Prestone, a trusted brand of automotive-care fluids since 1927, honored six of its ‘Anak ng Mekaniko’ scholars for finishing their respective courses,
Prestone’s award-winning ‘Anak ng Mekaniko’ Scholarship Program was launched in 2018 to celebrate its 90th anniversary. From almost 100 applicants, nine students were chosen – one for each decade the brand has been in existence. The program aimed to give back to hard-working auto mechanics by providing their children with tuition, allowances, as well as devices, to take a four-year course college education of their choosing from any STI College campus nationwide.
“When we started this scholarship program, our goal was to celebrate and put a spotlight on our neighborhood auto mechanics, who we consider unsung heroes who ensure our safety by helping us maintain the tip-top condition of our vehicles. As our way of celebrating their hard work, we found these deserving ‘Anak ng Mekaniko’ scholars with a fire to learn and reach their dreams. And as they embarked on their college journey these past years, they exude passion and dedication to achieve a brighter future for their parents and loved ones,” said Monique Gonzales, Marketing Manager for Southeast Asia at Clorox International Philippines, Inc.
The six ‘Anak ng Mekaniko’ graduates include Edmajea Aguinaldo from Makati City, the first degree-holder in her family who graduated with a BS in Hospitality Management; Melver Masangkay from Batangas, the most active scholar in co-curricular activities who took up BS in Computer Engineering; Christian Diamante from Misamis Oriental, Cagayan De Oro, a consistent honor student who finished with a BS in Information Technology; and Aulinda Buban from Antipolo City, Rizal, a mommy scholar with consistent good-standing grades who finished with a BS in Information Technology.
Meanwhile, two ‘Anak ng Mekaniko’ graduating scholars came from Camarines Sur, Bicol. Harvey Plazo, a son of an auto mechanic for 28 years, graduated cum laude with a BS in Information Technology; and Anna Raiza Dela Cruz, who, as a student, won two intra-school cooking and scrabble competitions graduated magna cum laude with a BS in Hospitality Management.
“Having an auto mechanic parent, people would sometimes undermine your dreams due to financial challenges. However, with the ‘Anak ng Mekaniko’ Scholarship Program, Prestone helped my parents, especially my father, to provide me the opportunity to reach my dreams. Since then, Prestone became a second parent to us scholars, taking care of us these past years, especially amid the pandemic. I’m thankful for Prestone, and even STI Colleges, for giving us hope for our dreams,” Dela Cruz remarked.
“Being an ‘Anak ng Mekaniko’ scholar, Prestone treats you like a family. I promise not to waste this great opportunity given by Prestone. For me, this is one of the most memorable experiences in my life,” chimed Plazo.
Prestone’s two-day culminating activity included a career preparation workshop and ceremonial graduation to recognize the scholars and their families. They were also given a special tour of the historical Fort Santiago, Intramuros, and Casa Manila, where they bonded and relaxed with their loved ones.
(L to R) Paolo Lao, commercial director, Clorox International Philippines, Inc. and Marites Dagdag, General Manager for Southeast Asia at Clorox International Philippines, Inc.
“Prestone is proud to make a difference and be a part of these smart and talented individuals’ lives. We are extremely grateful to be able to give back to hard-working auto-mechanic parents. Prestone also appreciates STI Colleges’ dedication to helping these young individuals realize their dreams and attain a promising future for their loved ones. We will continue to root for these graduates and hope they are successful in their chosen fields in the future,” added Marites Dagdag, General Manager for Southeast Asia at Clorox International Philippines, Inc.
Clorox International Philippines Inc. (CIPI) is engaged in the business of manufacturing, marketing, selling, and distributing Prestone Brake Fluid, Coolant, and other functional fluids. It also is the distributor of STP in the Philippine market.
To learn more about Prestone, visit its website at www.prestone.com.ph/.