Giving the underprivileged youth a chance to build a better life through education, Petron Corporation, led by its corporate social responsibility arm Petron Foundation, celebrates the graduation of its Tulong Aral ng Petron (TAP) scholars from different academic levels in schools across the country.

This year, a total of 432 TAP scholars, including Petron’s second batch of elementary graduates from Mindanao, its first batches of K-12 graduates in NCR, and its third batch of college scholars, are set to take the next step in their respective journeys.

To mark this important milestone, Petron recently held a graduation ceremony for its Senior High School graduates from Metro Manila in its headquarters in Mandaluyong City. Gracing the occasion are parents of the scholars, school officials, and representatives from Petron’s partner institutions, the Department of Education (DepEd), Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), Philippine Business for Social Progress (PBSP), and local government units.

“Education is a powerful tool in overcoming poverty. Over the years, it has been our privilege to see our scholars succeed and become better students, better sons and daughters, and better persons,” says Petron Foundation General Manager Charmaine Canillas. “We continue to strengthen our scholarship program in order to help uplift the lives of more Filipinos,” she adds.

TAP scholars begin their journey towards a brighter future with Petron as early as Grade 1. They are nurtured through a comprehensive program that measures not only their academic progress but also their holistic development as individuals.

These scholars are provided with school supplies, shoes, school uniforms, daily meal allowances, as well as leadership and life skills workshops. Parents of TAP scholars are also given skills training, livelihood opportunities, and other support services to help their families become more sustainable.

“Petron taught me not to lose hope,” shares Ann Dante Mary Planco, a TAP scholar since grade 1 and soon, a BS Electrical Engineering graduate from the Technological Institute of the Philippines. “Now that this chapter of my life is coming to a close, I can confidently look forward to what the future holds. Maraming salamat po Petron sa tiwala, sa pagtitiyaga, at suporta.”

Ronald Aranas, who will graduate from Far Eastern University with a BSBA degree in Business Management this year, shares the same sentiment. “They say good education is the key to a better life. With Petron’s help, my dreams for myself and my family are slowly but surely becoming a reality,” he relates.

Planco and Aranas are among the 10 TAP scholars receiving their college diplomas this year.

As it continues to expand, the company is working towards having all its terminals across the country adapt the TAP program. In 2017, Petron introduced TAP in two new communities namely San Fernando City, Pampanga and Puerto Princesa City, Palawan.

To date, over 8,200 TAP scholars from Petron’s host communities have graduated from elementary, high school, and college. Of these college graduates, a select few have gone full circle and are now Petron employees.