Security Bank Foundation Inc. (SBFI) recognized twenty-five (25) of its scholars who graduated this year in a ceremony held at Security Bank Centre last September 18, 2019. This was the first time that Security Bank Foundation organized a Recognition Day for its scholar-graduates who obtained their bachelor’s and master’s degrees. SBFI hopes to continue this as a tradition to bring together scholars and thank them for completing their respective programs, and securing a better future for them and their families.
The Security Bank Foundation scholar-graduates are a mix of children of Security Bank employees and agency personnel, students of partner colleges and universities and a Security Bank employee. Of the twenty-five (25) scholar-graduates, two (2) graduated Magna Cum Laude and nine (9) graduated Cum Laude. Scholar-graduates with Latin honors who attended the ceremony received plaques and cash rewards as tokens of appreciation for their exemplary academic excellence.
As an education advocate, Security Bank Foundation believes that deserving students should be given the opportunity to finish their education despite financial challenges. “We see education as a tool to empower individuals. Once these scholars graduate, they would have access to better career opportunities and they would have better means to uplift the lives of their families. Educated individuals can also contribute their knowledge and skills to help drive development in their respective communities. It is for this reason that Security Bank Foundation branded its scholarship program as Scholars for Better Communities,” explained by Melissa Aquino, Trustee of Security Bank Foundation.
Coming from all walks of life, each Security Bank Foundation scholar-graduate has surpassed different kinds of challenges before finally getting their diploma. Karla Joyce Felisilda, a Security Bank Foundation scholar who graduated Magna Cum Laude, had to endure the emotional and financial impact of losing her father at a very young age as she finished her education. “I realized that we never really outgrow such a painful experience. In my case, it taught me about resilience. This life-changing moment brought me to focus on one of my life goals: to study even harder, graduate with honors, and make my parents proud. Now that I have finally achieved this goal, I acknowledge that this is a combination of a lot of things—my hard work and grit, the presence of a solid support system in my life, and notably, the men and women from Security Bank Foundation who tirelessly find ways to support students like me. I wouldn’t be able to stand in front of you here today to share my story if not for the people behind SBFI. My heart is full of gratitude,” expressed by Felisilda.
Security Bank Foundation Chairman Rafael F. Simpao, Jr. also advised the scholar-graduates to become productive citizens of the country as they move on to the next phase of their life: “We pray that you consider paying it forward by helping the people whose lives you will touch and who may be experiencing the same struggles you have endured during your student days. Let us work together to help build better communities by volunteering and donating to social development initiatives.”
For School Year 2019-2020, Security Bank Foundation has provided educational assistance to 407 scholars nationwide, which is a 24% increase from the total number of beneficiaries last school year. Security Bank Foundation vows to continue to ensure access to quality education by providing scholarships to deserving students.
SECURITY BANK FOUNDATION 2019 SCHOLAR-GRADUATES WITH LATIN HONORS
Magna Cum Laude
| FELISILDA, KARLA JOYCE A. | POLYTECHNIC UNIVERSITY OF THE PHILIPPINES | BSBA MARKETING MANAGEMENT |
| JAVELONA, NICOLE J. | UNIVERSITY OF ST. LA SALLE | AB PSYCHOLOGY |
Cum Laude
| CASTRO, MA. ANDREA KAMILLE D. | UNIVERSITY OF STO. TOMAS | BSBA BUSINESS ECONOMICS |
| CINCO, RAYMART F. | LYCEUM OF THE PHILIPPINES UNIVERSITY | BS ACCOUNTANCY |
| CRUZ, GABRIELLE CHELSEA M. | UNIVERSITY OF STO. TOMAS | BSBA MARKETING MANAGEMENT |
| DE CASTRO, MARK JEROME O. | POLYTECHNIC UNIVERSITY OF THE PHILIPPINES | BS ACCOUNTANCY |
| FIRME, CYREL JANE J. | POLYTECHNIC UNIVERSITY OF THE PHILIPPINES | BSBA MARKETING MANAGEMENT |
| LALAS, VEA CAMILLE P. | UNIVERSITY OF SANTO TOMAS | BS ARCHITECTURE |
| MARMETO, ALLYSSA MAE L. | POLYTECHNIC UNIVERSITY OF THE PHILIPPINES | BSBA HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT MANAGEMENT |
| ORANDA, MARIA CLAIRE T. | UNIVERSITY OF THE PHILIPPINES DILIMAN | BS BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION |
| TAN, KRYSTEL NICOLE | DE LA SALLE UNIVERSITY | BS MANAGEMENT OF FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS |
To know more about the Security Bank Foundation, visit www.securitybank.com/foundation.