Lao Foundation, Inc.

I was given another chance to change my life – scholar

In 2015, Lao Foundation gave educational assistance to 20 Dualtech scholars from Camarines Norte, Abra, and Ilocos Sur. After this batch, LFI added support to 20 scholars from Romblon, Surigao Del Norte, Nueva Vizcaya, Cebu, and Zambales.

Included as beneficiaries of LFI Scholarship grants is the first batch from Surigao City whose families were affected by the recent earthquake in  March 2017. The six scholars were recruited through the help of the coordinators from Saint Paul University.

Jomar Estrella was raised in a family for which fishing is the only source of income. His older brothers gave up their studies to send Jomar to high school. He said, “Hindi kasya ang kita ng aking tatay para pag-aralin kaming magkakapatid. Noong nakapagtapos ako ng high school, nagpasalamat ako ng sobra sa aking mga kapatid.” After high school, he knew too well that college education was not an option. Immediately, Jomar worked as janitor in Saint Paul University. After few weeks, the school told him about the scholarship program of Dualtech Center.
Another scholar, Ronito Ligad Jr., stopped in 3rd year high school. At a young age, he worked as farmer and a helper in a construction site. He set aside secondary education to preserve income for his parents and for the tuition of his younger siblings. His cousin told him about Alternative Learning System (ALS). He enrolled without informing his parents who only knew he was only working to support the  family. He said, “Mahirap lang po kami. Noong nalaman ng magulang ko na nakapagtapos ako sa ALS, natuwa po sila sa akin.” His mother heard about Dualtech in Saint Paul University and referred his son to be among the scholars.

These two scholars have similar stories with other 40 Dualtech scholars supported by Lao Foundation, Inc. Through the scholarship grants, scholars find hope to pursue further education. Ronito said, “Nagpapasalamat ako sa Lao Foundation na sinuportahan kami sa pag-aaral. Dito na matutupad ang pangarap ko na mai-ahon ang aking magulang sa hirap.”

The first batch of LFI scholars will complete the training program in July 2017.  These scholars have a common goal – to help their family.

Lao Foundation, Inc. (LFI) grew out of the informal outreaches of D&L Industries’ holdings and member companies in the communities where it operate. LFI aspires to make a dent in the lives of the poor Filipinos as its way of sharing and giving back. The foundation engages in a diversity of programs and services to make a significant impact in the lives of its beneficiaries through education, values formation, and livelihood programs.