Our Students

   JP is 19 years old and living in Bagac, Bataan. As the last child of ten children, JP is the only one of his siblings still living at home. While JP’s older siblings are working abroad to provide for their families, JP and his parents are left to take care of his sixteen nieces and nephews. COVID has been an especially trying time for JP – affecting schooling and other areas of his life – but JP continues to be faithful and positive.

   JP was studying at Bataan Heroes College but, because of the difficulties of online learning, has decided to take a gap year. When JP returns to college, he hopes to gain a degree in Hotel Restaurant Management.  JP spends his time helping his parents tend to their fields planting rice. When he is not in the fields, he spends his time helping his parents with everyday tasks. JP’s parents are very important to him as he hopes to finish his education to better help them. He also hopes to one day serve a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints if he is given the opportunity. JP enjoys playing basketball with his family and friends as well as play online games, such as Mobile Legends.

   The scholarship from PCVF has been a big help to improving JP’s schooling and living circumstances. He has been able to afford expenses associated with online schooling, such as internet connection and a cell phone. Overall, the PCVF scholarship has made a big impact in JP’s life and the life of his family.  

     Leoniza Catembung was born and raised in Delfin Albano, Isabela. She enjoyed living in Isabela and meeting many people from diverse backgrounds and cultures. Eventually, Leoniza moved to Bagac, Bataan where she grew to love learning from a new culture and people. Her love for people is a driving force behind her aspiration to work in the medical field some day. She has a deep admiration for doctors’ courage and selflessness to help others, especially in the face of a worldwide pandemic. 

      Now, at age 20, Leoniza is enrolled in her second year of college at Cagayan University located in Tuguegarao. In her free time (which is a rare occasion), she enjoys reading; she especially loves the book “Manuscript Found in Accra.” Leoniza also dearly loves her family. She said that she could not live without her two siblings because they help her out in so many ways. During her life, Leoniza hopes to come to know God more and prepare for the day that she will see Him again through gaining knowledge and wisdom. 

     Leoniza is very grateful for her scholarship and says that PCVF has enabled her to actually attend school. If it were not for the basic scholarship award funds, she would not be able to purchase any of the necessary materials required to attend college.

     Cristine Joy Anne Sacdalan is an intelligent, creative, and driven young woman. She grew up on the Bataan peninsula, located on the southwestern part of the Philippine’s largest island. During Christine’s younger years, she was part of a growing family. As the second oldest in a family of seven children, she has diligently cared for her younger siblings. Her experiences with her siblings have helped her develop a deep passion for helping children learn and grow. Now, at 21 years old, Cristine’s passion continues to direct her life today as she works towards her bachelor’s degree in elementary education. Cristine's inspiring character is centered in her selfless service and humble desires to lift her community. 

     Cristine copes with the demands and stress of university life (including a tight budget) through her art. She sketches detailed portraits to express her feelings and thoughts. No doubt, art became even more indispensable for Cristine when the COVID-19 pandemic shocked the world, allowing her more time to refine her artistic talent. 

     Like many, Cristine and her family were affected financially by the pandemic. As a result, university attendance for Cristine soon became impossible, and her dream of becoming an elementary teacher became almost obsolete. However, with the help of PCVF, Cristine has received aid in acquiring required course materials, managing the costs of living, and continuing her education. Now, as a successful and progressing university student, Cristine continues to express sincere gratitude for this scholarship and the vital enabling power it grants to her life.

   Caira Louis R. Antonino is 24 years old and currently living in Bagac, Bataan Philippines. She originally grew up in Quezon City, Manila, but, because of family problems, moved to Bagac with her family to live with her grandmother. Caira grew up along with her two siblings and learned many lessons. One of the biggest lessons she learned from her mother is to not plant anger or hatred within our hearts but to focus on being a good person. 

   Caira is very gifted academically, especially with mathematics. She is also musically talented with playing the flute, singing, and playing the piano. If Caira has free time, she enjoys reading books, playing badminton, and swimming. 

  Caira desires to finish her studies to help her mother with paying for expenses, especially with her grandmother's sickness. PCVF has been very helpful in assisting Caira to pay for her education. Because of PCVF, Caira has means to pay for her living expenses, such as food, bills, and internet expenses for her online courses. Caira is so grateful that she has received this scholarship!

     Jasmin Alliah B. Del Rosario was born in Bagac, Bataan Philippines where she grew up and continues to live today. Growing up, Jasmin remembers playing in the ocean near her home. She also remembers having the responsibility of helping her parents with household chores and, on occasion, taking care of her younger siblings when her parents were away. As the oldest of her siblings, Jasmin has been the example for her siblings and strives to be strong for them. However, their impact on her life has been just as powerful; their influence has inspired her to give back. She plans to help her siblings and parents when she finishes college because she loves them and has big dreams for them. Jasmin keeps moving forward because of her desire to create a good life for her family now and her family in the future.

     Now, at age 18, Jasmin enjoys cooking, singing, dancing, and writing poems and stories. When she has free time, she enjoys watching anime and playing games, especially Mobile Legends. Jasmin has many goals for her life, including becoming a veterinarian and a teacher. As a teacher, she wants to establish a school and help poor children. She also aspires to one day own an agriculture business with her family. If given the chance, Jasmin hopes to one day serve a full-time mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

     PCVF has had a large impact on helping Jasmin receive her degree. Because of PCVF’s generosity, Jasmin also hopes to one day pay it forward by helping students reach their dreams. Overall, PCVF has inspired Jasmin to use her education to make more of her life and the lives of others.

     Jasmin Rabsing Villasan is 28 years old and currently living in Naic, Cavite, Philippines. She was originally born and raised in Ternate, Cavite, then moved with her family to Bagac, Bataan. While living in Bataan, Jasmin’s family converted to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Two years later in 2017, Jasmin was also baptized into the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She then went on to serve a full-time mission for the Church in the Philippines San Pablo Mission in 2019. While on her mission, her family moved close to extended family in Cavite. When Jasmin returned home from her mission in 2020, she enrolled in school and began working. Jasmin aspires to be an elementary teacher to children in grades one through six. She hopes to go on to attain a master’s degree. 

     When asked what difference the scholarship from PCVF has made in her life, Jasmin answered that it has made all the difference. When Jasmin returned from her mission, she was worried about being able to study because her work wouldn’t provide enough money to study as well as take care of her family who has individual needs. As the second child of eight children, Jasmin has taken it upon herself to be the example for her younger siblings. She works to help support her younger siblings in their studies as well as her mother, Vilma Rabsing, who is bedridden.

     Because of the scholarship Jasmin was awarded, she has been able to keep her job, maintain her school load, and support her family. She is truly grateful for this opportunity she has to study with the financial support of this scholarship and looks forward to continuing her education.