Our Stories
Scholarship Program at Masbate Supports Graduate Success
July 10, 2023
Congratulations to Trisha Mae Adoptante, Jason Bandoquillo, Joryl Briol and Lovely Mae Morado, who all recently graduated from their studies at universities in the Philippines.
The students were all recipients of the Masbate Gold Project (MGP) Scholarship Program. The Scholarship Program is an Employee Engagement Committee initiated program, launched in 2018, to enable dependents of employees at the Masbate Mine to continue in their higher education pursuits.
The scholarships foster upward social and economic mobility of employees and their dependents. While it reduces the financial burden for the parent, it also encourages employee retention and commitment as their child embarks on their academic journey. If the qualification criteria are met, awards are granted without regard to age and gender, but on the basis of the value of further education to the family unit.
The Scholarship Program covers expenses such as tuition fees, books, syllabus and other reference materials and school supplies, uniforms and shoes, transportation expenses – to and from school and student’s residence during the semester, room and board, food allowance, and technological tools.
Trisha, who recently graduated Magna Cum Laude from the University of San Jose-Recoletos in Cebu City, recognizes the scholarship provided a life-changing opportunity and describes the impact the award has made.
“As I started my college journey, I persevered not only to get passing grades but high grades in order to maintain my scholarship, and at the same time, I didn’t want to disappoint the benefactors behind this scholarship.”
Trisha faced challenges along the way, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“The news [of the pandemic] made me fear for our health and financial stability. Throughout the course of quarantine, I was not able to go home and was stuck in Cebu City. My father, who is the breadwinner, had to provide for our family in Masbate and for me in Cebu. With the financial assistance coming from the company through my scholarship, I was able to lighten the burden on my father’s shoulders in some ways. During that time, I was able to buy my own devices, which were highly needed during online classes.”
“This scholarship also taught me things that no amount of reading or studying could ever teach me. It has taught me to manage my finances and be responsible with money. Additionally, it has taught me to always look back and be thankful to all the people who have helped me reach where I am now.”
Jason was also appreciative of the support the scholarship provided, and said, “I’d like to thank [MGP] for giving me the opportunity to be one of your scholars, for always guiding us and for your understanding …. and for giving me the courage to pursue my dreams.”
Lovely Mae Morado, who graduated in 2022, received her scholarship in the first batch of awards given in 2019.
“I am sincerely honored to have been selected as the recipient of the Masbate Gold Project scholarship 2019. Thank you for your generosity, which has allowed me to graduate with honors through the support of that scholarship. Thankful and proud being a beneficiary of your scholarship grant, this scholarship motivated me to study hard and maintain my grades … which enabled me to complete my degree. Without your kind consideration, it would not have been possible for me to make my dream a reality.”
Since the scholarship program began, 24 students have graduated, and the following four students with honors:
- Lovely Mae Morado, 2022 Graduate of Bachelor of Science (BS) in Electronic Technology – Cum Laude
- Jason Bandoquillo, 2023 Graduate of BS in Exercise and Sports Major in Fitness and Sports Management- Com Laude
- Joryl Briol, 2023 Graduate of Bachelor of Arts in Journalism – Cum Laude
- Trisha Mae Adoptante, 2023 Graduate of Bachelor of Science in Medical Technology – Magna Cum Laude
MGP is currently reviewing applications for 45 students, in the fifth batch of scholarships since the program began. It places the importance on education as one of Masbate Mine’s legacies to employees.
As these students stand on the exciting threshold of their chosen careers, it’s an investment in education that’s worth its weight in gold.
