Calderon Bldg., 827 EDSA, South Triangle, Quezon City, Philippines
Empowering Future Generations: The Angeles Family Scholarship Program
By Francis Kenneth Billones
The Angeles Family Scholarship Program was founded by Mr. Rey Angeles, president of Multi-Line and EverFirst, alongside his wife, Mrs. Bee Angeles. What began as a simple act of kindness has now blossomed into a lasting legacy of support for deserving students, helping to shape their futures and empower them to give back to their communities.
The story of the scholarship’s foundation revolves around Roshni Ezmae Vania Sanao, a grade school student from Balara Elementary School and an active Mass commentator at Santa Maria Della Strada Parish, where the Angeles family are parishioners. Every time the Angeles family attended Mass, Vania would greet them with the utmost respect. Deeply moved by her kindness, Mr. and Mrs. Angeles, with the assistance of Parish Coordinator Ms. Teresita “Tere” Dacer, decided to provide Vania with educational support, offering ₱100 per school day to help alleviate the financial burden of her education.
Mr. Angeles’ desire to assist those less fortunate, especially children, is rooted in his own upbringing. As a product of public schools and Tondo Parochial School, he personally understands the struggles families face when it comes to supporting their children’s education. His deep compassion led him to create a program designed not only to ease these financial burdens but also to empower children who work hard to succeed academically. Motivated by this, Mr. and Mrs. Angeles decided to extend their generosity and support to other students, particularly those who excel academically and serve the church. They reached out to the principal of Balara High School to explore how they could help more students, and with the help of Ms. Rowena “Weng” Agramon, they selected four additional scholars who fit the program’s criteria.
The current scholars of the Angeles Family Scholarship Program include Roshni Ezmae Vania Sanao (Grade 6), Emerald Shane Escullar (Grade 7), Prince George M. Nera (Grade 7), Mark Jorenz Bitangga (Grade 7), and Jhan Isaac Tajores (Grade 7). Each scholar receives ₱150 per school day, disbursed bi-weekly. This scholarship not only helps ease the financial burden on the scholars’ families but also aims to inspire them to continue excelling academically while serving their communities.
On January 4, 2025, Mr. Angeles organized a heartwarming get-together at his home in La Vista, Quezon City, for the scholars, Ms. Weng, and Ms. Tere. Ms. Luz Gastilo, the HR manager, also attended the event.
This gathering provided an opportunity for Mr. Angeles to personally connect with the scholars, share meaningful life lessons, and enjoy a delightful merienda of puto’t dinuguan and kutsinta. A pictorial was held, capturing memorable moments amidst the festive Christmas decorations at the Angeles residence.
The event left a lasting impression, underscoring the warmth and care the program brings to its recipients.
For Roshni Ezmae Vania Sanao (Grade 6), this opportunity gave her a chance for a brighter future. “Importante po sa akin ang scholarship kasi natutulungan ko na po ang nanay at tatay ko. Hindi na po nila kailangan mag-alala ng masyado sa mga gastusin sa aking pag-aaral,” she shared.
Meanwhile, Emerald Shane Escullar (Grade 7) expressed her gratefulness for the scholarship, citing the mounting expenses students face nowadays. “Ang kahalagahan sakin ng natanggap kong scholarship, ay mas napadali ang pag-aaral ko especially dahil highschool student na’ko. Mas maraming PT’s or performance task ang mga pinapapagawa sa amin, at dahil sa scholarship, mas napapadali ang pagbili ko ng mga materials para sa performance tasks ko.”
“Napakahalaga nito sa akin, napakalaki ng tulong na naibibigay nito sa aking pag-aaral at nakatulong din ito sa aking pamilya,” another scholar, Prince George Nera (Grade 7) added.
Mark Jorenz Bitangga (Grade 7) also commented, “Mas napapadali po yung aking pag-aaral nang hindi namomroblema sa budget sa tuwing may kailangan bilhin para sa performance tasks sa school. Lalo na po sa high school, marami na pong pangangailangan na mga materials.”
“Sobrang mahalaga po (yong scholarship) dahil sa high-school po, marami pong ambagan sa mga gawain tulad ng pagbili ng mga kagamitan,”Jhan Isaac Tajores (Grade 7) also shared.
The Angeles Family Scholarship Program stands as a testament to the power of kindness, the importance of education, and the lasting impact that one family’s compassion can have on future generations. These scholars, through their voices, highlight the significant role this support has played in shaping their academic journeys and aspirations.