“Noong time na na-receive ko na scholar pala ako, parang plan ni Lord na huwag ko muna i-fully pay ‘yung tuition fee ko, kasi mayroon po pala akong magagamit o makukuhang pera para mapunan po siya. (When I found out that I was a scholar, it felt like part of God’s plan not to fully pay my tuition fee right away, because there was financial support coming),” shared Ninia Yvonne Airies Lat, a second year Architecture student from the University of Santo Tomas (UST).
Ninia is among the eight outstanding students from UST and National University recently awarded with 4-year scholarship by the Metrobank Foundation, Inc. (MBFI) and Boysen.
For Ninia, education has always been a priority. Her mother’s unwavering support and sacrifices made it possible for her to pursue her studies at UST. However, when her mother unexpectedly passed away, Ninia was left facing not only the emotional weight of her loss but also the financial uncertainty that came with it.
“Yong scholarship po na ‘to ay bagong blessing po sa akin ni Lord kasi lalo na ngayon na kamamatay lang po ng mother ko, siya po kasi ang nagfa-fund sa akin sa UST. So ito pong scholarship na ‘to ay parang naging pampuno po sa akin, financially. Lalo na ang hirap kasi kaunti lang naman ang naiwan ng nanay ko, so parang sobrang laking blessing na nabigyan ako ng opportunity ni Lord (This scholarship is a new blessing from the Lord, especially now that my mother recently passed away. She was the one funding my studies at UST. This scholarship filled the financial gap she left. It’s such a huge blessing, as my mother left behind limited resources, and this opportunity from the Lord is truly a gift),” Ninia shared.
The scholarship came at a time when she needed it most. With mounting educational expenses and limited resources, receiving the scholarship not only lifted a financial burden but also gave her the strength to move forward and pursue her dreams.
The MBFI-Boysen Scholarship program is designed to support academically gifted yet financially challenged students, providing them with the means to pursue their degrees without being hindered by financial constraints. Beyond tuition assistance, the program also offers mentoring and leadership development, aiming to cultivate socially responsible professionals who will contribute to their communities.
“At MBFI, we are committed to producing industry-ready graduates through our strong partnerships with academic institutions, and instilling in them values that can help them move forward towards the right direction,” said MBFI President Aniceto M. Sobrepeña.
“I believe that the partnership with Metrobank and Boysen will somehow bridge the gap between theory and practice. Students are exposed to the industry, which is very important,” says Father Richard Ang, rector of UST.
Since 1995, MBFI has been empowering Filipino students through its scholarship programs. In 2005, the Foundation partnered with Boysen to support Architecture students, producing around 116 graduates, including 58 Latin honorees and 90 board exam passers with four topnotchers.
With the scholarship easing her financial worries, Ninia can now fully focus on her studies and future goals. She is determined to excel in her field and hopes to one day use her profession to make a meaningful impact.
“Gusto ko po magpasalamat sa Metrobank and Boysen sa paniniwala na may potential po ako na makapagbigay ng pagbabago sa buhay ng ibang tao — sa future at ngayon po. Makakaasa po sila sa akin na hindi ko po sasayangin ‘yung opportunity na binigay nila sa akin (I want to thank Metrobank and Boysen for believing in my potential to make a difference in the lives of others—both now and in the future. They can trust that I will not waste the opportunity they have given me),” she expressed.
Beyond education, MBFI also promotes excellence in public service, upholds Philippine art, and engages social development organizations to implement programs on health, education, livelihood, and disaster risk reduction and management.