The spirit of Christmas has become more poignant to five young learners who received a gift towards building a brighter tomorrow. In December 2022, the Gokongwei Brothers Foundation (GBF), through their GBF- Gokongwei Group STEM Scholarship Program, bestowed scholarships upon five students from the College of Pharmacy of Our Lady of Fatima University-Antipolo Campus (OLFU Antipolo).
An industry partner of OLFU’s College of Pharmacy, the GBF is dedicated in uncovering financially-challenged yet outstanding learners who can be nurtured into becoming future STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) professionals and, moreover, be given the chance to grow their careers within the Gokongwei Group.
The five recipients are Riki Mae Sofia Matias, Bea Rolyn Gonzales, Christian Jay Macuja, Michael Angelo Fajardo, and Elissa Mauriell Belison. All of them underwent an intensive vetting process and vied for the scholarship slots along with many other contenders.
With the application process having begun as early as in the second quarter of the year, eligibility criteria had to be met, first and foremost. For instance, applicants must be currently enrolled in a GBF priority STEM course in a GBF partner university. Also, the applicant must present a good academic record with a general weighted average no lower than 80% and must be at the top percentile of the class— SHS candidates coming in as college freshmen must be in the Top 10% of their class; continuing college students must be in the Top 30%, except for candidates taking Pharmacy programs who can be in the Top 50%. Evidence of good moral character, active involvement in extra-curricular activities, and proof that financial assistance is needed make up the rest of the qualifying criteria.
The five stellar scholars from OLFU will receive an academic scholarship equivalent to Php 85,000 per year per student up until they graduate. The beneficiaries will also be exposed to scholarship development programs, and will be accepted as interns in the Gokongwei group. What completes GBF’s scholarship package is the opportunity for a permanent post in the Gokongwei group once the scholar graduates and earns his or her professional license as a Pharmacist.
To Riki Mae, Bea, Christian, and Elissa, spread your wings and soar to unprecedented heights!
Story contributed by:
Anbel Bautista
Program Head, College of Pharmacy
OLFU Antipolo