr. Teresita Del Valle, and Barangay Affairs Coordinator Ms. Carolina Domingo from the Office of Vice Mayor Atty. Jay Quitain.
“We really have a good partnership with Apo Agua. I am thankful that Apo Agua is working hard, even beyond what was promised. Through your Corporate Social Responsibility [efforts] of helping schools, our teachers, and our students, we are going a long way of helping our community,” Cong. Isidro Ungab said.
Through its educational programs in collaboration with their partner barangays, and schools Apo Agua affirms its commitment as an organization to empower communities and uplift the lives of Davaoeños. “We have the same goal that no learner should be left behind. You know there are students that said that they can’t continue going to school because of financial struggles. Hopefully with Apo Agua’s assistance, the participation rate of the learners will increase,” DepEd-Davao School Governance & Operations Division (SGOD) Chief Dr. Teresita Del Valle said.
