While some take education for granted because it is easily accessible to them, others see it as a luxury they must strive to obtain. In the Philippines, the Commission on Higher Education reported that some 216,000 students juggle work and study, facing the challenges of balancing both responsibilities.

The world recognizes the importance of investing in the youth, as highlighted on International Youth Day celebrated every year on Aug. 12. This investment goes beyond technology and innovation; it is about ensuring access to quality education that empowers young people to drive meaningful change in their communities.

Aligned with this vision, the EmPOWER employee volunteers of First Gen Corporation have been running a scholarship program for years. The initiative supports scholars from financially challenged families and dependents of third-party manpower service providers. The scholarship program is sustained through the “Auction for Education” activities, where employee volunteers purchase donation packages or bid on pre-loved or brand-new items donated by the company’s executives. Additionally, earnings from bingo and other games directly benefit the scholarship fund.

This year, the call for new scholars attracted 18 students who underwent a rigorous evaluation by the EmPOWER core team, with three beneficiaries making it through. The EmPOWER scholarships will support them throughout their college or senior high school education provided they meet academic and good moral standards. The selected scholars were awarded via Zoom on Aug. 7 and 12, 2024.

“Sabi ko po mag-usap kayong magkapatid… Mag-give way kayo kung sino ang magstop kapag hindi matanggap sa scholarship. Malaking tulong po talaga sa akin ito [scholarship]…,” said RBCPowerlink guard Edgar Prado of his daughter, Angel Prado, a computer engineering student.

Given the economic challenges, it is hard for parents to support all their children in finishing their education, so they decide who will temporarily stop their studies. For some families, this means allowing the child to work while studying.

Arnaldo Lorca Jr. is a business administration student. His father, FG Bukidnon utility Arnaldo Lorca Sr., shared: “Susuportahan namin siya bilang mga magulang para magsikap na mag-aral nang mabuti dahil hindi basta-basta lang na may tumatanggap ng scholar.”

The third scholar, Grade 11 student Chrissyn Urmatan, is the daughter of RBC-Powerlink guard Chris Urmatan.

Scholarships truly provide opportunities to individuals who might otherwise be unable to pursue their education. They not only support the beneficiary but also provide crucial assistance to families striving to help their children complete their education despite financial challenges.