27/07/2026
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๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐๐
On July 25, 2026, Solid Earth Development Corporation (SEDC) gathered scholars, parents, educators, local government officials, and community partners at Monteray Ecofarm and Resort, Pinamungajan to celebrate another milestone in the SEDC Scholarship Program.
Also in attendance were executives from Taiheiyo Cement Philippines, Inc. (TCPI), headed by ๐๐ซ. ๐๐๐ค๐๐ฌ๐ก๐ข ๐๐ข๐ฒ๐๐ฌ๐ก๐ข๐ญ๐, President and CEO, along with members of the TCPI management team, who graced the occasion in support of the scholars and the community.
More than a simple recognition ceremony, the event was a celebration of dreams, perseverance, and the collective effort of families, schools, communities, and SEDC in helping young people reach their full potential.
Since its launch in 2017, the SEDC Scholarship Program has supported a total of 28 scholars, with 12 active scholars receiving educational assistance for School Year 2026-2027. The program continues to provide opportunities for deserving students from SEDC's host communities, helping them pursue their education and build brighter futures.
In his welcome remarks, ๐๐ซ. ๐๐๐ค๐๐ฒ๐ฎ๐ค๐ข ๐๐๐ฌ๐๐ค๐ข, SEDC Director, emphasized that education remains one of the best investments a company can make. He encouraged scholars to persevere in their studies and shared a Japanese saying,"๐ฒ๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐" or "๐ช๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐," reminding students that success is achieved through consistent effort and determination.
The Municipality of Pinamungajan also expressed its appreciation for SEDC's continued commitment to education and community development. Representing the Local Government Unit, ๐๐จ๐ง. ๐๐ง๐ง๐๐ญ๐ญ๐ ๐. ๐๐๐ฏ๐๐ซ๐ซ๐จ recognized the company's Social Development and Management Program as a source of pride for the municipality and a testament to responsible mining and meaningful community partnership. She encouraged scholars to make the most of the opportunity given to them and continue striving for excellence.
Representing the education sector, ๐๐ฌ. ๐๐ข๐ฅ๐ข๐๐ง ๐. ๐๐๐๐ข๐ฅ๐ข๐ง๐จ, Principal of Pinamungajan National High School, described the scholarship program as more than financial assistance. She called it a"beacon of hope" that helps ensure no learner is left behind in pursuing their dreams and reaffirmed the academe's commitment to supporting scholars throughout their educational journey.
One of the most meaningful parts of the ceremony was hearing directly from the scholars whose lives have been touched by the program.
For ๐๐๐ง๐ง๐๐ก ๐. ๐๐๐๐ฎ๐ฌ๐ช๐ฎ๐ข๐ฅ๐ฅ๐จ and ๐๐๐๐ฅ๐ ๐. ๐๐๐๐๐ฏ๐ข๐, both incoming Grade 7 students and the newest additions to the scholarship family, being chosen as an SEDC scholar was a rewarding recognition of their hard work and dedication. They shared how the scholarship would help ease their family's financial burden and inspire them to continue giving their best in school.
๐๐ฌ. ๐๐๐ซ๐๐ฒ ๐. ๐๐๐ฉ๐๐๐จ๐ณ๐ expressed heartfelt appreciation to SEDC for the life-changing opportunity the scholarship program provided her daughter from Grade 7 through Grade 12. She shared how the scholarship allowed her child to focus on learning, pursue her aspirations with confidence, and grow into the person she is today. For her family, the program represented more than financial assistance - it was a source of hope, motivation, and opportunities that left a lasting impact on their lives.
Graduating scholar ๐๐ก๐๐๐ ๐๐ข๐ซ๐๐ก ๐. ๐๐ซ๐๐ฃ๐๐ฌ reflected on how the scholarship became much more than financial support. Throughout her years as a scholar, it served as a source of motivation, helping her become a consistent honor student while building lasting friendships and confidence in herself. She credited SEDC not only for investing in her education but also for helping shape her into a more responsible and determined young person.
Meanwhile, college scholar ๐๐ง๐ง๐ข๐ ๐๐จ๐ฌ๐ ๐. ๐๐๐ง๐ฎ๐ญ๐๐ง, an incoming fourth-year Mining Engineering student, shared a powerful testimony about overcoming financial difficulties, academic struggles, and self-doubt. She expressed heartfelt gratitude to SEDC for providing not only educational assistance but also encouragement and hope during challenging times. Her message served as an inspiration to younger scholars to keep believing in themselves and never give up on their dreams.
In her closing remarks, SEDC President ๐๐๐ซ๐ข๐ ๐๐๐๐ณ๐ ๐. ๐๐ฎ๐ณ๐ฆ๐๐ง thanked all stakeholders who continue to support the scholarship program, including local government partners, schools, teachers, parents, and the SEDC team. She reminded scholars that success is not measured solely by academic achievements but also by the character they build and the positive impact they create in their communities.
As the ceremony concluded, it reaffirmed a simple but powerful belief: when communities work together to invest in education, they help create future leaders capable of transforming lives and uplifting communities.
To our SEDC Scholars of School Year 2026-2027, congratulations! May your journey continue to be filled with learning, perseverance, and success. Your SEDC family is proud of you and looks forward to the positive difference you will make in the future.
