Rooted in Gratitude, Branching into Kindness: PCC Alumni Sisters Establish Educational Fund feature image
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Rooted in Gratitude, Branching into Kindness: PCC Alumni Sisters Establish Educational Fund

Honoring their Mother, Launch mission to aid Students at PCC Caloocan

  • Published January 06, 2025

The ancient Greek philosopher Socrates envisioned true education not as a passive act of “filling a pail,” but as the dynamic, transformative “lighting of a fire.” This is more than a metaphor; it is a mandate. It is a call to ignite curiosity, to fuel passion, and to spread warmth that outlasts the classroom.

Recently, at PCC Caloocan, this timeless ideal blazed into a powerful reality. It was not in a lecture hall, but through a profound demonstration of alumni camaraderie and philanthropic dedication. Here, the fire Socrates spoke of was not merely lit—it was tended, shared, and passed on, creating a touching story that proves the flame of education, once kindled, can become a beacon of hope for generations to come.

In a powerful tribute to their mother and former PCC teacher, Mrs. Rosa Uy (Sobremonte), her four daughters have channeled their gratitude into lasting opportunity. The alumni sisters—Merilyn Sobremonte-Torre, CPA (’85), Angeli Uy Sobremonte-Tuazon, MBA (’88), Atty. Jennifer Uy Sobremonte (’96), and Katherine Uy Sobremonte, CPA (’99)—have founded the "ROSA UY (SOBREMONTE) Educational Fund." More than a scholarship, this fund is a testament to family, education, and giving back. It is dedicated to uplifting PCC Caloocan students who shine with diligence and a love of learning despite financial hardship. By assisting four underprivileged scholars each year, the foundation lifts a critical burden, allowing them and their families to pursue a complete education with renewed hope and focus.

Forged in the halls of PCC Caloocan, the sisters' path from students to societal pillars was paved by more than academics. Their alma mater nurtured their hearts and minds alike, building the foundation for who they are today. This profound gratitude is a feeling that echoes Helen Keller's belief in the invisible essentials felt by the heart. That cherished sentiment is the true catalyst for their decision to give back, transforming fond memory into lasting opportunity through the educational fund.

For the sisters, the ROSA UY (SOBREMONTE) EDUCATIONAL FUND represents far more than a tribute to their mother and a gift to their alma mater; it is the conscious cultivation of a legacy. They aim to propagate the beautiful, virtuous cycle where help received becomes help given. It is their deepest hope that this act of love will ignite a spirit of generosity, inspiring fellow alumni and compassionate hearts to recognize the struggles of underprivileged students and join in forging a brighter, more hopeful path forward for the next generation.

In their eyes, helping students complete their education transcends temporary relief; it is an act of planting seeds for tomorrow's leaders. As Leo Tolstoy profoundly observed, "Every good deed we do today becomes a light for someone tomorrow." They envision the students they support absorbing this light, and then, when able, radiating it outward. This means channeling their strength into significant endeavors, achieving self-fulfillment, and extending a hand to the next person in need—perpetuating a powerful cycle of growth and goodwill.

The PCC administration expressed profound gratitude for the sisters' benevolent initiative, recognizing the ROSA UY (SOBREMONTE) EDUCATIONAL FUND as a beautiful testament to alumni loyalty and a powerful, enduring inspiration for the entire campus. This intergenerational kindness is a living embodiment of the PCC philosophy: "Nurturing with love and establishing virtue through education."

This year's recipients, chosen for their consistent academic and behavioral excellence, are:

- Ong, Rico Jerick A. (Gr. 11-STEM)

- Co, Wellneil Johhan O. (Gr. 4-B)

- Mendez, Calvinne Joanne C. (Gr. 11-STEM)

- Claudio, Samuel D. – (Gr. 11-ABM)

This initiative stands as a profound answer to Mahatma Gandhi's call to measure society by its care for the vulnerable. It is more than a fund; it is a testament to intergenerational love and a tangible promise of hope.