By: Dante M. Salvaña
OLONGAPO CITY — Twenty Grade 11 and 12 students from six schools in Olongapo City received up to P14,500 each in financial assistance from Subic EnerZone Corp. and the Aboitiz Foundation to help cover their educational expenses.
The beneficiaries, composed of 11 Grade 11 and nine Grade 12 students, came from Columban College, Sta. Rita High School, Tapinac Senior High School, Regional Science High School, Barretto High School and St. Joseph College.
The assistance was turned over during a ceremony on Oct. 2, 2026 at the Subic EnerZone Corp. Building in the Subic Bay Freeport Zone.
Engr. Jeff Figuerrez, Subic EnerZone marketing and communications head, said beneficiaries from public schools receive P7,300 in one-year financial assistance, while those enrolled in private schools receive P14,500.
The program, which started in 2010, initially provided assistance to students from Grade 7 to Grade 10. It was expanded in 2017 to support students from senior high school through college.
Figuerrez said the program has already assisted around 120 students, with some former beneficiaries eventually joining Subic EnerZone and other Aboitiz companies as employees.
Among them are former financial grantees now working as metering and protection revenue engineers, which Figuerrez cited as one of the program’s significant outcomes.
“We are fortunate that this program has an impact so far. We are still hoping that there will be more opportunities for our students,” Figuerrez said.
To qualify, applicants must be residents of Olongapo City or Bataan, have a final average of at least 90 percent, and have no grade below 85 percent in any subject. The selection process also considers the student’s financial situation and ability to sustain their education.
For Eyriell Cassandra Dizon, a Grade 12 student of Regional Science High School, the assistance will help shoulder transportation, books and other school-related expenses.
Dizon said the support is especially valuable because of the additional costs associated with attending a school located far from home.
“Even though it’s P7,300, it’s a big impact,” Dizon said, expressing gratitude for the opportunity and for an organization that recognizes the potential of young students.
Meanwhile, Amabelia Cruz, parent of Grade 11 beneficiary Mikey Louise Manalansan of Regional Science High School, said the assistance is a big help to their family.
Cruz, a solo parent, thanked Subic EnerZone and the Aboitiz Foundation for providing financial support and expressed hope that her daughter would continue to qualify for assistance in Grade 12.
The program forms part of Subic EnerZone and the Aboitiz Foundation’s continuing community initiatives aimed at helping deserving students pursue their education and prepare for future opportunities.