[Seated, left-right: Kitoy Guevarra, Glenn Sorila, Rose Ofianga, Elsa Guevarra, Rosisima Villa Abrille Bagarino, Leticia Villa Abrille Corpuz, Jesusita Villa Abrille, Milagros Reyes, Teresita Angliongto, Joy Gaisano, Zony Reyes, Mabel Acosta, Angel Angliongto
Standing, second row: Sheila Allado, Michael Gatela, Jhoanna Cruz, Maritess Avellanosa, Charmaine Valentin, Jerick Axalan, Doris Villareal, Ligaya Leal, Stella Salazar, Dinah Tolentino-Fuentes, Fe Puyos, May Anne Mata, Jeffrey Agot, Michael Bonghanoy, Celia Castillo, Rose Catiempo, Jet Rayel, JC Angliongto, Rene Estremera
Last row: Jackie Quiñones, Kurshid Kalabud, Armando Dy, Ferdinand Sorila, John Gaisano, Dr. Silverio, Badjun Reyes, Francisco Ramos, Lito Patonona, Sherwin Ramos, Alona Teo, Amanda Echevarria, Antoinette Principe, Rey Acosta
Not in photo: Vic Secuya, Connie Rayel, Dickie Puyod]
Kabalikat, the UPMFI newsletter, Issue No. 2, issued that evening, listed the Foundation supporters, totaling 146 persons or organizations, led by the Davao City Government as a Diamond donor. These supporters or their representatives were called and honored with certificates in the anniversary celebration.
Kabalikat newsletter also listed all 272 UP Mindanao student scholarship grantees from 1999 to the present, a few of whom were present, as well as the Professorial and Faculty Grantees, who were represented by UP Mindanao officials.
UPMFI sponsors and beneficiaries also gave messages.
“UP Mindanao and the UP Mindanao Foundation were created in February and November 1995, respectively, and both have a singular driving view to empower Mindanao’s needy students by providing access to unparalleled education,” said UPMFI chairman John Y. Gaisano Jr. in his welcome remarks. “The Foundation scholars and graduates are now in key positions in the government and other institutions; proof that our support for the scholars over the years is enduring,” he said.
UP President Angelo Jimenez, in his video message, said, “With your support, deserving students can pursue their dreams without being held back by financial barriers. Your work has already created a ripple effect far beyond the region, inspiring students, faculty, and communities alike. Together, we share the dream of giving young people the chance to thrive. And I am confident that with the UP Mindanao Foundation, the dream will continue to grow.”
City Councilor and UP Mindanao alumna Atty. Antoinette Principe delivered Acting City Mayor Sebastian Duterte’s message. “In furtherance of the city government’s commitment to making Davao City a globally livable City driven by an empowered citizenry, it is imperative that we pursue initiatives that uplift communities and the foundations of development. As such we recognize the UPMFI, which over the years has stood as a steadfast pillar in championing development, future leaders, and contributing meaningfully to the progress of Mindanao,” stated the mayor.
UP Mindanao Vice-Chancellor for Academic Affairs Maria Stella Salazar, representing Chancellor Lyre Anni Murao, said, “I have twice been student affairs director and I know the scholarships have been a great help. Soon, we aim to have 5,000 students on campus. It might not be in the next year, but we will surely get that number, and hopefully, UPMFI will still be with us as we continue to look for students in Mindanao who can make an impact on their families and communities. And also on behalf of our faculty, we are very thankful for the research dissemination grants that UPMFI have given to our faculty.”
Former scholars and current trustees Charmaine Valentin, Rose Ofianga, and Jeffrey Agot shared recollections of their experiences as scholars.
“My financial problems were mitigated by my UPMFI scholarship, especially for food, for my class project requirements, and for transport, since our dorm was quite far,” said Jeffrey. “Also, we looked up to the UPMFI trustees as role models, and that maybe in the future we can be like them and also give back,” he said.
“I was STFAP (UP’s student financial assistance) Bracket 4, with P700 per month,” said Rose. “From this we deducted lodging expenses, and the rest was for food and photocopy. Still I worked as a student assistant in the library and the foodtech laboratory. So when the UPMFI allowance came, I would treat myself to McDonald’s. Also, we scholars looked forward to the UPMFI Christmas party when we get to have lots of gifts,” she said.
“Aside from financial support, UPMFI gave me a family, too,” said Charmaine. “When I was a graduate struggling to find work, it helped a lot, and later, when I was in law school, I was also a scholar of a UPMFI benefactor. After some years, I sought Sir Angie (chairman Sebastian Angliongto), and I said I am ready to be part of the foundation, so I volunteered,” she said.
In other parts of the celebration, alumna Amanda Echeveria entertained the assembly with songs. Additional funds were raised at the celebration with the sale of Araceli Dans’ art prints. The celebration culminated with community Christmas carol-singing and line dancing.