Access to college education has always been a problem for high school graduates who live in far-flung areas and are too poor to avail of tertiary education.Fortunately, that is not the case with four college freshmen who have found a benefactor in the wholly-owned subsidiary of AboitizPower, Hedcor, Inc. which recently granted them full scholarships in schools of their choice. The grant covers tuition fee, book allowance, and monthly financial assistance until they acquire their degree.
Aiza Bayali, a graduate of Tugbok High School, Davao City at age 20 had lost both parents when she was only 12 years old, But that did not deter her from finishing her elementary and secondary education through her own efforts. She worked as a househelp to support her schooling. Today, thanks to Hedcor, she is enrolled at the University of Mindanao in her quest for a degree in civil engineering.
“The scholarship grant of Hedcor is such a wonderful blessing for me,” Bayali said. “Now, I can start reaching for my dreams.”.
Other scholars include Andro Miasco from Brgy. Catalunan Pequeño, Keyse Gulani from Brgy. Sibulan, Davao del Sur, and Glyn Michael Dolauta from Barangay Darong, all are from the host communities of the recently commissioned Talomo Hydroelectric and Sibulan Hydroelectric Plant.
Being the country’s leader in power generation, Hedcor is committed in its host communities’ partnership and continues to help deserving students by sending them to college. Apart from the college scholarships, 30 high school students from five different schools in Davao City and Sta. Cruz, Davao del Sur are currently benefiting from Hedcor’s financial assistance to high school students.
Hedcor, the largest developer of run-of-river hydropower plants in the country, operates 18 hydropower plants in Benguet and Davao with a total capacity of 150 megawatts. To date, Hedcor has allotted more than 7.8 million pesos primarily for education.
