NEWS

ABA's 2008 Scholars

We are happy to announce the new set of ABA scholars for 2008. Though the funds are still low, it was agreed unanimously by the attending ABA members during the meeting held on March 2, 2008 that we are going to select one (1) scholar per high school from Bantayan (4) , one (1) scholar from Madridejos and one (1) scholar from Sta. Fe. A total of six scholars were selected.

1. Bantayan National High School - Bernie N. Desucatan (Tamiao, Bantayan)

2. Bantayan Southern Institute - Davin S. Layos (Suba, Bantayan)

3. Doong National High School - Jessan M. Despi (Tarong, Doong)

4. St. Paul Academy - Ma. Cathy L. Jamili (Lipayran, Bantayan)

5. Madridejos - Mark Paul M. Magallanes (Bunakan,Madridejos)

6. Sta. Fe - Juliet S. Gilbuena (Okoy, Sta. Fe)

We received more than 70 applications from all the schools combined. But we regret that only 6 were selected. That is what ABA can afford only at this time.

We appreciate very much the efforts of the applicants in preparing and submitting all the requirements. We wish them all luck and success.

The scholars are entitled to receive $500.00 per year to supplement their schooling in college and will continue to receive provided they will maintain an average of no less than 83 and no failure every semester. It was pointed out very clearly that ABA will support the scholars up to 4 years only and it is up to the scholars how to proceed if they elect to take engineering (5 years), medicine (8 years), law, etc.

With 6 new scholars from Class 2008, ABA’s total no. of scholars for school year 2008-2009 enrollment is 17 (11 + 6) at a cost of $8,500.00 just for 1 year. ABA is committed to support the selected scholars for 4 years provided the scholars meet their scholastic requirement every semester.

The attendants wish for ABA, Inc. to have more support from all Bantayanons in the U.S. and Canada so we can give more scholarships and support to other projects like our Bantayan District Hospital.

CHARITY BACK TO BANTAYAN ISLAND
by Precy Mansueto Marban
December 11, 2007

With a humble beginning, a small group of Bantayanons here in the East Coast decided to form an organization (ABA, Inc.- Association of Bantayanons in America) to benefit the less fortunate Bantayanons back in the island. It is only a very small group yet the mission is really big- to help poor and deserving Bantayan high school graduating students and equip the only hospital in the island comprising Bantayan, Madridejos and Sta. Fe with some needed medical supplies and equipment. That was in the summer of 1995.

Since then, fundraising activities were done annually. Lucky enough, 12 scholars have graduated from college already. Currently, there are 14 scholars enrolled in different colleges in Cebu City and Bantayan Island and about $8,500 worth of medical equipment and supplies have been given to the hospital. They have shipped also several boxes of books to support some of the school libraries in the island.

ABA, Inc. is very grateful to all the donors who have financially supported their cause and to those who have given their precious time to help the group. The donors are both Bantayanons and non-Bantayanons as well. These wholehearted and generous donors have helped them through all the years.

To fulfill its 2008 goals and thereafter, ABA, Inc. is asking for help again. Donations to ABA, Inc.is tax deductible under Section 501 (c) 3. IRS and State registrations can be accessed via the internet and type the word “Bantayanon” in:
http://apps.irs.gov/app/pub78 for their IRS registration and http://www.njconsumeraffairs.gov/charfrm.htm for their state tax filings.

Check donations can be made payable and mailed to:
Association of Bantayanons in America, Inc.
22 Forest Road
Allendale NJ 07401
USA

A written receipt will be sent to you for your tax records.

For inquiries, please contact:

George Baruc george_baruc@hotmail.com
Dong Escalona aescalona@optonline.net
Precy Mansueto Marban pmarban@aol.com

This article is posted in www.bisayabulletin.com