The awarding of scholarship was led by Panasonic Manufacturing Philippines Corporation (PMPC) President Shinichi Hayashi, Panasonic Precision Devices Philippines Corporation (PPRDPH) President Koji Ipposhi, University of Rizal System (URS) President Marita Canapi, Pamantasan ng Cabuyao (PnC) President Isabel Inlayo, PMPC Executive Director Masaru Toyota, UP College of Engineering Associate Dean for Student Affairs Rhandley Cajote, UP College of Engineering Associate Dean for Institutional Linkages Eric Augustus Tingatinga, PMPC Assistant Director Marlon Molano, PMPC Assistant Director Robert Pacheco, and PPRDPH Assistant Director Mary Ann Diaz.
The six new Panasonic scholars are Lucas Niegel Cabading, Gelyn Cruz, Bea Marie Manalastas, Gerdan Marie Louise Salas, Jovern Simangan, and Kathrina Villedo. They were chosen after passing series of interviews and assessment of their over-all performance as students.
- Mr. Lucas Niegel Cabading is 20 years old and currently taking up BS Electronics and Communications Engineering at the University of the Philippines-Diliman.
- Miss Gelyn Cruz, on the other hand is 19 years old and currently taking up BS Accountancy at the Pamantasan ng Cabuyao.
- Miss Bea Marie Manalastas is 19 years old and taking up BS Accountancy at the Pamantasan ng Cabuyao.
- Miss Gerdan Marie Louise Salas is 20 years currently taking up BS Electronics and Communications Engineering at the University of the Philippines-Diliman.
- Mr. Jovern Simangan is 18 years old and taking up BS Accountancy at the University of Rizal System – Binangonan.
- Miss Kathrina Villedo is 20 years old and taking up BS Civil Engineering at the University of the Philippines-Diliman.
The scholars are expected to make use of their scholarship not only for their personal gain, but also in becoming good leaders in their chosen fields and contribute to the society in the future. During the ceremony, Mr. Hayashi challenged the new scholars by reminding them that Panasonic is not just simply giving them financial support, but for the country’s continuing development as well.
“By way of your intellectual ability, your personality and your humanity, we believe that you are truly the deserving individuals, who can help us in realizing our commitment to contribute in improving the lives of people, and to the further progress of society along with our corporate slogan in pursuing the concept of “A Better Life, A Better World”. In other words, aim to become good leaders in your chosen fields, and contribute to the society in the future,” Mr. Hayashi said.
Each of the guest speakers took turn in commending Panasonic as they inspire the scholars.
“While it is true that tuition fees are now free in state universities, students need more than just tuition fees. They need sustainability in instruction, in doing research, projects, and other curricular activities... and we are very grateful that Panasonic has that mission of helping our young people pursue their dreams. So to this year's scholars, you are expected to translate your scholarship privilege to greater contributions for national development... and eventually help others when you become successful in the future,” Dr. Canapi said.
Dr. Inlayo also exhorted the scholars as she pointed out that achievers do not always like what they do, but they are winners because they do it anyway.
“Life is unpredictable with hardships, challenges, and trials along the way... It is important that you remember your priority and to allow God to use both success and failure to reproduce Christ’s divine character in you,” Dr. Inlayo added.
In congratulating the scholars, Dr. Cajote encouraged them to rise above all the challenges that they will face along the way.
“Our parents always tell us that education is the only legacy that they can leave behind. Education is something that we strive to attain for ourselves and for our family,” Dr. Cajote said.
Mr. Pacheco, for his part, urged the scholars not to forget that in a sense they are all ambassadors not only of Panasonic and their respective universities, but also of their communities, thus they must carry out seriously their responsibilities as scholars and “help make our world a better place”.
Panasonic Corporation (Japan) funds the Panasonic Asian Scholarship Program for its localized schemes in the region. In the Philippines, the program is administered by PMPC and supported by PPRDPH.