“Because I was once helped, I am inspired to help others.”

For Aljon “Jon” Cadena, education has always been more than a personal pursuit, it is a calling to serve others. At 22 years old, this Security Bank Foundation college scholar and fourth-year Marketing Management student at the Polytechnic University of the Philippines-Manila lives by a guiding belief that shapes his every step: “Gagamitin ang karunungan, mula sa iyo para sa bayan.”

Jon grew up in a modest home in Caloocan City. His father works as an electrician while his mother manages their household. As the youngest of three siblings, he witnessed the quiet sacrifices his parents made to ensure that he and his brothers could chase better opportunities.

“When I entered college, the distance between our home and PUP made me question if it was really meant for me,” Jon recalls. “Even if tuition was free, the daily expenses for transportation, food, and school needs were difficult for my family to sustain.”

The pandemic only worsened their situation. His father’s projects slowed down, and his brother’s work hours were cut. But in the middle of uncertainty, Jon’s perseverance did not waver. “I came across the Security Bank Foundation scholarship opportunity on Facebook,” he says. “When I got accepted, it felt like a sign to keep going.”

The scholarship became his turning point. “It did not just ease my family’s financial burden, it gave me peace of mind and confidence to focus on my studies,” Jon shares. With the support he received, he was able to afford transportation, school projects, and internet access for hybrid learning – essentials that once felt out of reach.

Freed from financial worries, Jon began to thrive. Since his first year, he has been a consistent President’s Lister and a student leader who actively contributes to the PUP community. He currently serves as Associate Vice President for Research and Development of the PUP Junior Marketing Executives, leading student-led initiatives that promote awareness, inclusivity, and leadership. He also took part in the accreditation task force for PUP’s Marketing Management program, a milestone that strengthened his commitment to teamwork and service.

Jon also discovered how creativity can inspire impact. He won first place in a brochure-making contest and second place in a web design competition, skills he honed through self-learning during the pandemic. What started as a hobby in editing became a way to express his ideas and support school projects.

Beyond the university, Jon finds fulfillment in service. He has volunteered in blood donation drives, community programs for orphaned and underprivileged children, and youth leadership workshops. As an alumnus of his former high school, he mentors young journalists and student leaders, helping them find their own voices. “Leadership is not about titles,” he says. “It is about helping others grow and using what you know to make a difference.”

Through these experiences, Jon learned that success is built not only on intelligence but also on gratitude and service. “The Security Bank Foundation became my light during uncertain times,” he says. “It reminded me that I am not just studying for myself, but for the people whose lives I can touch.”

The scholarship, he adds, gave him more than financial support, it gave him a sense of purpose. “Being part of the Scholars for Better Communities program taught me that blessings are meant to be shared,”he reflects. “It reminded me that I have a responsibility to extend the same light I have received to others.”

As Jon approaches graduation, his dreams are anchored in gratitude. “I want to give my parents the kind of life they once only wished for me, a life filled with stability and peace,” he shares. But more than that, he dreams of living a life of significance: one grounded in kindness, humility, and service to others.

“They say that PUPians are the Tanglaw ng Bayan,” Jon says with a smile. “But for me, the Security Bank Foundation has been my Tanglaw ng Pag-asa ng Bayan, the light that guided me through uncertainty and helped me believe in what I could become.”

For Jon, being a scholar is more than a privilege, it is a promise. A promise to give back, to lead with empathy, and to use his education and skills to create change. “Because of the Foundation, I walk toward my future with confidence and gratitude,” he says. “I have learned that being a scholar is not just about receiving help, it is about becoming a vessel of hope for others. The light I once received, I can now share with others too.”

Jon’s story of perseverance and purpose reflects the impact that consistent support can make. This year, the Polytechnic University of the Philippines recognized Security Bank Foundation as one of their steadfast donors, supporting 12 deserving students each academic year. The recognition is more than just an award; it is a reminder that behind every scholar’s success is a community that believes in their dreams and chooses to light the way for others.

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