RVO - JVO Scholarship celebrates its 30th Anniversary and launches the RVO-JVO Scholars Alumni Association

The JVO Scholarship, launched in SY 1994-1995 and renamed to RVO - JVO Scholarship starting in School Year 2023-2024, commemorated its 30^th anniversary on 15 June 2024 in a gathering from 2:30 - 4:30 PM hosted by the RVO Foundation Inc and the Ateneo de Manila University with the Ateneo Scholarship Foundation Inc.The celebration was held at The Loft on the fourth level of the George SK Ty Learning Innovation Wing, Areté, Ateneo de Manila University in Loyola Heights, Quezon City.

In attendance were 90 guests onsite and 76 online consisting of enrolled and alumni RVO-JVO Scholars, administrators of the eight Jesuit schools where there is the RVO-JVO Scholarship, members of the family of the late benefactor Mr Roberto Velayo Ongpin, RVO Foundation Inc officers, and the partners of the RVO Foundation Inc. 

The Jaime V Ongpin Scholarship Fund or JVO Scholarship Fund was created by Roberto Velayo Ongpin in 1993 and named after his brother, Jaime V Ongpin, both alumni of the Ateneo de Manila, to enable deserving, financially challenged Filipino elementary school graduates to have a Jesuit high school education. 

Maria Isabel G Ongpin, wife of the late Jaime V Ongpin,  explained why the scholarships are dedicated for high school students. “The rationale was that once you learn how to learn in high school, you can then manage college virtually on your own by knowing how to take notes, how to study, how to apply yourself. To learn in this light and from their own experience as scholars in high school, Jaime and Roberto both, from early on, helped others.”

The program continued with the launch of the RVO-JVO Scholars Alumni Association.  Coordinating the formation of the RVO-JVO SAA is Ma. Eleanor R Reserva, JVO Scholar, Ateneo de Davao High School (2010); Ateneo de Manila University, BS and MS in Applied Mathematics, Major in Mathematical Finance (2014, 2015). Leading the efforts to build the alumni association, she invited the alumni and scholars to be more active. “Why bother? Because it matters. It matters to the young scholar who needs guidance and inspiration. It matters to the high school graduate looking to transition to college and out into the real world. It matters to our schools and to our benefactors who continue to be a beacon of excellence. It matters to give back. It matters to pass on the tradition of generosity and excellence.”

After Elly’s message, Fr Roberto C Yap SJ led the alumni present in the induction for the first time into the RVO - JVO Scholars Alumni Association.

The second part of the program concluded with a response from one among the first batch of JVO Scholars, Mary Honeylyn Joy E Alipio, Ateneo de Zamboanga High School (1998) and Ateneo de Zamboanga University (2003) with a BS in Business Management with Interdisciplinary Studies.  “The JVO Scholarship, then, became the bridge that allowed me to translate Jesuit foundation into action. The financial support it provided ensured I could pursue my academic aspirations freely. But beyond the financial aspect, it instilled a profound sense of responsibility – a responsibility to excel, to honor the trust placed upon me, and to pave the way for others.” 

Jerome Enrico Requioma, JVO Scholar, Sacred Heart School - Ateneo de Cebu High School Class of 2015,  then presented the RVO Foundation Website that he has been developing for the Foundation. This was followed by the introduction of the RVO Foundation’s partners to help RVO - JVO Scholars and alumni with soft skills, student loans, and upskilling for better career opportunities. The partners are John Robert Powers International, represented by Richard Christopher R Upton, InvestEd Philippines represented by Carmina F Bayombong and Addie Quiachon, and Direcho Trabaho represented by Ronna R Sieh.

Michelle Ongpin Callaghan, President of the RVO Foundation Inc, gave the Closing Remarks. “Roberto and Jaime were proud to have been scholars and they were striving for excellence throughout their lives. We hope that our scholars also will embody this commitment to excellence. But even more importantly, I really want you guys to be proud. Be proud that you're a scholar.”

The 30^th anniversary celebration concluded with photo taking and light merienda, allowing the scholars, alumni, administrators, partners, and the family of the benefactor to mingle and meet one another.