DepEd official recalls own struggles as AboitizPower awards educational assistance

Navotas Schools Division Superintendent, Dr. Romulo B. Rocena, once struggled to financially support his education. Through perseverance and a big help from scholarships, he finished school and became what he is now.

That was why it was extra special for the top education official to be personally handing educational assistance certificates to 25 deserving high school students, as part of the community projects of AboitizPower, its Navotas-based subsidiary Therma Mobile (TMO), and the Aboitiz Foundation.

Rocena recalled that without scholarships, he would not have finished school and become what he is now.

“While I was awarding the scholarship certificates, I was reminded of my high school days. I know how it feels to struggle financially to study, that’s why I am really grateful to AboitizPower, TMO, and Aboitiz Foundation for this initiative, because I myself would not have finished my studies without scholarships,” Rocena said.

TMO’s High School Financial Assistance, which is now in its second year, is a sustained program aimed at helping finance deserving students’ education. The project underscores the commitment of AboitizPower and all its business units across the country to creating a better future for all.

The beneficiaries, composed of 18 Grade 9 students and seven Grade 8 students, together with their parents and guardians, were awarded their scholarship certificates on June 10 at Bagumbayan Elementary School.

“Congratulations to all of you. I hope this scholarship serves as an inspiration for you to continue pursuing your dreams and creating brighter tomorrows,” Rocena said.

In March this year, TMO also turned over two carpentry and welding laboratories, complete with tools and equipment, to San Rafael Technological School, also in Navotas. In addition, TMO extended the classrooms to accommodate more worktables, as well as upgraded the audio-visual room with a projector and screen, AC units, and a sound system.

Danel Aboitiz, President and COO of AboitizPower Oil Business Unit, reiterated AboitizPower’s commitment to its neighbors in Navotas.

“Education has always taken center stage at AboitizPower. This educational assistance program is just one of the many efforts of the company towards community capacity building and inclusive growth. This is our way of showing gratitude and appreciation to our host communities for their continued support for AboitizPower,” Aboitiz said.

Rocena, in his inspirational message, reinforced their support for the Aboitiz group. He said, “Let’s continue to support all Aboitiz companies so that they can sustain their growth and be able to help more people.”