The 10 college beneficiaries from Catarman, Northern Samar together with their parents finally met with the OHF team led by ED Linda Perez and Program Area Coordinator (PAC), Janette Corollo in a face-to-face meeting on Tuesday, June 21, 2022, at the MSWD Office of Catarman. This meeting is the first since the students’ admission to the program because of travel restrictions imposed during the pandemic.
The scholarship started in Catarman, Northern Samar in June 2019 through the coordination with the LGU and Ms. Irmina Delorino, Municipal Social Welfare Development Officer. 10 deserving students are supported in their studies through monthly school allowances. Most of them are studying at the University of Eastern Philippines (UEP), a state university located in the municipality.
Though there were no monitoring visits conducted for the 2 years, OHF’s support for their studies continues. Communication is maintained through social media platforms and virtual meetings. The beneficiaries’ commitment to the Foundation is shown in their cooperation, determination, and perseverance despite facing challenges to adapt to new normal learning.
The meeting is also a celebration for the recently concluded school year where two of the scholars graduated. Maria Rosalina Tanzo finished BS Community Development while John Renz Lawrence Alfonso graduated Cum Laude with a degree in Bachelor in Secondary Education major in Filipino. Both shared about their journey as students and plans for their future as they are expected to enter the workforce.
Parents and beneficiaries expressed overwhelming feelings of happiness, relief, and gratitude to the Foundation. Their words of appreciation and the tears of joy shed as they share the journey are deeply felt. This inspires the Foundation to continue to serve more deserving children and families to have better opportunities ahead.
This is not only OHF’s success but more so, to the beneficiaries who worked hard to sow their future, and their parents, who walked hand-in-hand and supported their children’s endeavors. Cheers to this first face-to-face meeting, that is surely one of the best experiences worth sharing!
Prepared by: Janette C. Corollo, RSW, Program Area Coordinator
