In many instances, it has been proven that poverty is not an excuse for failing to get a good education and realize one’s dreams.

This is especially true for Harold Sapues, a farmer’s son who is now a Certified Public Accountant (CPA). 

Harold, 25, is a son of farmer - who is also part-time factory worker- and a housewife. He is the fifth among a brood of seven and the first in the family to obtain a diploma. 

In 2015, Harold graduated top of his class after completing Bachelor of Science in Accountancy degree at the University of Cebu - Banilad Campus. 

Five years later, the young CPA is now a Certified Tax Technician for a multinational corporation, and pursues a Master’s Degree in Business Management at the University of San Jose-Recoletos in Cebu.

While poverty is what held his parents back - killing their beliefs and aspirations in life - Harold believes that is also “poverty that propelled them to dream big for their children.”

While his own determination enabled him to be where he is right now, Harold believes that he could not have done it without the organizations that are willing to extend a helping hand to poor students such as the Aboitiz Foundation. 

Harold was an Aboitiz scholar for eight years. “I owe a lifetime of gratitude to the foundation for helping me and my family build a better quality life through education,” Sapues shared - recalling how both his parents constantly reminded him about the value of education.

The Aboitiz Group, through its social development arm Aboitiz Foundation, gives opportunities to bright and promising yet financially-challenged students to have access to quality education. 

“Our education programs aim to bridge education to employment so that  individuals will be empowered to create a better future for themselves and their families,” Aboitiz Foundation president and chief operating officer Maribeth Marasigan. “Our social impact is measured not only by the numbers but by the quality of lives changed,” she added. 

To give youth like Harold a chance to get better education, the Aboitiz Foundation announced that applications for the Aboitiz College Scholarship Program (ACSP) are already open for the school year 2021-2022. 

The scholarship is open particularly for students who are pursuing degrees in data science, digital transformation, engineering, information technology, sales, e-commerce, agriculture and nutrition.

The scholarship - which started in 2000 - has so far assisted nearly a thousand students. It provides a comprehensive benefit package which includes full tuition fee coverage, monthly allowance, and board review fees for degrees that require board exam after graduation. 

To qualify for the program, applicant must be a full-time incoming freshman of an eligible college or university, must be pursuing a degree identified by the Foundation, has a general weighted average (GWA) of at least 88% with no failing grade and incomplete grade, and does not have a record of any form of disciplinary action. 

One must be able to accomplish the application form and submit the requirements on time. Applicants must also submit a certified true copy of their senior high school report card, recommendation letter and GWA/GPA certification (with percentage equivalent) from the Principal and certifications supporting leadership experience and awards received. 

Community involvement must be attached in the online application form.

The screening process includes panel interviews. Interested applicants can apply online through the Aboitiz Foundation website at aboitizfoundation.org. 

The application period is from January 29 to March 15, 2021. Qualified applicants will be notified by the end of April.