Open your hearts so that you can help your families and communities around you. And together, we can help the nation progress socio-economically. It’s a major challenge in our country to alleviate poverty.”

These were the words emphasized by Zonta Manila 1 President Gisella Padilla Conception in her message to the Honorian-scholars of their organization during the Genderized Dialogue with Zonta Beneficiaries held at the University Hostel last February 25, 2024.

Zonta Manila 1 initially signed a Memorandum of Agreement with Don Honorio Ventura State University (DHVSU) in 2019, guaranteeing assistance to 25 scholars from marginalized sectors.

The recently held dialogue activity aimed to recognize new beneficiaries from various DHVSU campuses and colleges

Dr. Dolores Quiambao, Vice President for Student Affairs and Services (VPSAS), expressed gratitude for Zonta Manila 1's support, emphasizing the importance of completing education to break the cycle of poverty.

“We started very small but with your generosity [Zonta Manila 1], we are able to support our students. Kahit na maraming challenges ang buhay, mayroon tayong mga Zonta friends na really willing to help us… Kaya ang challenge ko sa inyo [Honorian-beneficiaries], kailangan kayong matapos kasi kailangan niyong tulungan ang inyong pamilya and this is social justice,” said Dr. Dolores Quiambao, Vice President for Student Affairs and Services (VPSAS), in her welcome message.

During the dialogue, selected scholars shared their message of appreciation on how the financial aid help them in their academic endeavors.

“Ako po bilang isang Aeta na estudyante gusto ko po balang araw ay makatapos at maipagmalaki po ako ng kapwa ko Aeta at masasabi nila na hindi lang tayo Aeta, kundi Aeta na may maipagmamalaki at maipagmamalaki ng ating mga magulang,” said Marry Jane Carredo of DHVSU Porac Campus in her testimonial.

Zonta Manila 1 is one of DHVSU's partners in advocating for education accessibility among marginalized sectors under the Office of Student Services (OSS) – Affirmative Unit headed by Director Plato Mercado, OSS Director, and Affirmative Unit Head, Ms. Donna Soriano.

Words and photos by Samantha F. Batalla | Management Information System Office

***Purple colors will be used for publication materials throughout the month of March in support of the celebration of National Women’s Month 2024.