Ateneo Parent Associations from Grade School to College get together in the first University Parents’ Gathering on 16 September 2024

On 16 September 2024, members from the Ateneo Grade School Parents’ Council (AGSPAC), Office of Parent Relations and Programs and Parents Union for School and Home (PReP-PUSH) led by Fr Bert Ampil SJ and Ms Arienne Lambo, Assistant to the Director, and Ateneo Schools Parents Council (ASPAC) spearheaded by Dr Susan Jorge came for the first University Parents’ Gathering at Room 413, PLDT-Convergent Technologies Center (PLDT-CTC), Ateneo de Manila University.

The Office of University Development & Alumni Affairs (OUDAA) hosted the first University Parents’ Gathering to welcome Ateneo Parents Association members to the new school year and launch the YUGTO University Scholarship Program. The OUDAA also introduced to the Parents groups the various services they offer for parents, students, and alumni. 

In attendance were Ateneo de Manila University President Fr Roberto ‘Bobby’ Yap SJ, Vice President for Higher Education (VPHE) Dr Maria Luz ‘Marlu’ Vilches PhD, Vice President for Basic Education (VPBE) Fr Joaquin Jose Mari ‘Jonjee’ C Sumpaico III SJ, Ateneo Grade School (AGS) Headmaster Mr Jervy Robles, Ateneo Junior High School (AJHS) Principal Ms Genalyn ‘Gen’ Sanvictores, Ateneo Senior High School (ASHS) Principal Ms Rosanna ‘Sansan’ Borja, Coordinator of SHS of Admission and Scholarships Ms Sylvia Aldana, Office of Admission and Aid (OAA) Director Dr Jose Ma Edito ‘Jo-Ed’ Tirol, OAA Scholarship Officer Ms Tin Magboo, Ateneo Blue Eagles Head Coach for the Women’s Basketball team Coach Lawrence Anthony ‘LA’ Mumar, and OUDAA Director Fr Norberto ‘Kit’ Bautista SJ.

Fr Kit emphasized the importance of parents as partners in mission because they are the first educators of their children in his opening remarks. While Fr. Jonjee reminded the parent attendees “na alagaan natin ang ating mga mag-aaral, sila ang bayani natin. Sila ang lakas para sa kabutihan, “force for good” as he gave his introductory speech before the presentation of Basic Education scholarship needs.

It was a memorable night for parents, and no one left dry-eyed after listening to Ateneo scholar Stephanie Isidro (4th Year AB Communication) from Caticlan, Aklan, who described how she felt a sense of family and compassion from the Ateneo community in the midst of adversity. “Dito sa Ateneo, I felt at home kasi sobrang babait po ng anak ninyo… Hindi matutumbasan ng pera ang pagkalinga at pagmamahal na pinaparamdam sa akin ng Ateneo. Maraming salamat po sa regalo ng scholarship, pamilya, at kalinga.”  Ms Isidro expressed.

Jaime V Ongpin (JVO) Foundation scholar Nathan James Ballatan, on the other hand, thanked the parents for providing underprivileged children like him an opportunity to study at Ateneo.

To conclude the program, Fr Bobby Yap SJ reiterated that Ateneo is a mission institution.  He himself was a scholar and even served as a porter at Cervini Hall during his time.  Following this, the parents enjoyed dinner and fellowship.

The University Parents’ Gathering was a success because parents were able to learn about the impact of scholarships through students’ firsthand experiences and the units’ desire for a more inclusive and diverse student body. 

We believe that events like this will generate additional support for the YUGTO University Scholarship program, allowing us to achieve our aim of having one scholar for every five Ateneans. Ad Majorem Dei Gloriam!