Subic EnerZone, Aboitiz Foundation award financial grants to 20 senior high students

Subic EnerZone (SEZ) Corporation, together with Aboitiz Foundation Inc., granted educational financial assistance to 20 senior high school students during a turnover ceremony at the Subic EnerZone Administration Building on October 2.

The program recognizes 11 Grade 11 and nine Grade 12 students from public and private schools in Olongapo City for SY 2026–2027. To qualify, recipients maintained a general weighted average of at least 90%, with no grade below 85%.

Under the financial aid structure, public school scholars each received ₱7,300, while private school students received ₱14,500. In addition to the monetary grants, scholars were presented with customized study essentials, including branded umbrellas and tumblers.

This year marks 16 years of educational support from SEZ and Aboitiz Foundation. Originally established in 2010 to assist students from Grades 7 through 10, the initiative shifted its focus in 2016 to support senior high school students in the final stretch of their secondary education.

"This program is a testament to our enduring commitment to empowering the youth and investing in the future of our community. By easing the financial burden on these bright students, we hope to inspire them to excel in their studies and achieve their highest aspirations," EnerZone Group AVP for Engineering Ryan Griva AVP said.

Recipients represent various institutions throughout the city, including Columban College Inc., Sta. Rita High School, Regional Science High School, Tapinac Senior High School, St. Joseph High School, Olongapo City National High School, and Barretto National High School.

The event also highlighted a living testimony of the financial assistance program's long-term impact through Engr. Richmond Calizar. He is a former beneficiary from 2013 to 2018 who now serves in Subic EnerZone's Power Metering Department. In his inspirational message, he reflected on how the grant shaped his career journey and professional success.

"As a former recipient of this grant, I know firsthand the impact of this support. It helped me with my financial worries and also motivated me to strive for excellence. I am deeply grateful to Subic EnerZone and Aboitiz Foundation for believing in my potential and supporting my career journey," Engr. Calizar shared.

For these young dreamers, the financial support brings them one step closer to reaching their goals and pursuing the futures they have worked hard to build.