Dowell Scholar: Transforming an Empanada Vendor into a Web Developer
From left to right: AVP for HR, Soledad Hilomen, AVP for Sales and Marketing; Karen Marie Colasino; Brand Chef Ambassador, Jose Sarasola; Dowell Scholar Graduates; Nel Jefferson Lim, Sales and Marketing Group Head; and AVP for Operations, June Perez
"Dati po akong tindero ng empanada, ngayon, Web Developer na ako." (I used to be an empanada seller, but now I'm a Web Developer.)
These words from Joshua Arensol, one of the Dowell Scholar Graduates, brought so much emotion to all of the attendees at the last Dowell Scholar Awards and Recognition.
Dowell Appliances Philippines, a brand known for its high-quality and affordable appliances, held its Dowell Scholar Awards and Recognition last October 26, 2022. In 2018, Dowell Scholar started to help Filipino students finish their college education and reach their dreams. As part of its corporate social responsibility to the community, the Dowell Scholar aims to help qualified Filipino students who are eager to finish their studies but cannot afford tuition fees and other necessities. Dowell's motto "Bring Goodness to Life" not only reaches every household by bringing goodness through its high-quality appliances but has also brought goodness to every life of the Dowell Scholar graduates and new awardees.
AVP for Sales and Marketing, Karen Marie Colasino, started the program with an opening prayer.
The Dowell Scholar Awards and Recognition started with a prayer, followed by an inspirational and congratulatory speech from the AVP for Sales and Marketing, Ms. Karen Marie Colasino. She highlighted the importance of sticking to the ABCs of success which is: A-aim High; B-believe in yourself; and C-commit to your dreams. She ended her speech by saying, "Delight yourself in the Lord, and He will give you the desires and petitions of your heart."
Joshua Arensol giving his speech
"Dati po akong tindero ng empanada, ngayon, Web Developer na ako."
Everyone who attended the event got so emotional after watching the videos of the pioneer graduates of Dowell Scholar, as they shared how they were able to finish their studies with the help of Dowell. One of the notable graduates is Joshua Arensol. He used to be an empanada vendor in Marikina before he knew about the Dowell Scholar program. He shared how he struggled so much financially just to continue his IT Degree from the Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Marikina until he knew about the Dowell Scholar Program, which changed everything about his life. He also shared how Dowell has helped him not only financially, but spiritually, by giving spiritual support to scholars like him in difficult times, especially in the midst of the pandemic.
Eugene Carnaje, Magna Cum Laude, BS Education major in Filipino
The audience was in awe when two (2) of the Dowell Scholars graduated from their respective schools with flying colors. Rose Ann Nacionales graduated BS Education major in TLE, Magna Cum Laude, while Eugene Carnaje graduated BS Education major in Filipino, Magna Cum Laude. This proves that the Dowell Scholar program not only produces graduates but exemplary students with flying colors.
Mother of Rose Ann Nacionales, Magna Cum Laude, BS Education major in TLE
From left to right: AVP for HR, Soledad Hilomen, AVP for Sales and Marketing; Karen Marie Colasino; Brand Chef Ambassador, Jose Sarasola; Dowell Scholar New Awardees; Nel Jefferson Lim, Sales and Marketing Group Head; and AVP for Operations, June Perez
After hearing the speeches from the Dowell Scholar Pioneer Graduates, Dowell awarded four (4), new scholars, with cheques and brand-new laptops for their studies. The new scholars will be receiving PHP 75,000.00 per year after satisfying the grade point average requirement of not lower than 1.75. With this financial and equipment support, the new batch of scholars will be able to continue studying and reaching their dreams.
Speech from Chef Jose Sarasola
The happiness of the new scholars, graduates, and their parents were elevated when Dowell’s Brand Ambassador Chef Jose Sarasola had his inspirational speech for everyone. He said that scholars are very fortunate to be able to study in spite of what the world is experiencing right now, and Dowell made it possible for scholars to see their future.
Nel Jefferson Lim, Sales and Marketing Group Head, Collins International Trading Corporation
The program ended with Nel Jefferson Lim, the Sales and Marketing Group Head of Collins International Trading Corporation, saying that he is hoping to have more Dowell Scholars every single year. He also wishes Dowell Scholar Graduates to succeed in their chosen paths.
The Dowell Scholar program has really changed the lives of many students who aspire to finish their studies in spite of the struggles they have and this world has. Dowell is not only committed to bringing goodness to the lives of many people through its high-quality appliances, but also to bringing goodness to the lives of deserving Filipino students. Dowell will continue to inspire more Filipino students to dream big and never lose faith in what they want to achieve, and above all, in our God Almighty.