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Manila Bulletin devider Lifestyle devider Youth devider From scholars to industry professionals: Inspiring success stories

From scholars to industry professionals: Inspiring success stories

The Iskolar ni Juan program will open applications for scholars in January 2024.

Published Dec 23, 2023 11:11 am

Education, when combined with the right skills and perseverance, opens opportunities for the deserving, a truth evident in the success of scholars in Gokongwei Brothers Foundation’s (GBF) technical school programs.

GBF INJ Graduates 1.jpg

This year, 44 outstanding youth scholars recently completed the Iskolar ni Juan (INJ) Tech-Voc Scholarship Program by GBF. The program's industry-standard curriculum ensures scholars are academically proficient and ready for today's evolving industries. Through GBF and Universal Robina Corporation (URC), the Iskolar ni Juan Tech-Voc Scholarship program provides education-to-employment opportunities to students.

004_GBF INJ Harold Mutia.jpg
Harold Ferraren Mutia 

One of the success stories is Harold Ferraren Mutia who acknowledged the foundation for reigniting his capacity to dream. 

“Nakatulong ang Iskolar ni Juan na gisingin ang natutulog kong pangarap na noon ay aking kinalimutan ngunit ngayon ay pinagsisikapan (The Iskolar ni Juan helped awaken the dream that I once forgot, but now, I am working hard for it),” he said. 

Originally from Mindanao, Harold overcame numerous challenges and worked in Luzon to support his family. Despite the hardships, he remained dedicated to his education and excelled as a natural leader in school. Introduced to the Iskolar ni Juan program by his teacher, Harold is grateful for this transformative opportunity. Now a graduate, he expresses gratitude for being able to pursue further studies, undergo training, and secure employment at URC El Salvador in Misamis Oriental.

GBF INJ Jesha Gregorio.jpg
Jesha Eve Gregorio

Then there’s also, Jesha Eve Gregorio, an outstanding Iskolar ni Juan from Batch 15B. She expressed her gratitude on behalf of the graduates. Despite attaining a bachelor's degree in electrical engineering, she opted for the scholarship program to enhance her technical skills and secure stable employment. She thanked GBF and URC for the support especially during board exam preparations that coincided with her on-the-job training. Engineer Jesha Gregorio currently works as an instrumentation technician at URC Cebu and is now a licensed electrical engineer.

Since 2014, INJ Tech-Voc Scholarship Program has been helping high school graduates and out-of-school youth. To date, 508 scholars have successfully finished the program and 58 are currently in training at the GBF Technical Training Center in Calamba City, Laguna. 

Engr. Raymund Ganotice, GBF Technical Training Center School Director, proudly led the graduation ceremony and welcomed the graduates from INJ batches 15B and 16. They completed GBF's Mechatronics Servicing NCII course and obtained 100 percent batch passing rate in TESDA's NCII assessment. 

“Each of you has faced unique challenges and overcome obstacles to arrive at this moment – the culmination of countless hours of study, lab and practical exercises, OJT, and self-discovery,” he said. “We celebrate not only the knowledge you have acquired but also the resilience and determination that have become an integral part of your character.”

In 2024, GBF plans to expand partnerships for the Iskolar ni Juan Program, seeking sponsors to provide subsidies and additional job opportunities. As part of these collaborations, the GBF Technical Training Center will craft a curriculum aligned with industry needs, technology, and TESDA standards.

The Iskolar ni Juan program will open its application for a new batch of scholars in January 2024. Senior high school graduates are invited to apply. NJ scholars enjoy fully subsidized technical training that includes allowances aside from free tuition, dormitory stay, school supplies, and NCII assessment fees.

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Gokongwei Brothers Foundation Scholarship program
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