One for the books

Out of PLMSFI’s  50 scholars, 30 plus graduate with top honours

The Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila Scholarship Foundation (PLMSFI has accomplished something remarkable, one for the books.

Out of the 50 plus scholars it has been supporting by giving them P1,500 for transport fare and allowance, 30  plus are graduating with honours: one summa cum laude, many more magna cum laude and the rest cum laude.

The alumni managing this Foundation, led by its president Terry Galvante deserve commendation from the PLM community.

Edmundo Las, the CEO of Eurotel, one of the biggest benefactors of the Foundation, has scheduled a luncheon to fete these graduating-with-honours students– it’s a celebration of the achievements of these scholars.”

Becca Cabrera, one of the officials of the Foundation, said that to celebrate this kind of unique achievement, the PLMSFI is planning to come up with the theme “Victory” in the next issue of the SFI Newsletter.

While it’s understandable that the PLMSFI is doing its best to accommodate as many students as possible under its wings, it can do only so much; it cuts off some students, though all are deserving.

In the school year 2022-2023, a total of 65 students have been taken by the Foundation. Still, one Josephine, not her real name, did not know she failed to make it. Still, she seemed persistent in following up on her application, and Becca said, ” Siya yung nag follow up sa akin na pursigido kaya napansin ko.”

Knowing Josephine’s background that her parents were separated and her grandparents are taking care of her now, Becca could only say “ kawawa naman kasi.”

So one morning, when I sent a simple hello to Becca, that day turned into an exchange of messages on how we could help Josephine.

Finally, I told Becca, “ let’s see what I can do.”

I immediately contacted my sister Annie in New York to see if she could help Josephine, and Annie, in turn, relayed this SOS message to Ann and asked her if they could extend help to Josephine. Both agreed that they would help her until Josephine finished her course.

Ann is a former nursing student at PLM, whom Annie had also helped. Ann graduated cum laude and was one of the top 10 in the nursing exams in the Philippines. Later, Annie requested her hospital to petition Ann to work there.

Now Ann is in New York working in the hospital.

Below is the summary of Josephine’s story:

Kawawa Naman

One afternoon I got a call

from a good friend, Becca.

“An applicant at PLMSFI

Got cut off, kawawa naman”

Although the student is bright,

she is devastated at no end.

Her parents are separated; she

now lives with her grandparents.

Her plight touched my heart,

moved me to help her

in whatever way I could.

Then, two kind-hearted people:

Annie and Anne responded with

love & care with ” kawawa naman din”

That is not the end; they vow to do

their best, helping this needy PLMayer.

— Willie Jose, Sept.7, 2022