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JVO Scholarship celebrates 30th Anniversary
- Elly Reserva and Ria Sison
- Mar 4
- 10 min read
Updated: Mar 5
The Jaime V Ongpin Scholarship Fund or JVO Scholarship Fund was created by Roberto Velayo Ongpin in 1993 and named after his brother, Jaime V Ongpin, both alumni of the Ateneo de Manila, to enable deserving, financially challenged Filipino elementary school graduates to have a Jesuit high school education.
The JVO Scholarship was launched in SY 1994-1995 and renamed to RVO - JVO Scholarship starting in School Year 2023-2024, commemorated its 30th anniversary on 15 June 2024 in a gathering from 2:30 - 4:30 PM hosted by the RVO Foundation Inc and the Ateneo de Manila University with the Ateneo Scholarship Foundation Inc.
The celebration was held at The Loft on the fourth level of the George SK Ty Learning Innovation Wing, Areté, Ateneo de Manila University in Loyola Heights, Quezon City.
In attendance were 90 guests onsite and 76 over Zoom consisting of enrolled and alumni RVO-JVO Scholars, administrators of the eight Jesuit schools where there is the RVO-JVO Scholarship, members of the family of the late benefactor Mr Roberto Velayo Ongpin, RVO Foundation Inc officers, and the partners of the RVO Foundation Inc.
The commemoration commenced with an Opening Prayer by Darlene Jean V Ranoco, JVO Scholar, Sacred Heart School - Ateneo de Cebu High School Class of 2021.
Fr Roberto C Yap SJ, President, Ateneo de Manila University, gave the Welcome and Opening Remarks.
“When the scholarship fund was formally established in 1993, the country had already experienced a significant earthquake, a volcanic eruption, ashfall, dismantling of the US bases, flash floods and national elections. The challenge could have easily dissuaded anyone, but not Bobby. He knew the value of education and how it could forever change one's life. He was committed to pushing forward the generosity that made the difference in his and his brother’s lives. In 1994, ten JVO scholars began their Jesuit education studying in four Ateneo high schools in the country.”
Maria Isabel G Ongpin, wife of the late Jaime V Ongpin, gave a message on behalf of the family. “The change of name of the Jaime V Ongpin Scholarship Fund to Roberto and Jaime V Ongpin Scholarship fund is only fitting and timely. Roberto is the philanthropist who initiated, funded and now permanently keeps it going. I understand it is historically one of the Ateneo’s biggest scholarship funds until now. And as Father Yap has recounted, the tale is that of two brothers and a grandmother who must be remembered along with them when we speak of this scholarship fund.”
Maribel Ongpin explained why the scholarships are dedicated for high school students. “The rationale was that once you learn how to learn in high school, and you can then manage college virtually on your own by knowing how to take notes, how to study, how to apply yourself. To learn in this light and from their own experience as scholars in high school, they both, from early on, helped others. Jaime was my husband and he died young. So, he did not achieve the resources of Roberto, but with what he had, he sent people to school, our help, the children of some of his employees in business and so forth. Roberto achieved much success and accumulated the resources for more expansive scholarships. Perhaps when looking back, he must have remembered how vital his and his brother's high school education was.”
The program continued with the launch of the RVO-JVO Scholars Alumni Association.
Coordinating the formation of the RVO-JVO SAA is Ma. Eleanor R Reserva, JVO Scholar, Ateneo de Davao High School 2010; Ateneo de Manila University, BS and MS in Applied Mathematics, Major in Mathematical Finance (2014, 2015); and Fordham University, MA in International Political Economy and Development (2019).
Elly is leading the efforts to build the alumni association. In her introduction, she shared how transformative her secondary education at the Ateneo de Davao was. “And so, when Ms. Michelle Ongpin Callaghan asked me whether I could help the Foundation, I replied, “Yes! How could I not give back to the scholarship that made me who I am today?” Elly continued to share the beginnings of the alumni association and the next steps. She also invited the alumni and scholars to be more active. “We need more in terms of numbers and more volunteers, but also more, in the simplest sense, of just having more of you in participation and more of you in presence. Why bother? Because it matters. It matters to the young scholar who needs guidance and inspiration. It matters to the high school graduate looking to transition to college and out into the real world. It matters to our schools and to our benefactors who continue to be a beacon of excellence. It matters to give back. It matters to pass on the tradition of generosity and excellence.”
After Elly’s message, Fr Roberto C Yap SJ led the alumni present in the induction for the first time into the RVO - JVO Scholars Alumni Association.
The second part of the program concluded with a response from one among the first batch of JVO Scholars, Mary Honeylyn Joy E Alipio, Ateneo de Zamboanga High School Class of 1998. Honeylyn graduated from the Ateneo de Zamboanga University (2003) with a BS in Business Management with Interdisciplinary Studies. She has an MA in Communications Management from the Asian Institute of Journalism and Communications and an MA in Asian Studies with Specialization on Southeast Asia from the University of the Philippines Diliman. Honeylyn was a student and protege of the late award-winning screenwriter and filmmaker Armando “Bing” Lao and is workshop coordinator for the ‘Found Story’ School of Filmmaking established by Lao. A multi-awarded screenwriter, Honeylyn’s films have gained success internationally.
“Let me start by acknowledging the profound influence of my Jesuit High School education. It wasn't just about acquiring knowledge, but about forming a well-rounded person. The “Magis,” the pursuit of excellence in all things, became a guiding principle. Discipline, service, and a deep commitment to social justice were woven into the very fabric of our learning. These values continue to shape my approach to life and career, pushing me to strive for more, to be the difference, and to leave the world a better place - 'Magis, men and women for others'”, Ms. Alipio proudly shared. She continued, “The JVO Scholarship, then, became the bridge that allowed me to translate that Jesuit foundation into action. The financial support it provided ensured I could pursue my academic aspirations freely. But beyond the financial aspect, it instilled a profound sense of responsibility – a responsibility to excel, to honor the trust placed upon me, and to pave the way for others.”
The third part of the program focused on what’s next for the RVO Foundation.
Jerome Enrico Requioma, JVO Scholar, Sacred Heart School - Ateneo de Cebu High School Class of 2015, presented the RVO Foundation Website that he has been developing for the Foundation.
This was followed by the introduction of the RVO Foundation’s partners to help RVO - JVO Scholars and alumni with soft skills, student loans, and upskilling for better career opportunities. The partners are:
John Robert Powers International represented by Richard Christopher R Upton,
President, for confidence-building and soft skills development to empower individuals to
be their best selves;
InvestEd Philippines represented by Carmina F Bayombong, Co-Founder and CEO,
and Addie Quiachon for accessible, sustainable and affordable student loans; and
Direcho Trabaho represented by Ronna R Sieh providing career opportunities for our
scholars and alumni.
Michelle Ongpin Callaghan, President of the RVO Foundation Inc, gave the Closing Remarks.
“30 years. More than 400 alumni. 200 current scholars in eight Jesuit schools throughout the Philippines. That's an achievement that we thought was well worth celebrating. And I'm very happy that you're all here with us today. Thank you for that. I know that the foundation was one of the projects closest to my father's heart. And I think in a way, he considered it his legacy. We therefore only thought it fitting to add his initials to the scholarship which is now named after him and his brother Jaime, two men who achieved extraordinary success in life. Success that I think to a large part, at least my father did, really credited to his Ateneo High School education. Roberto and Jaime were proud to have been scholars and they were striving for excellence throughout their lives. We hope that our scholars also will embody this commitment to excellence. But even more importantly, I really want you guys to be proud. Be proud that you're a scholar.”
Michelle ended her speech by saying, “RVO and JVO certainly reached their full potential, and I'm very happy that their legacy will live on in this scholarship. So here's another successful 30 years at least. And thank you very much for coming.”
The 30th anniversary celebration concluded with photo taking and light merienda, allowing the scholars, alumni, administrators, partners, and the family of the benefactor to mingle and meet one another.
About the Scholarship
RVO-JVO Scholarship is a financial assistance for six years throughout Junior High School and Senior High School consisting of a full tuition and miscellaneous fees and books scholarship to enable deserving, financially challenged Filipino elementary school graduates to have a Jesuit high school education.
The Scholarship has grown from for 10 scholars in 1994 in four Ateneo high schools, namely, Ateneo de Manila University, Ateneo de Naga University, Ateneo de Zamboanga University, and Xavier University - Ateneo de Cagayan; to 200 scholars starting in 2016 in eight Jesuit schools, with the addition of the Ateneo de Davao University in 1996, Sacred Heart School - Ateneo de Cebu and Ateneo de Iloilo – Santa Maria Catholic School in 2010, and the Xavier School Nuvali in 2020.
RVO - JVO Scholars are selected on the basis of having passed the high school entrance exam and interview and clearly manifested financial need regardless of religious affiliation, good deportment and intellectual ability, preferably demonstrated leadership in the grade school, and greater academic, leadership and service potential.
On the occasion of the commemoration of the Scholarship’s 30th anniversary was the launching of the RVO-JVO Scholars Alumni Association for the 438 alumni as of the end of SY 2023-2024 and the RVO Foundation Inc Website to feature the programs of the Foundation, foremost the RVO-JVO Scholarship and the RVO-JVO Scholars Alumni Association.
For more information on the RVO-JVO Scholarship, please email Victoria Sison vcesison@rvo-jvo.org
For more information on the RVO-JVO Scholars Alumni Association and the RVO Foundation Inc Website, please email Elly Reserva ereserva@rvo-jvo.org
RVO Foundation Inc.
and the
Ateneo de Manila University
with the
Ateneo Scholarship Foundation Inc.
The Commemoration of
the 30th Anniversary of the
JVO Scholarship
launched in SY 1994-1995
renamed to
RVO - JVO Scholarship
starting in School Year 2023-2024
Program Guide
2:00 - 2:30 Registration
2:30 - 2:40 Opening Prayer led by Ms Darlene Jean V Ranoco, JVO Scholar, SHS-ADC HS 2021
Philippine National Anthem
2:40 - 2:45 Introduction and Welcome of Guests by the Masters of Ceremonies
2:45 - 2:55 Welcome & Opening Remarks by Fr Roberto C Yap, SJ, President, Ateneo de Manila University
2:55 - 3:05 Message from Mrs Maria Isabel G Ongpin
3:05 - 3:15 Introduction of the RVO - JVO Scholars Alumni Association
by Ms Maria Eleanor R Reserva, JVO Scholar, ADDU HS 2010
3:15 - 3:20 Induction and Oath Taking of Alumni RVO - JVO Scholars led by Fr Roberto C Yap, SJ
3:20 - 3:30 Response of alumni JVO Scholars
from Ms Mary Honeylyn Joy E Alipio, JVO Scholar, ADZU HS 1998
3:30 - 3:35 Introduction of the RVO Foundation Website
by Mr Jerome Enrico Requioma, JVO Scholar, SHS-ADC HS 2015
3:35 - 3:55 Introduction of Partnerships with John Roberts Powers, InvestEd, and Direcho Trabaho
3:55 - 4:00 Closing Remarks by Ms Michelle Ongpin Callaghan, President, RVO Foundation Inc
4:00 - 4:10 Picture Taking
4:10 - 4:30 Refreshments
Ms Sophia Lanoza Foronda, JVO Scholar, ADDU HS 2015
Ms Rio Christelle Masong, JVO Scholar, SHS-ADC HS 2018
Masters of Ceremonies
Saturday, 15 June 2024, 2 :30 - 4:30 PM The Loft, George SK Ty Learning Innovation Wing, Areté
Ateneo de Manila University
