MIF college scholars graduate; some find employment
Metro Infanta Foundation is proud to announce that a total of 10 scholars formed the first crop of college graduates who will soon be contributing members of society. In fact, several of these MIF scholars are now gainfully employed, according to a report by the MIF partner organization in the Philippines, the Socio Pastoral Institute, under coordinator Mayee Abear-Marzan.
Scholars -- Charito Bargues, Mark Kristian Espinosa, Jocelyn Villamar, Mary Grace Balico and Abegail Hernandez -- graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in education and were among the Bishop Labayen Scholars funded by the Eleanore Mullen Weckbaugh Foundation.
Charito Barguez of Baler, Aurora, graduated from Mt. Carmel College (MCC) in Baler, where she is now a kindergarten teacher. Charito is the third of seven children and is grateful for the opportunity provided by the Metro Infanta Foundation. Charito's mother Aling Nimfa is a single parent who makes a living on small business. In addition, two high school student MIF scholars from Mt. Carmel School of Infanta are also among those who graduated in 2006.
Another Mark Kristian Espinoza of San Luis, Aurora, received his degree from MCC, and is now teaching at Mt. Carmel High School-General Nakar. He teaches science, values education and music. Mark is an only child. His father is a tricycle driver and his mother makes a living from hat (sabutan) consignment.
Jocelyn Villamar is the third MCC graduate, and is now a floating teacher at MCS-Baler. She is the second of two children. Her parents are farmers.
Mary Grace Balico is from Dingalan, Aurora, and a graduate of the College of Immaculate Conception in Nueva Ecija. She graduated with honors -- magna cum laude -- and now teaches English, science and CL and a grade 3 class adviser at CIC. Mary Grace is the second of three children. Her parents earn a living through farming.
Abegail Hernandez also graduated with honors -- cum laude -- with a bachelor of science degree in secondary education, major in social studies, from the Northern Quezon Cooperative College, Infanta, Quezon. She had to take summer classes in English, because her alma mater, strong> Mt. Carmel High School in Burdeos, Quezon where she now teaches was in dire need of an English teacher.
In addition, Raymond Paul Coralde from Polillo, Quezon, finished his academic requirements at the Philippine Marine Institute in Sta. Cruz, Manila, and is applying for apprenticeship as a seaman.
Octoberian (graduated this current school year 2006-2007, 1st semester.)
Renee Rose Cabasag from Casiguran, Aurora, she is a graduate of the National Teachers College with a bachelor of science degree in education and now a contractual library staff at the College of the Holy Spirit in Manila.
Nomie Pujeda from Infanta, Quezon, graduated from Polytechnic University of the Philippines with a Bachelor of Arts degree in office administration.
All of the above were funded by a grant from the Weckbaugh Foundation in Denver, Colorado.
The following scholars were sponsored by various MIF families and friends.
Beulah Axalan finished with a Bachelor of Science degree in nursing at Batangas University. She was sponsored by Mark and Mila Glodava
Marisol Vergara graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in nursing at Chinese General Hospital. She has passed the nursing board exam, has taken her oath last October 27 and is awaiting her license in January. She recently finished reviewing for the NCLEX (National Council Licensure Examination) and hopes to take the exam by next year. She was sponsored by Mark and Mila Glodava.
In addition, two high students funded by donors indicated below, graduated from Mt. Carmel High School.
Eunice Janine Borreo Her last year was sponsored by John and Joni Sanderson.
Redmar Paraiso His last year was sponsored by Romy Tena.
Metro Infanta Foundation gave tuition assistance to a number of high school scholars in Infanta, thanks to the support of donors such as Zeny Potes, Emilie Gurango, Joe and Lonching Pujeda, Kelly and Annabelle Clayton, Jon and Amor Santiago, Mita and Billy Pasia, Pol and Vacion Derilo and many more. However, we were unable to gather progress reports about them due to lack of monitoring abilities of the foundation. Nevertheless, we are grateful to those who supported those unnamed scholars.
We have corrected this weakness by engaging the services of Socio Pastoral Institute as our mission partner -- coordinating, monitoring and providing the support that Metro Infanta Foundation lacks in the past.
SPI will also hold the scholars accountable and keep them honest in meeting their requirements to continue the scholarship grants. This partnership is made possible by funds specifically provided for this purpose.