Beyond the diploma, a better future
Behind every scholarship is a belief in what a student can achieve. For the Ramon S. Ang Foundation (RSA), that belief draws from its founder’s experience of how education can open doors to a better future.
This commitment brought together RSA scholars from Far Eastern University, FEU Alabang, and FEU Tech to a session with Monica Ang-Mercado, executive director of the Ramon S. Ang Foundation, and other foundation officials. The gathering was organized by the FEU Admissions and Financial Assistance Office.
In his opening remarks, FEU president Juan Miguel Montinola recalled that the Ramon S. Ang Scholarship Program began in 2018. The program has supported 457 scholars across the three campuses, with 129 having already graduated. Of these graduates, 22 percent are employed by companies under San Miguel Corporation.
Montinola added that FEU graduates working within San Miguel hold roles in finance, accounting, human resources, sales, engineering, architecture, and corporate communication, reflecting the range of opportunities available across the organization.
He also highlighted FEU’s commitment to building partnerships with strong companies. While acknowledging Ramon S. Ang as one of the university’s most distinguished alumni, Montinola said the partnership also reflects FEU’s recognition of San Miguel’s continued growth and ability to adapt to changing needs.
San Miguel placed 16th among the World’s Best Employers in Forbes’ 2026 rankings.
Experience to opportunity
Ang-Mercado encouraged RSA scholars to recognize how their education and the relationships they build at FEU can help shape their futures.
Drawing from her father’s experience, Ang-Mercado urged scholars to see their time at FEU as an opportunity to build a better future for themselves and their families.
Ang’s experiences at FEU, particularly the friendships and connections he formed, helped change the course of his life. Some of the people he met became his business partners, while others connected him to new opportunities.
“It’s not just about earning the diploma, but hopefully, this will help you make a better future for you and your families,” she said.
“We see you, we believe in your potential,” she told the scholars, emphasizing that they were chosen not only for their academic abilities but also for their potential to uphold the values that FEU stands for.
She reminded the scholars that success goes beyond academic achievement and career opportunities, extending to the difference they make in the lives of others.
“Your success will not be measured only by grades or the kind of job you land in the future, but by the lives you touch along the way and your contribution to society and our country,” she said.
Look back and ahead
Scholars expressed their gratitude to the benefactors that helped them walk toward their goals and dreams.
For Andrea Cañete, an RSA scholar from FEU Manila, the invitation to the gathering was a reminder to persevere and reflect on how the scholarship has helped her pursue her dreams.
“This invitation was a gentle reminder ‘from above’ to keep going. Because the truth is, the RSA Scholarship saved me and my dreams. I often say this scholarship is a symbol of God’s love for me,” she said.
Cañete also expressed her gratitude to FEU for its trust in the scholars and for giving them opportunities to pursue their dreams and build lasting friendships.
“[Thank you] so much for the trust you have placed in us. Thank you for choosing us and for believing in our potential. Because of this institution, we were given the chance to build a new life—one filled with bigger dreams and lifelong friends who share our journey as we turn those dreams into reality,” she said.
For Lihdsey Uriel Legaspi, an RSA scholar and second-year Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering student at FEU Tech, the scholarship provides motivation to persevere while easing her family’s financial concerns.
“This scholarship motivates me to work harder, to do better in my studies, and to keep pursuing my dream,” Legaspi said. “Whenever I think about this opportunity that I have been given, I am reminded that your support has helped my entire family too. You have given my parents one less thing to worry about, and for that, I am deeply thankful.”
While acknowledging that becoming a civil engineer will take more years of study and preparation, Legaspi expressed determination to continue working toward that goal.
Ayslee Jade A. Jaramillo, a fourth-year Bachelor of Science in Accountancy student at FEU Alabang, encouraged fellow RSA scholars to draw strength from their purpose and the people who believe in them.
“When studies become difficult, remember why you started and the people who believe in you,” Jaramillo said, urging scholars to work hard, remain grateful, and one day help others pursue their dreams.
As graduation approaches, Jaramillo reflected both the honor of being an RSA scholar and the responsibility to make the opportunity meaningful. For Jaramillo, the foundation’s support represents an investment not only in scholars’ education but also in their families, futures, and the dreams they hope to fulfill.
For Gwyneth Lazaro, a fourth-year Bachelor of Science in Psychology student, the scholarship has provided opportunities to grow, lead, and give back to the community.
“The RSA scholarship has given me more than just financial assistance, but rather, it has given me the opportunity to grow, to lead, and to discover how I can make my own experiences meaningful for others,” Lazaro said.
Lazaro emphasized the importance of helping others grow, creating spaces where people feel supported, and contributing to the community that has helped shape the scholars’ journeys.
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