DAVAO CITY – Apo Agua Infrastructura Inc. vowed to continue its dedication to empowering local communities and enhancing the well-being of the people of Davao following the graduation of the inaugural group of college scholars hailing from its host communities.
May Che Capili, external relations officer of Apo Agua, said that they commit to assisting students from diverse backgrounds, with a particular focus on supporting educational goals of indigenous peoples (IP) within their partner communities.
Apo Agua currently has 25 scholars, five of whom have successfully finished their studies. The firm celebrated the graduation of the original batch of college scholars from its host communities last month.
The five scholars from the Marilog District here completed bachelor’s degrees in various major studies from Holy Cross of Davao College, Saint Paul College of Davao, Holy Cross College of Calinan, and the University of Mindanao.
“With Apo Agua’s assistance, I was able to jump one step of the ladder I am currently climbing to achieve my goals in life and my academic ambitions. The support I got isn’t just financial, but it is a beacon of hope and affirmation of my potential,” said Janica Gierran, a 2023 scholar graduate.
Launched in 2019, the Apo Agua College Scholarship Program aims to provide educational support to deserving individuals in the Davao region as they work toward obtaining their college degrees and preparing for future career opportunities.
Capili said each year, qualified students from host communities who require financial assistance and have shown exceptional academic performance and a solid commitment to civic service are selected to be part of the scholarship initiative.
In addition to the comprehensive college scholarship initiative, Capili said Apo Agua also actively engages in the annual Brigada Eskwela program by the Department of Education (DepEd).
Apo Agua this year contributed paints and supplies to improve learning conditions in several schools, distributed school materials to 500 students through the School Needs Support Program, and offered financial aid to 20 high-achieving high school students, including the IP communities.
“Our support to the teaching sector through our various programs is our way of helping the future leaders and mobilizers of change in our society. We strongly back students with the potential to make a positive difference in their respective communities and chosen fields,” Capili said.
To celebrate the various milestones of its education projects and acknowledge the support of its partner schools, Apo Agua organized a culminating activity with the theme “Empowering Dreams through Education” last October 12.
In attendance were the school heads and representatives from this year’s partner schools, Davao City Rep. Isidro Ungab, DepEd-Davao School Governance and Operations Division (SGOD) chief Dr. Teresita del Valle, and Barangay Affairs Coordinator Carolina Domingo from the Office of Vice Mayor Jay Quitain.
Ungab thanked Apo Agua for their hard work and its Corporate Social Responsibility initiatives that aid schools, educators, and students. He said they have an excellent partnership contributing to the betterment of the community.
Del Valle said she hopes that with Apo Agua’s assistance, the participation rate of learners will increase, as they have the same goal that no learner should be left behind.