𝐀𝐩𝐨 𝐀𝐠𝐮𝐚 education program u𝐩𝐥𝐢𝐟𝐭𝐬 c𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐞𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 e𝐦𝐩𝐨𝐰𝐞𝐫 d𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐦𝐬

The scholars include Andy Bustamante, Jr. of Barangay Tambobong (BS InformationTechnology from Davao Vision Colleges), Janica Gierran of Barangay Tawantawan,(BS Political Science from Holy Cross of Davao College), Ronisa Orbeta of Barangay Tamugan (BS in Business Administration major in Marketing Management from St. Paul College of Davao), Prince Charles Mike A. Booc of Barangay Wines(BS in Business Administration major in Financial Management from Holy Cross College of Calinan Inc), and Jenny Flor Canubas of Barangay Gumalang (BS inLegal Management from the University of Mindanao).

Launched in 2019, Apo Agua's College Scholarship program aims at providing educational support to deserving Davaoeños as they pursue their college degrees and prepare for future employment.

To date, there are a total of 25 Apo Agua scholars, of which five from the pioneering batch have completed their studies. Each year, qualified students from host communities who require financial assistance and have shown exceptional academic performance and a strong commitment to community service are selected to be part of this scholarship initiative.

“The support I got isn’t just financial but it’s a beacon of hope and affirmation of my potential. With Apo Agua’s assistance, I was able to jump one step off the ladder I am currently climbing to achieve my goals in life and fulfill my academic ambitions,” Janica Gierran, Apo Agua 2023 Scholar Graduate said.

Aside from the full college scholarship program, Apo Agua also actively participates in the annual Brigada Eskwela program of the Department of Education. This year, the company donated paints and materials to various schools to help create a more conducive learning environment for students. They also distributed school supplies to 500 students under the School Needs Support Program and provided cash Assistance to 20 high-achieving high school students, including those from the Indigenous Peoples communities.

“We are committed to helping students from all backgrounds, particularly the indigenous people members of our partner communities to achieve their educational goals. Our support of the Education Sector through our various programs is our way of helping the future leaders and mobilizers of change in our society. We strongly support students who have the potential to make a positive difference in their respective communities and chosen fields,” said May Che Capili, External Relations Officer of Apo Agua.

To celebrate the various milestones of its education projects and acknowledge the support of its partner schools, Apo Agua organized a Culminating Activity with the theme “Empowering Dreams through Education” last October 12, 2023. In attendance were the School Heads and Representatives from this year’s partner schools, Third District Congressman Isidro “Sid” Ungab, DepEd SGOD Chief Dr.Teresita del Valle, and Barangay Affairs Coordinator Carolina Domingo from the Office of Vice Mayor Jay Quitain.

“We have a good partnership with Apo Agua. I am thankful that Apo Agua is working hard, even beyond what was promised. Through your Corporate Social Responsibility[efforts] of helping schools, our teachers, and our students, we are going a long way in helping our community,” Ungab said.

Through its educational programs in collaboration with its partner barangays, and schools Apo Agua affirms its commitment as an organization to empower communities and uplift the lives of Davaoeños. “We have the same goal that no learner should be left behind. You know some students said that they can’t continue going to school because of financial struggles. Hopefully, with Apo Agua’s assistance, the participation rate of the learners will increase,” DepEd-Davao School Governance & Operations Division (SGOD) chief Dr. Teresita Del Valle said.