Village Connect
Education can open doors, but for many young Filipinos facing financial challenges, reaching graduation remains a difficult journey. Through its scholarship program, Bell-Kenz Foundation continues to bridge that gap by helping deserving students complete their studies and build brighter futures.
Among the many scholars whose lives have been transformed by the program are Shane Jasmin “Shaun” Samson and Thea Macalalad, two young professionals whose stories reflect the long-term impact of educational support.
Coming from a family that relied on a modest sari-sari store for income, Shaun pursued a Political Science degree at the Polytechnic University of the Philippines with the help of a Bell-Kenz Foundation scholarship. The assistance relieved his family of financial burdens and allowed him to focus on his studies. His hard work paid off when he graduated Magna Cum Laude in 2024.
Today, Shaun has come full circle. He now serves as CSR Admin Assistant at Bell-Kenz Foundation, helping oversee the scholarship program that once supported his own educational journey.
“I used to wait for the message that said I was supported. Now, I’m the one helping send those messages to other students,” he shared.
For Thea Macalalad, the scholarship arrived during a period marked by personal and financial struggles. As the eldest child of separated parents, she carried significant responsibilities while pursuing her education. With the Foundation’s support, she was able to finish college, complete her internship requirements, and eventually pass her licensure examination.
Her relationship with Bell-Kenz did not end after graduation. Thea later joined Bell-Kenz Pharma Inc. as an employee and continued to receive support when she encountered a serious medical condition, helping her gain access to specialized healthcare services.
“Bell-Kenz didn’t only help me finish school or start a career. They helped me rebuild my life,” she said.
According to Dr. James Cayetano, President of Bell-Kenz Foundation, the organization aims to create opportunities that extend beyond the classroom. He explained that every scholar represents an investment in future leaders, professionals, and mentors who can one day help uplift others.
Through stories like Shaun’s and Thea’s, Bell-Kenz Foundation demonstrates how education can transform lives and create a ripple effect of positive change—proving that when young people are given the opportunity to succeed, entire communities benefit.
For more information about Bell-Kenz Foundation, visit www.bell-kenz.net.
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