Aboitiz Foundation, Fulbright Launch STEM Scholarships in the U.S.

• Fulbright Philippines and Aboitiz Foundation Inc. signed an MoU to provide STEM scholarships and further educational opportunities for Filipino students, with a focus on developing globally competitive leaders in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.
• The partnership aims to enhance Filipino students' skills through international exposure and training, empowering them to contribute to national development and leadership in a technology-driven world.
• US Ambassador MaryKay Carlson and key officials from both organizations emphasized the importance of this collaboration in strengthening educational ties and supporting industries like energy, technology, and sustainability in the Philippines.

Officals of Fulbright Philippines and Aboitiz Foundation Inc. display the signed memorandum of understanding for the STEM scholarship, witnessed by Department of Foreign Affairs and United States Embassy in Manila representatives. They are (seated, right) Aboitiz Foundation president Ginggay Hontiveros-Malvar, Aboitiz Foundation chairperson Sabin Aboitiz, Fulbright Philippines board chair Jessica Simon and Fulbright Philippines executive director Julio Amador III. At their backs (from left) are Aboitiz Foundation Impact Lead for Education Jowelle Cruz, US Ambassador MaryKay Carlson, DFA Assistant Secretary Jose Victor Chan-Gonzaga, Aboitiz Foundation COO Mardi Mapa-Suplido, and Aboitiz Equity Ventures' executive communication consultant Mari Ugarte. The Aboitiz Foundation Inc., the Aboitiz Group's corporate social responsibility arm, has collaborated with Fulbright Philippines in developing the next generation of globally competitive Filipino leaders, particularly in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM).

US Ambassador to the Philippines and Philippine-American Educational Foundation honorary chair MaryKay Carlson witnessed Fulbright Philippines executive director Julio Amador III, Fulbright board chair Jessica Simon, Aboitiz Foundation chairman Sabin Aboitiz and Aboitiz Foundation president Ginggay Hontiveros-Malvar sign the memorandum of understanding (MOU) to establish new opportunities for Filipino students to explore further education, training and research in the US that will sharpen their skills and broaden their vision to better empower communities and advance national development.

The signing took place at the residence of the ambassador in Makati City. The partnership emphasizes a common commitment of Aboitiz Foundation and the elite international educational exchange program supported by the US government to enabling future leaders and generations with world-class capabilities to be able to lead in a more dynamic, technologically driven world.

"Fulbright and our partnership are grounded on a common vision: to develop globally competitive Filipino leaders who will trigger positive change in their own country," Aboitiz said. "The greatest force for change is education. Investing in our Fulbright scholars' international exposure and skills is investing in a better Philippines — one that is poised to lead in a rapidly changing, technology-driven world."

This is realized by people such as Maria Janela Cantre, a Fulbright alumnus, now a critical member of AboitizPower's strategy team, the energy business unit of Aboitiz Equity Ventures. Cantre has an Economics degree, magna cum laude, from the University of the Philippines. She has a Master of Energy Economics degree at the Rice University in Houston, Texas. Her experience is a testament to the power of transformational global learning opportunities.

"Fulbright provided me with the international outlook and training to be able to meaningfully contribute to the energy industry locally. Today, at AboitizPower, I am able to contribute to nation-building by providing stable and sustainable energy. It is absolutely rewarding to see Fulbright and Aboitiz Foundation unite to enable more opportunities for future leaders", she disclosed.

More than a partnership, this partnership reflects a sustained investment in human capital. Through the granting of Filipino students access to topnotch education and research exposure, Fulbright Philippines and the Aboitiz Foundation are equipping future leaders with the mandate to return with their knowledge, competence, and global perspectives to contribute to Filipino communities and businesses.

“For the United States, investing in STEM education strengthens our economic ties with the Philippines and supports US industries operating in the region, especially in energy, technology and research”, Carlson said.

We at the PAEF and the Fulbright Program hold the view that the private sector has a vital role to play in national development by giving Filipinos the chance to pursue graduate studies, engage in research, and participate in training programs under the areas of STEM, energy, natural resources, sustainability, and environment protection. This MOU with the Aboitiz Foundation Inc. is significant as this is the first such collaboration with a private sector foundation in the Philippines", Amador III added.

As the Philippines goes through sweeping technological and societal transformations, programs such as these play a critical role in forging a strong, future-proof nation. The Aboitiz Foundation is most grateful to Fulbright Philippines and the United States Embassy for this chance to partner on an innovative project, believing its effects will echo well beyond the classroom influencing the nation's future for generations to come.