PNoy's batchmates establish new Ateneo college scholarship in his honor

On what was supposed to be the 62nd birthday of the late former President Benigno "Noynoy" Aquino III, friends, family, and some of his closest supporters gathered online for the formal launch of a new scholarship named after him.

The memorandum of agreement forming the Benigno Simeon C Aquino III Scholarship Endowment was formally signed last Tuesday, 8 February 2022.

The fund, totaling Php 10.75 million, establishes a scholarship for students at the undergraduate level, particularly for academically-gifted but financially-challenged students from outside the National Capital Region. The scholarship, to be awarded every two years, covers tuition and fees.

The Endowment was established through the efforts of PNoy's Ateneo batchmates and friends, particularly members of the High School class of 1977 and the College class of 1981. The former president is a "true blue" Atenean, having attended grade school (GS '73), high school *HS '77), and college (Coll '81) here. He passed on last 24 June 2021, and his wake was held at the Church of the Gesù.

"Your benefaction is a mark of commitment to sustaining the goodness that you yourselves have received," said Dr Maria Luz Vilches, Vice President for the Loyola Schools. "I am sure that Pres Noynoy is delighted about this, especially being launched on his 62nd birthday."

Arch Gerry Esquivel, the lead fundraiser for the Endowment, said that they hope that the endowment will be “a gentle reminder” of PNoy's "love and contribution to Ateneo, our country, and its people.” He also paid tribute to his friend: "In many ways I understand greatness to be, you, Mr President, are a great man."

Fr Roberto Yap SJ, University President, said that the scholarship is a great opportunity to help improve access to quality education, one of Ateneo's new central goals as an institution.

"By giving deserving, talented young Filipinos from outside of the capital region the opportunity to study at Ateneo de Manila, the Fund can help make that goal a reality," he said.

"I am sure he would be glad that through this scholarship, he is  – in a way – still guiding and helping the youth achieve their dreams, and become valuable members of society," Yap added.

For more information about contributing to the fund, you may contact the Office of University Development at development@ateneo.edu. Meanwhile, details about applying for the scholarship will be released separately.