By Merlina Hernando-Malipot  Through extended scholarship programs, more students from two schools in Metro Manila would have better chances to complete their education this school year. In line with its advocacy to promote quality education, the Security Bank Foundation Inc. (SBFI), has extended its scholarship programs to Chiang Kai Shek College (CKSC) and Ateneo de Manila University (ADMU). Under the Security Bank Foundation College Scholarship Program, the bank increased the number of slots available for deserving but financially-challenged Ateneo students with a P2-million donation to the Amando M. Tetangco, Jr. Ateneo Scholarship fund, which was created in honor of the former governor of the Bangko Sentral ng Philipinas (BSP). The Security Bank-Ateneo scholarship partnership began in the mid-1990s when Security Bank Foundation had its first scholar, who was an Atenean. The scholarship commitment aims to support Ateneo’s goal to have an inclusive student population - 30 percent of whom are scholars. For School Year (SY) 2019-2020, Security Bank Foundation has provided educational assistance to 407 scholars nationwide which is a 27-percent increase from the total number of beneficiaries in the previous SY. The signing ceremonies for both institutions were held recently at the Security Bank Centre in Makati City. For Security Bank Corporation President and Chief Executive Officer Sanjiv Vohra, the company remains “committed to our Better Banking promise of creating better opportunities for all.” “Our Bank’s strategy emphasizes the responsibility to participate in social development as articulated in our mission of enriching lives, empowering businesses and building communities through financial service excellence,” Vohra said. For Security Bank Foundation Chairman Rafael Simpao, Jr., the company focused on advocating for education because “we believe that education is the greatest equalizer in life.” Education, Simpao added, “will give every person the opportunity to succeed, no matter what his or her social and economic background may be.” Through scholarship programs and other education initiatives, he noted that the Security Bank will continue its initiatives to “create a brighter tomorrow for the next generation of Filipinos.” Meanwhile, presidents of both schools extended their gratitude to the SBFI for the continued support and educational assistance to students under the scholarship program. “I would like to assure you that the scholars who will be supported by this gift of education will be formed to be better persons,” said ADMU President Fr. Jose Ramon Villarin. “We will also make these scholars realize that many gifts have been given to them and that they should use their talent for others, not just for themselves,” he added. Aside from Ateneo, the SBFI also renewed their partnership with CKSC. The partnership will continue to provide scholarships to underprivileged students taking up accountancy, business management, computer and information technology courses. On behalf of the faculty and students of the school, CKSC President Dr. Dory Poa thanked Security Bank for “sharing with us the belief that access to tertiary education is critical to the advancement of society and the welfare of the individual.” “I hope that our partnership will continue to grow, and that the recipients of this scholarship will go on to become productive citizens of the future,” Poa ended.