by Kimberly T. Gahilomo, BA Comm-4, OJT

The 10 new scholars of The Ruth Scholarship Foundation with the Board of Trustees of the Foundation and their parents.

The launching of The Ruth Scholarship Foundation was held last March 21, 2022 at the CPU Henry Luce Library. The Mission of the Foundation is to support students by providing need-based scholarships to enable them to succeed and give back to their communities.

The event was attended by the members of the Board of Trustees of the Foundation. Also present in the event are CPU Vice President for Students Affairs, Dr. Esther Rose R. Romarate; CPU Vice President for Academic Affairs, Dr. Irving Domingo L. Rio; CPU Vice President for Finance and Administration, Dr. Florence B. Bogacia and also the University Church Senior Pastor, Rev. Cris Amorsolo V. Sian. The parents and deans of the different colleges were also present to show their support to the 10 new scholars of the foundation.

Rev. Francis Neil G. Jalando-on led the attendees to an invocation followed by the virtual opening remarks of the University President, Dr. Teodoro C. Robles.

Atty. Peter Irving C. Corvera, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Foundation, explained the foundation’s overview. It aims to give support and resources to students who are financially challenged to achieve their goals.

Atty. Corvera continued that in choosing the recipients of the scholarship, the students doesn’t need to be at the top of their classes. There are no biases especially when it comes to cultural or religious background. Instead, the foundation partnered with the deans of the colleges to select, interview and evaluate students who exhibits the potential to give back to their communities in the future.

“It is not a religious scholarship. It is a scholarship with Christian values,” the Chairman emphasized. The goal is that its scholars, after graduation, may find proper employment and succeed in their respective careers, whereby they may give back to their families and be of service to their communities.

Besides the full scholarship and fees, assistance in board and lodging, connectivity and academic materials, the Foundation also wants to impart their core values to the students which are integrity, equity, leadership, community service and compassion, and relationships.

Dr. Rumalie A. Corvera, founding President of The Ruth Foundation, introduced the Board of Trustees. The following are the members of the Board: Chairman, Atty. Peter Irving C. Corvera, Dr. Rumalie A. Corvera, Engr. Job P. Gimay, Mrs. Ester Lagardilla-Jara, Mrs. Josita Alpha G. Jalando-on, Mr. Adrian Lee, and Prof. Rea Angelica F. Villeza. The members of the Board were chosen because of their competency and their relationship to the Corvera Family.

Prof. Rea Angelica F. Villeza presented the first 10 scholars of the foundation. They are the following: Julienne Anne D. Bajon, Bachelor of Science in Accountancy; Florinda E. Caldito, Bachelor of Science in Environmental Management; Alrey N. Canicula and Karen Kate P. Liza, Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering; Gad B. Castro, Bachelor of Science in Advertising; Deneilyn P. Gabo, Bachelor of Science in Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering; Reden V. Gadot and Micah Gail M. Sorioso, Bachelor of Science in Medical Laboratory Science; Althea E. Labestre, Bachelor of Science in Respiratory Therapy; Jessa Mae B. Malificiar, Bachelor of Science in Social Work.

Gad B. Castro, one of the scholars, entertained the attendees by sharing his talent in singing. Florinda E. Caldito shared her journey in becoming one of the scholars. She unveiled how she thought at first that the whole ordeal was a scam since she had past experiences with such situations. But her fear turned into praises when she became part of the first 10.

Julienne Anne D. Bajon also presented a grateful response in behalf of her fellow scholars.

The event came to an end with a message of commitment and support given by Dr. Esther Rose R. Romarate and a prayer of dedication by Rev. Cris Amorsolo Sian.

The launching was also filled with joy and nostalgia as old friends and comrades shared stories to commemorate and give honor to the late Rev. Ruth Corvera, to whom the foundation was named after.