JEDDAH, 1 December 2006 — Many are those who sing either to fight boredom or homesickness, never mind if they are out of tune. But when the accountants of Jeddah belt out a melody or two, it would be for a cause.
For the past two Decembers, members of the Philippine Institute of Certified Public Accountants chapter in the Western Region (PICPA-WR) have banded together for the group’s caroling team, the proceeds of which are now used to support scholars in college.
Chapter President Glen Sibag said the group recently added two scholars this year, raising the number of students they are supporting two five.
All students are taking up accounting courses at the Polytechnic University of the Philippines (PUP) in Manila.
Sibag said PUP is their university of choice not only because of the very low tuition but also because most of its students come from poor families.
The PUP, whose main campus is along Ramon Magsaysay Boulevard in Manila, is a state-owned university, just like the more popular University of the Philippines.
From a pool of candidates provided by the PUP Office of Scholarship and Financial Assistance (PUP-OSFA), Leynor Aspril and Alvin C. San Diego were selected and personally sponsored by PICPA-WR past presidents Reginaldo Maga (2000) and Rafael Abisamis (2004).
Jonalyn A. Bunyi, Mayrie Joy C. Abuga and Rose Anne Mejico constitute the first batch of PICPA-WR scholars.
Joey Guhit, chapter president for year 2005, signed the amendment to the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with the PUP Scholarship Office, in behalf of the direct sponsors and current President Glen Sibag.
Signing for the university were Evangeline de Jesus, chief of the Scholarship Office, and Prof. Albino C. Amoguis, director of Office of Student Services.
The launching the first PICPA-WR scholarship program was a highlight in the plan of activities laid out in January 2004 by the Abisamis administration.
Guhit continued the program, even serving as the caroling team’s guitarist.
“We plan to increase the number of our scholars for the coming year,” Sibag said, indicating that part of their fund-raising campaign would be done by caroling again.
Guhit said the project is fun and worth undertaking, with the carolers bringing glad tidings to friends, and the caroled ones responding by donating to the scholarship program.
Meanwhile, Sibag said the university also welcomes individuals and other groups who wish to share their blessings by sponsoring their own scholars. Interested sponsors may contact the current chief of PUP-OSFA, Evangeline de Jesus, at telephone number (632)716-7832 ext. 339 or send e-mail to “Scholarship Office” .
“Your generosity would give bright but financially challenged Filipino students a chance to realize their own dreams. It’s the least we can do — share something of what we have and help make our home country a better place to live in,” he said.