Aboitiz scholars turn hardship into purpose

For Mary Rose Esguerra, college once felt impossible.

The eldest of four siblings, she grew up watching her mother struggle to provide for the family as they moved from one rented home to another. There were times when the electricity was disconnected, and she and one of her sisters had to stop attending school because there was simply no money.

"I had already started accepting that my dreams might end there," she recalled.

Everything changed when she received an email informing her that she had been accepted into the Aboitiz Future Leaders scholarship program.

"It came exactly when I needed it. It allowed me to keep dreaming," she said.

Instead of staying in Metro Manila, Esguerra chose to study agribusiness at the University of the Philippines Los Baños, hoping to help improve the lives of Filipino farmers through sustainable agriculture.

Despite financial struggles—including days when she had only P20 left and nights spent studying on an empty stomach—she persevered and graduated magna cum laude.

For Josel Bautista, the scholarship also became a turning point.

Raised by a single mother undergoing dialysis, Bautista said studying at De La Salle University would have been beyond his family's means without financial support.

While earning his degree, he spent three years in the university's student government, eventually serving as vice president for internal affairs, while also completing a five-month internship with Aboitiz Equity Ventures.

He graduated summa cum laude and received DLSU's Student Leadership Award.

Aboitiz Foundation President Ginggay Hontiveros-Malvar said the scholarship goes beyond tuition assistance by providing mentorship, leadership training, internships and volunteer opportunities.

"We want to help shape leaders with character and purpose. When young people are given the chance to reach their full potential, the impact extends beyond themselves. It reaches families, communities and even the nation," she said.

Since its launch in 2000, the Aboitiz Future Leaders program has supported more than 1,200 scholars, with 273 students currently receiving assistance nationwide.

Today, both scholars hope to pay the opportunity forward.

Bautista plans to pursue law while working in public service, communications or corporate social responsibility.

"I want to help create programs that improve people's lives and tell stories that inspire others," he said.

Esguerra, meanwhile, remains focused on agriculture.

"Wherever life takes me, I hope to use my education to help Filipino farmers, strengthen communities, and create opportunities for others, just as the Aboitiz Future Leaders scholarship created for me," she said.