Tech-Voc transforms lives

MANILA, Philippines — Forty-four outstanding youth scholars recently completed the Iskolar ni Juan (INJ) Tech-Voc Scholarship Program by the Gokongwei Brothers Foundation (GBF). The program's industry-standard curriculum ensures scholars are academically proficient and ready for today's evolving industries. Through GBF and Universal Robina Corporation (URC), the Iskolar ni Juan Tech-Voc Scholarship program provides education-to-employment opportunities to students.

Since 2014, INJ Tech-Voc Scholarship Program has been helping high school graduates and out-of-school youth. To date, 508 scholars have successfully finished the program and 58 are currently in training at the GBF Technical Training Center in Calamba City, Laguna.

Engr. Raymund Ganotice, GBF Technical Training Center School Director, proudly led the graduation ceremony and welcomed the graduates from INJ batches 15B and 16. They completed GBF's Mechatronics Servicing NCII course and obtained 100% batch passing rate in TESDA's NCII assessment. “Each of you has faced unique challenges and overcome obstacles to arrive at this moment – the culmination of countless hours of study, lab and practical exercises, OJT, and self-discovery,” he said. “We celebrate not only the knowledge you have acquired but also the resilience and determination that have become an integral part of your character.”

Jesha Eve Gregorio, an outstanding Iskolar ni Juan from Batch 15B, expressed her gratitude on behalf of the graduates. Despite attaining a bachelor's degree in electrical engineering, she opted for the scholarship program to enhance her technical skills and secure stable employment. She thanked GBF and URC for the support especially during board exam preparations that coincided with her on-the-job training. Now, Engineer Jesha Gregorio currently works as an instrumentation technician at URC Cebu and is now a licensed electrical engineer.

Another success story is Harold Ferraren Mutia who acknowledged the foundation for reigniting his capacity to dream. “Nakatulong ang Iskolar ni Juan na gisingin ang natutulog kong pangarap na noon ay aking kinalimutan ngunit ngayon ay pinagsisikapan,” he said. Originally from Mindanao,