SN Aboitiz Power Group’s (SNAP) Bridging Gaps in Higher Education through Tertiary Scholarships (BRIGHTS) program scholars marched proudly and received diplomas and awards during separate commencement exercises held in the provinces of Ifugao, Isabela, and Benguet.
BRIGHTS has graduated 17 students, with nine receiving Latin honors — one magna cum laude and eight cum laude for the school year (SY) 2021-2022.
“Considering the academic performance expected from scholars and the stress that the pandemic has placed on students worldwide, our first batch of graduates accomplished something very admirable, especially those with academic honors. We are proud of all of our graduates,” said SNAP President and CEO Joseph Yu.
Camryn Paleng, a Benguet State University (BSU) BS Agriculture cum laude graduate, said BRIGHTS had helped her family for four years. “Because of the program, I was able to focus on my studies without worrying about my finances—I can’t imagine going to school without SNAP.”
Marinele Mira Dulon, a cum laude graduate of Ifugao State University (IFSU), recalled how the scholarship grant made her college life more manageable and meaningful. She hopes to repay the favor by participating in SNAP’s community development efforts in the future.
BRIGHTS is a scholarship initiative under SNAP’s corporate social responsibility program. It targets deserving students with limited means from the company’s immediate host communities. BRIGHTS merit scholarship grant provides more than just financial assistance. It aims to develop well-rounded leaders by encouraging scholars to participate in community and environmental outreach programs as well as leadership seminars.
John Mark Dasalla, an Isabela State University (ISU) cum laude graduate and aspiring teacher, expressed his gratitude for the program. For the past four years, he has considered BRIGHTS to be one of his family’s greatest blessings.
“This opportunity inspired me to strive for high grades and to make my dream profession a reality,” Dasalla said. “Agyamanak ti amin amin nga tulong yo kanyami (Thank you so much for all of your help),” Dasalla added.
“Our program is currently screening applications for SY 2022-2023 from our immediate host communities in the hopes of enabling more young people to power a sustainable future,” Yu said.
Since 2018, a total of 79 college scholars have received educational assistance through the program with university partners such as BSU in La Trinidad and Bokod, Benguet; Cordillera Career Development College in La Trinidad, Benguet; University of Baguio; Saint Louis University; University of the Cordilleras in Baguio City; IFSU in Alfonso Lista, Ifugao; ISU in Echague, Isabela; Philippine Normal University in Alicia; Cagayan Valley Computer and Information Technology College, Inc.; Northeastern College in Santiago City; Nueva Vizcaya State University, and PLT College Inc. in Bayombong, Nueva Vizcaya.