By: Carlo Concepcion
Photo by: Carlo Concepcion /Advisor of The LANCE
The San Vicente Liem de la Paz Foundation (SVLDPF), led by Colegio’s key finance officials, launched on Dec. 2 the “Make-A-Difference” scholarship program through a presentation with Letran department heads and officials at the Rector’s Hall.
According to the foundation’s website, the program is “a continuing effort to solicit donations from alumni, parents, students, organizations, and individuals to make an impact on the lives of Letranites.”
Through website and in-person donation options, potential benefactors such as Letran alumni and parents will be invited to contribute through various scholarship packages for indigent students, student-athletes and academic achievers.
“Scholarship is one good thing Letran is doing, and it should not stop,” said Vice President for Financial Affairs Rev. Fr. Bejay Namuag, O.P., also a member of the SVLDPF board of trustees.
Vice President for Religious Affairs Rev. Fr. Patricio Hiwatig, O.P. added the program serves as an example of “sharing the good we do” or community effort, describing generosity as an “act of holiness.”
On the other hand, Vice President for Academic Affairs Prof. Danilo Villena called the program a “transformative initiative” for compassion and social responsibility, which acts as a viable platform to come together to support deserving students in their education journey.
Letran Rector and President Rev. Fr. Raymund Fernando Jose, O.P. reminded the foundation officials to take strategic steps in finding opportunities to communicate the program, especially this Christmas.
“It pains me that we have to reduce the number of our scholars because of our limited resources,” said Fr. Jose, who wished the program could have been launched earlier so that “more people can access the Letran brand of education”.
Current scholarship programs have been funded by the Colegio’s savings which continue to deplete over the years.
With a grand launch being planned once funds are generated, Assoc. Prof. Aldrin Sacristan, finance and resources director, and Mr. Albert Rosarda, student affairs officer-in-charge said the foundation will strengthen the social media presence of the program through frequent posting of video testimonials from current scholars.
Assoc. Prof. Sacristan added donors who have been helping Letran would be properly acknowledged through the slated “Make-A-Difference Night”.
With grants now funded through “Make-A-Difference”, existing screening and retention policies for scholars remain applicable.