SCHOLARS of the Aboitiz Foundation finished their programs despite the challenges brought by the pandemic.

The Aboitiz Foundation Technical Vocational Program supports two technical vocational educational institutions: the Banilad Center for Professional Development in Cebu, and the Dualtech Training Center in Laguna.

All 20 scholars in Dualtech graduated, with four earning awards.

Pelagio Guanzon II, one of the pioneer scholars in the Dualtech Training Center, uprooted himself from Bohol, his hometown, and took his chances in Laguna. He worked as a laborer. Guanzon was ready to settle down until he learned about Dualtech. He realized it would be better to earn a degree to have better opportunities for work.

“I realized it is always better to finish one’s studies. When I learned about Dualtech, I did not hesitate to grab the chance to study. If you are given the opportunity to study, do not waste it. Aboitiz Foundation can help us reach our dreams,” said Guanzon, now employed as a maintenance technician.

Dualtech lauded Aboitiz Foundation for being an exceptional scholarship partner amidst the pandemic.

Arnolfo Morfe, President of Dualtech Training Center, congratulated the scholars for exceeding his expectations.

“It is the best batch among the sponsorships. I was expecting that perhaps some would fall out normally, as in other groups, especially since COVID-19 struck us last year. The pioneer batch of Aboitiz scholars survived with flying colors,” he said.

The Aboitiz TechVoc Program also empowers women by helping them pursue national certifications from the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority.

Dwinzelle Suico finished Hotel and Restaurant Services II from Banilad Center for Professional Development, an all-girls techvoc training center in Cebu. She said that the support she got from Aboitiz Foundation made her life easier as a student.

“Don’t worry about the tuition fees. What’s important is your willingness to learn. I got the scholarship from Aboitiz Foundation  for having good grades in my secondary level,” Suico said.

Aboitiz Foundation President and COO Maribeth Marasigan said that having the right institutional partners played a key role in the success of the Aboitiz techvoc scholarship.

“We are happy to know that our techvoc partner schools have quickly adapted to how education must continue, without sacrificing the level of learning and quality of skills of the students. We very much appreciate all our scholars who graduated with awards, and those who were immediately absorbed by their on-the-job training partners. With this bright opportunity for the youth, we are glad to be partnering again with Banilad Center for Professional Development and Dualtech Training Center for the school year 2021-2022. We know that once the scholars graduate, employment will come easy as their expertise is highly needed by the workforce,” Marasigan said.

For School Year 2021-2022, the Aboitiz Foundation Technical Vocational Scholarship Program will have 68 scholars.