THE ATENEO De Manila University has established the Benigno Simeon C. Aquino’s 3rd Scholarship Endowment to give honor to the late former president.

The scholarship was initiated by Aquino’s friends and batchmates from the High School Class of 1977 and College Class of 1981.

The P10.75 million fund will award scholarship grants to bright but poor students. The scholarship will be given out every two years and will cover university tuition and expenses.

Fr. Roberto Yap SJ, president of the Ateneo de Manila University, said it is a great opportunity to help promote access to high-quality education.

“By giving deserving, talented young Filipinos from outside of the capital region the opportunity to study at Ateneo de Manila, the Fund can help make that goal a reality. I am sure he would be glad that through this scholarship, he is – in a way – still guiding and helping the youth achieve their dreams, and become valuable members of society,” he said.

Architect Gerry Esquivel, the Endowment’s lead fundraiser, said that the program will serve as a subtle reminder to the public of Aquino’s love for Ateneo, the country, and its people.