The PEAC-REX Edukampyon Iskolar Para sa Kinabukasan program, a joint effort between the Private Education Assistance Committee (PEAC) and Rex Education, awards scholarship grants to talented students with the hearts to teach Mathematics and Science. The program is headed by Doris Fernandez Ferrer, Program Chair and the Executive Director of PEAC, and Don Timothy Buhain, the program Co-Chair and Chief Executive Officer of Rex Education, with Dr. Ester Ogena serving as the program Consultant and Head of the project management committee.
The program is foundational in addressing the alarming shortage of qualified educators in these disciplines essential to the advancement and economic development of the country. By supporting aspiring teachers in Mathematics and Science, the PEAC-REX Edukampyon scholarship program secures the country’s future of molding bright minds through quality education. With this, the PEAC-REX Edukampyon Iskolar Para sa Kinabukasan program commits to affiliate with Philippine private universities, namely Ateneo de Naga University, Capitol University, and the University of San Agustin, to progressively inch towards the program’s success and its goal.
Recently, the PEAC-REX Edukampyon Iskolar Para sa Kinabukasan Program Chair and the Executive Director of PEAC paid a visit to the Ateneo de Naga University Edukampyon Scholars last 13 September 2024. The Dean of Ateneo de Naga University’s College of Education, Dr. Maria Luz Badiola, former Dean and PEAC Regional Director, Dr. Arnulfo Reganit, and Ateneo de Naga University’s College of Admissions and Aid Office Director and Point Persons, Ms. Evelyn B. Amaro and Ms. Mary Jane S. Medroso, together with the thirty-seven scholars, all arrived at ADNU’s Coko Cafe to have a kumustahan, recognition of the scholars’ achievements and progress, as well as thanksgiving.
The Ateneo community has long been known to be a home for talent and training. In its steady commitment to produce the cream of the crop, the community strives to form a support group where scholars are empowered to excel and sustained to develop into competent leaders across various fields.
To start the gathering, Dr. Badiola, delivered an opening speech, emphasizing the importance of reflection toward success and how growth is upheld by looking back at where you started as you move towards your goals. PEAC-REX allowed the scholars and the Ateneo de Naga University to openly welcome such talented individuals under their care and cultivation.
Three scholars, Leschell Llagas of Batch 1, Shylla Mae B. Vegas of Batch 2, and Xian P. Ricafort of Batch 3, delivered a speech of gratitude, sharing personal stories of growth and resilience, all the while recognizing and celebrating the opportunity given by those who have acted as leverage to where the scholars are now.
The event continued with joy as the scholars presented batch performances. With this, the gathering was filled with music and laughter. A final performance also followed to express the scholars’ gratitude that no words can seem to explain.
The ultimate act of gratitude that the scholars have invested their time and efforts in is their progress and achievements; as such, Fiona Danielle G. Pedragosa presented the scholars’ accomplishments report. This year, the scholars have displayed exemplary commitment to excellence, with most of the first and second batch of scholars completing their first years in college as President’s and Dean’s Listers. However, excellence is made concrete through academic performance and holistic formation, so the first and second batches of scholars have displayed active participation in sports, organizations, leadership, and community service for competence and personal development. Although the third batch of scholars is only starting their college journey, some have already shown participation in leadership organizations and their interests.
To formally cap the event, Doris Fernandez Ferrer delivered a closing message. Congratulating the scholars for their achievements, she highlighted the importance of engaging in extracurricular activities, all the while excelling in academics. The journey towards excellence, indeed, is wonderful and exciting. She also reminded the scholars to always look back to the purpose of the program, as the scholars will serve as catalysts for the desired quality education of our country that the program vouches to achieve, for the greater good.
Undoubtedly, responsibility is indeed the price of greatness. Success will never manifest itself in one’s hands without pining for and stepping towards the goal. To opt for success is to opt for the responsibilities that come with it. As advocates of empowerment through education, the scholars embrace their roles as catalysts of change and progress for the future of our country’s education system. Still, the opportunity awarded to them has catalyzed their desire to be where they are today. Just like how farmers tend to their crops, the PEAC-REX Edukampyon Iskolar Para sa Kinabukasan Program continuously supports and sows the seeds of potential. The scholars, as these seeds, take root and bloom into what they are called to be, as they are encouraged and cultivated by the program and the university that has allowed their growth.
