Education Program

AmCham Foundation Current Scholar

ACFPI Scholar under Emerson Scholarship Program Batch 5

I am Louise Auren B. Altez, a 5th year Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering student, one of the Emerson Batch 5 scholars, hopefully will graduate this upcoming December 2021.

My journey as a Mechanical Engineering student will end soon and I can’t wait to face the world of the labor industry and because of this, I just want to thank the Emerson community and the American Chamber Foundation Philippines, Inc., for supporting me all throughout the way. My journey has been full of difficulties and challenges, since my high school days, I experienced extreme financial struggles regarding my tuition fees and even with my school allowances, there are also times I have to go to school without any cents in my pockets.

When I got to college it was easier and harder for me at the same time, it was easier in a way I had the ability to find ways to help my parents, I became a working student in my first year of college. I used to be a dishwasher in a canteen near our school in my spare time. I didn't even inform my parents because they might scolded me for not focusing in my study. There are times that I go to school without money because my parents find it difficult to support my education and since my sister and I are both in college level. I was in my second year when I applied as a student assistant at my school, I worked in various departments (library, guidance office, IT department and even the admissions office) I became an student assistant for almost 3 years, whenever I have a free time. I have (50% discount) on my tuition fee and received a small allowance. It helps me quite specifically to ease the burden carried by my parents. Even my body is exhausted I still manage to maintain the required grades.

When I became a 4th year student I applied for the scholarship offered by Emerson, and I am sincerely grateful that despite 60 applicants I was one of the lucky student. I thank God every day for this opportunity and privilege. I no longer had to be a working student and because of this I had the opportunity to just focus on my studies.

I am in my 5th year now, and currently a trainee in Emerson.

I still worked on weekends as a staff / dishwasher in a restaurant, because my father lost his job amidst pandemic that is why I need to find a way on my own. My mother never gave up on me and even with the challenges; she still managed to finish things. Despite and in spite of the circumstances, I am still motivated in achieving my dreams and goals in life. I’m having the best time of my life as a trainee, witnessing and working with professionals just excites me. I want to study better to be able to reach their position one day. I am vividly to express how the Emerson and AmCham Foundation has really changed my life, with the help of the scholarship and allowance they provide, it has given students like me the opportunity to redirect our path. If it weren’t for this foundation, I would have given up on my studies because of financial struggles and just settled down to work full time. But Emerson / AmCham Foundation changed the direction of my life.

As a scholar, I will be forever grateful and blessed to be a part of this foundation; I will not give up and will continue to focus on my studies despite all the difficulties. There is a brighter future waiting for me, and I am really excited to unlock this new chapter.

AmCham Foundation Alumni

ACFPI Scholar 1989 - 1995

"I felt blessed and grateful that during the darkest time of my life, AmCham Foundation was there to revive me and to be what I am today," says Allan T. Dreiling, a UHT Supervisor from Alaska Milk Corporation. AmCham Foundation supported the educational needs of Allan T. Dreiling after the endorsement from Pearl S. Buck Foundation.

In 1995, Allan graduates from Mapua Institute of Technology with a Degree in Electronics and Communication Engineering. Aside from the financial assistance for his studies, the Foundation helped him build his self-confidence through several pieces of training and psycho-social activities.

To him, "Education forms half the part of a person's success, the other lies within the person himself. It is like a key to a door full of hopes and dreams. Once you finished education, you are already holding a key but finding the right door all depends on you."

For the success he is enjoying today, Allan Dreiling would like to thank the American Chamber Foundation and all its donors for touching lives and making a difference.

Lastly, Allan wants to congratulate all the scholars of AmCham Foundation because they are fortunate to be given the chance to fulfill their dreams and he hopes that each scholar will make most of the support by striving hard to finish their studies.

AmCham Foundation Alumni

ACFPI Scholar 1997 - 2005

When the opportunity of a scholarship from the Amcham Foundation came my way, I considered myself very fortunate because I saw a door open to follow my dreams. It offered me to show what I have to succeed. It challenged me because I was also aware of the expectations of people around me.

You helped me primarily on my needs to finish school -- the common problem of every youth today because of poverty. But it was not only inside the classroom that I broadened my horizon. You prepared activities and seminars that addressed my well-being. These experiences built up my confidence to endeavor more and learn more.

I enjoyed my time as your scholar. I also want to say a prayer to thank our major benefactor, Mr. Leonard Benjamin, for opening a window of change for me. Thanks to all the staff who work to pursue the goal of Amcham. Thanks to the donors and supporters who readily lend their hands to share a part of themselves for the scholars.

I am proud to be an alumnus of your distinguished organization! I hope your generous service will continue for all people who need your support.

Thank you very much American Chamber Foundation Philippines, and beloved Mr. Leonard Benjamin.

Sincerely, Metlyn B. Almonte

AmCham Foundation Alumni

ACFPI Scholar 1997 - 2005

Last March 30, 2005, I finally received my diploma after four years of study at the Philippine Normal University (PNU) with the degree of Bachelor of Education, Major in English.

As most guest speakers often say in their speech during the ceremony, this is an end and a beginning. It is indeed the end of our formal training in the institution and the end of our dependence on the people supporting us in our studies, and the start of facing reality -- the real world of working for ourselves and for our family. We will soon reap the fruit of our sacrifices and hardships, and sooner we will earn for our family and for ourselves as we serve the community and apply what we have learned.

As I look back, I can still remember all the challenges I have gone through: How my family strove hard to make both ends meet and how I managed to accomplish the requirements from high school to college though we have no financial means. Many wonder how my mother, alone and old, supported my education despite the fact that since I was 12 years old, no one in the family earns to finance my studies.

I admit things were very difficult. There were times that I practically submitted to the idea of getting a job instead to help my family. But because you were always there to support and guide me in my study, financially and morally, I endured everything! For many years, eight to be exact, you were there serving as one of my inspirations. Because of you, I’m about to fulfill my mother’s ambition for me and I am about to realize my dream. My only regret though is that I wasn’t able to get the honors I’ve always wanted due to my shortcomings in my studies. It could have been my token of appreciation to all your good deeds but I hope my diploma is as good in exchange.

Thank you very much!

Words are not enough to express how grateful I am for the kindness and trust bestowed upon me. I could have been nobody now if it weren’t because of you. I am very thankful for the program and all the people behind this successful service towards people in need. I may not be able to return the favor to you but I’ll try my best to pay it forward. I will never forget this.

God bless you all and thank you!

Sincerely yours, Mario B. Balibago

P.S. My family also wishes to thank you, especially my mom, Maria.

AmCham Foundation Alumni

ACFPI Scholar 1997 - 2005

In this world where competition has always been existent, there is no way to survive but to live the life of excellence that you are living. This, I have learned in my eight years of stay with AmCham Foundation.

Growing up in a slum area with windows showing nothing but the pitiful picture of poverty each day must have discouraged a child from dreaming big and walking by faith in reaching it. I believe otherwise. Even as a child, I always told my parents that poverty isn't as strong as human will. It should never enslave and mitigate the development of a person, a family, nor a country. After all, God has blessed the Philippines with foundations that create a different and more positive picture of poverty. That's what AmCham has proven to me. Just this April, I graduated from my tertiary education with the aid of AmCham's scholarship program. By then, I knew I am on the road towards my parents' and my own dream. Now, I am working as a Divisional Planner at Intel and am facing the challenge to prove that poverty, like any other thing here on earth, is temporal. At this point, I still can't say that I have achieved much but I am confident enough to say that AmCham was successful in raising up an independent person in me. For this, I cannot thank you less. I owe these achievements to you who formed and molded me into becoming a person who aims for excellence and dares to be competitive even if it means striving hard and facing tough challenges. I wish I could do something to pay you back but I know that what I am capable of doing would not be enough to show my gratitude to you and to the foundation that has reared me for eight blessed years. My family and I thank you for extending your blessings to us and to other children like me who need you. I hope you would never grow weary in doing good and that the AmCham Foundation be fruitful in its endeavors. Your labor is never in vain. May God bless you more. Sincerely, Ligaya L. Gastalla

AmCham Foundation Current Scholar

ACFPI Scholar under Emerson Scholarship Program Batch 5

I'm Kim Alfred M. Agpalo, a Polytechnic University of the Philippines Information Technology graduating student. I've been a working student for five years, and I've been an AmCham Foundation and Emerson scholar for two years. My family overcame numerous challenges that led me to become a working student. My father couldn't afford to support my college education from his income as a tricycle driver. I really do my best to get into a state university in PUP, a school for less fortunate students who wish to finish their education without paying big tuition fees unlike other universities. With this, I am confident that it will be of great assistance to my family.

I applied for a scholarship to help me with my school expenses, and I am thankful I was accepted to be one of the Emerson scholars under the AmCham Foundation Scholarship program. Emerson is a great company that has a lot to offer, including a paid internship and a two-year contract to work with them. If it weren't for your generosity, I wouldn't have the same access to an excellent education that offers many opportunities for learning and growth. Now that I'm in my final semester at PUP, I can't say enough about how amazing this experience has been. My professors have stretched my experiences and capabilities, and I've met many people who have positively influenced who I am now. Hence, I believe I've grown and developed a lot over the last four years. My goal has always been to graduate with Latin honors, and because of your encouragement and inspiration, I believe I am very close to achieving that goal.

Working while studying does not prevent me from maintaining my scholarship and reaching my objectives in life. Those difficulties made me a better and stronger person. Now, I believe I am ready to begin a new chapter of my life upon graduation. I always believe in Louisa May Alcott's quote, "I'm not scared of storms, for I'm learning to sail my ship." I am proud to say that I have worked hard to get where I am, but I would not have been able to do it without your assistance. I will be forever thankful to you, the American Chamber Foundation, and Emerson Electric Asia Ltd. ROHQ, for your kindness.

Kim Alfred M. Agpalo

BS in Information Technology

Polytechnic University of the Philippines

AmCham Foundation Scholar under Emerson Batch 5