Lao Foundation meets ZEP2030 scholars

The Lao Foundation Inc. (LFI) visited the school last March 25, 2023 for a friendly “kamustahan” with Dualtech scholars under the LFI-ZEP2030 Program. LFI was represented by Mr. Carlo Jose Racela, Ms. Pauline Anne Francisco, Mr. Johniel Tuando, and Ms. Sheena Fidelson. The Zero Extreme Poverty PH 2030 (ZEP) is a multi-sectoral movement with multiple convenors, such as LFI. The ZEP has multiple clusters meant to focus on varying aspects of the society, but all aim to reduce extreme poverty from the Philippines by the year 2030.

During the gathering, some of the scholars shared their stories and the impact of the scholarship on their schooling. Joseph M. Cebedo of Misamis Occidental shared how the scholarship motivates him: “Now that I am doing on the job training (OJT) here at Enchanted Kingdom, your help really matters a lot…. Our training in the companies may be taxing, so often we have doubts about continuing. But we also remind ourselves of so many who have faith in us, like family, friends, Dualtech and the foundation. Lao Foundation has really helped us to hang on to our dreams and help our families rise out of poverty.”

Ms. Sheena Fidelson, LFI’s Program Coordinator, encouraged the students to focus on the rare opportunities to improve one’s situation:  “I’m once more reminded of the importance of why we do this… Students, not everyone will have the opportunity to learn alongside good people. Take the opportunity since there are good people who will form you to have better values. And be good examples too to others.

About LFI:

Established in 2010, Lao Foundation, Inc. (LFI) grew out of the informal outreach programs of the D&L Industries’ Holding and member companies in the communities where the group operates. Main programs include scholarships and values formation to in–need students.

About ZEP2030:

“Zero Extreme Poverty Philippines by 2030” is a civil society-led movement that was launched in 2015 to serve as a platform for collaborative action to help reduce extreme poverty in the Philippines. Know more at their website: http://zeropovertyph.net/