Local University Will be Giving Scholarships to Exemplary Student-Leaders

To qualify for the scholarship, incoming freshmen must show potential to be future leaders and change-makers in the Philippines, among other conditions.

According to a report released by the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), “almost 10% of the estimated 39 million Filipinos [aged] 6 to 24 years old were out-of-school children and youth (OSCY).” It also added that the OSCY aged 15 to 24 are unemployed and did not attain college or post-secondary degrees.

Furthermore, these OSCYs are in a depressing position mainly due to family problems and the cost of education. With that being said, the University of Asia and the Pacific (UA&P) strengthened its efforts in making education accessible through its scholarship program.

Last February 15, UA&P, GT Foundation, and Metrobank Foundation signed a memorandum of agreement—recognizing both foundations as Platinum donors to the Placido L. Mapa, Jr. Scholarship Endowment. The foundations made this move to honor the late Dr. Placido L. Mapa, Jr., who left significant contributions to the business and advocacies of Metrobank.

(From left to right) Mr. Chito M. Sobrepeña, President of Metrobank Foundation, Inc (MBFI) & concurrent Executive Director, GT Foundation, Inc. (GTFI), hands over the foundation’s donation to the University of Asia & the Pacific (UA&P) Placido L. Mapa Scholarship Endowment Program to Dr. Winston Padojinog, President of UA&P, during the Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) signing ceremonies between the parties.

“Through the generous donation of these foundations, UA&P will be able to continue making a significant impact in preparing future leaders. Grantees of the scholarship endowment will be given 100% coverage of tuition and miscellaneous fees, a monthly stipend of PHP 8,000, an internet allowance of PHP 1,000/month, a laptop, and one-on-one mentorship with a member of the UA&P Board of Trustees (BOT),” UA&P stated in a press release.

To qualify for the scholarship, incoming college freshmen must have excellent leadership history, have at least a 90% high school average, and finally, show potential to be future leaders and change-makers in the Philippines.

The PLM Legacy

Throughout his five-decade-long career, Dr. Placido L. Mapa (PLM) was a mentor to many industry leaders. He also served in various executive and leadership positions at Metrobank for 30 years.

According to one of his mentees, Mr. Aniceto Sobrepeña—GT Foundation Executive Director and Metrobank Foundation President—PLM was not only known to be an excellent corporate leader but also a person to look up to.

“Cidito (as family and friends fondly called Dr. Mapa, Jr.) was a standard of excellence…above reproach because of his integrity and fairness. Dr. Mapa continued to reflect the embodiment of a character worth emulating. He accords dignity to those he deals with regardless of economic standing or political persuasion,” Sobrepreña recollected.

The Private Sector Taking Action

PLM’s ideals of equality and dignity make it fitting to honor his legacy through the PLM scholarship endowment. While businesses in the private sector have been spearheading these kinds of initiatives to provide more opportunities to Filipino youth, the public sector can also do its part in bridging the societal gap.

Nonetheless, these opportunities serve as a launchpad to a brighter future. With projects like this—inspired by the excellence and integrity of one man—the youth can also become excellent community and corporate leaders, perhaps even surpassing the legacy of those who came before them.