For many students, a scholarship opens doors to educational opportunities that might otherwise remain out of reach. At the Gokongwei Brothers Foundation (GBF), however, a scholarship is more than financial support—it’s the beginning of a journey toward becoming a future-ready leader.
Through the GBF Scholar Development Program (SchoDev), scholars receive structured learning experiences designed to help them grow not only academically, but also personally and professionally. By bringing these learning opportunities directly to scholars across the country through regional GBF Scholars Gatherings, GBF creates spaces where scholars can connect, reflect, learn, and build lasting communities that support their growth.
This year marked an important milestone as scholars across the Philippines completed Core Module 1: IGNITE and began their next learning journey with Core Module 2: CARE, continuing GBF’s commitment to developing well-rounded STEM leaders and nation-builders.
More Than a Scholarship
Education is about more than earning a degree—it is about developing the mindset, character, and leadership to create meaningful impact.
The GBF Scholar Development Program (SchoDev) reflects this belief by going beyond financial assistance. Through five progressive core modules, scholars develop life skills that complement their academic journey, equipping them to become resilient, purpose-driven individuals ready to contribute to their communities and the nation.
To bring this learning experience closer to scholars, the GBF Scholarships team traveled across the country to launch the first Scholar Development cohorts through the GBF Scholars Gatherings. From North Luzon, NCR, and Southern Luzon to Bicol, Iloilo, Iligan, Davao, and other regions, scholars came together for immersive workshops while strengthening connections within the growing GBF Scholars community.
As of 2026, more than 200 GBF scholars have completed Core Module 1: IGNITE through regional workshops hosted by partner universities, including Benguet State University, Mindanao State University–Iligan Institute of Technology, West Visayas State University, University of the Immaculate Conception, UP Diliman, Philippine Normal University, and Bicol University.
Beyond the workshops, the gatherings also marked the formation of local GBF Scholar Chapters, creating spaces for scholars to connect, collaborate, and continue supporting one another as they progress through the Scholar Development journey.
Building Future-Ready Leaders Through IGNITE and CARE
The Scholar Development Program unfolds through five progressive core modules, each designed to help scholars grow not only as students, but as future-ready STEM leaders and nation-builders.
The journey begins with Core Module 1: IGNITE, where scholars gain clarity about their values and strengths, develop the courage to navigate change, and create a purposeful vision for their future. Through guided reflections, meaningful conversations, and collaborative activities, scholars are encouraged to move from reacting to life's circumstances to intentionally shaping the path ahead.
Building on this foundation, scholars continue with Core Module 2: CARE, which focuses on developing emotional intelligence and self-leadership through the ExSELLEnT Philippines framework. Centered on caring for self, others, and resources, the module equips scholars with practical tools to better understand and manage their emotions, build empathetic relationships, and become responsible stewards of the opportunities entrusted to them.
Together, IGNITE and CARE lay the groundwork for holistic growth—equipping scholars with the mindset, character, and life skills to thrive in STEM, lead with purpose, and create meaningful impact in their communities.
Scholar Voices: Learning Beyond the Classroom
For many scholars, the Scholar Development Program has become more than a series of workshops. It is a space where they feel seen, supported, and challenged to grow—both as individuals and as members of a wider scholar community.
Asnorah Panondi, a GBF TeachSTEM scholar from MSU-Marawi, shared that despite initially feeling anxious about attending, she experienced nothing but warmth, respect and a sense of belonging among scholars from different places and backgrounds.
She described IGNITE as “a gentle reminder of who we are becoming” and reflected on how the GBF scholarship has supported her beyond her financial needs. “Being a GBF TeachSTEM scholar has been such a blessing,” Asnorah shared. “It lifted the weight of financial worries, but more than that, it built a space where I could grow with confidence.”
Her experience reflects how the GBF Scholars Gatherings create opportunities for scholars to form meaningful connections, exchange experiences, and recognize that they are part of a community working toward shared goals.
Loyd G. Serino likewise shared that the gathering gave him the opportunity to pause, reflect, and learn from the lived experiences of fellow scholars. “I didn’t just gain knowledge. I heard the real stories of my fellow scholars, their struggles, turning points, and the ways they keep moving forward.”
Through honest conversations, scholars were reminded that while each journey is different, they do not have to face challenges alone. The formation of regional GBF Scholar Chapters builds on this sense of connection, giving scholars a platform to encourage one another, exchange ideas, and collaborate beyond the learning sessions.
As scholars progressed to CARE, many found practical lessons they could apply to their relationships, responsibilities, and everyday decisions.
For Phoebe Ricel Tek-ing, one insight stood out: "We cannot control every event, but we always hold the power to choose how we respond to it." The reminder that "Pangyayari stays the same, but changing the pananaw changes the pakiramdam" encouraged her to approach challenges with greater self-awareness and empathy.
Meanwhile, Ezekiel Arrogante appreciated how CARE made emotional intelligence relatable and actionable. "You can't pour from an empty glass."
The lesson reinforced that caring for oneself is essential before one can genuinely care for others—an important foundation for building healthy relationships and supportive communities.
For Raphee Magararu, CARE offered a timely perspective on navigating the pressures of student life. "While I can't always control what happens, I can choose how I respond to it." She reflected that learning to pause, reframe negative thoughts, and communicate with empathy has helped her approach both academic responsibilities and relationships with greater intention.
Together, these experiences show how the Scholar Development Program strengthens both individual growth and community. As scholars progress through each core module, they are also building a nationwide network rooted in shared values, mutual support, and a commitment to excellence, service, and meaningful impact.
The Journey Continues
The Gokongwei Brothers Foundation believes that supporting scholars means investing in the whole person. Through the Scholar Development Program, GBF goes beyond financial assistance by strengthening leadership, character, emotional intelligence, and community alongside academic excellence.
The rollout of IGNITE and the pilot implementation of CARE mark important early milestones in this five-module journey. Through IGNITE, scholars gain greater clarity about their values, strengths, and goals. Through CARE, they begin building the self-awareness, empathy, and practical skills needed to care for themselves and others with intention.
Moving forward, GBF will continue rolling out IGNITE and CARE to more scholar cohorts across the country. The CARE pilot will also expand to complete its third pillar, Care for Resources, which will help scholars practice responsible stewardship of their time and finances.
At the same time, GBF is developing the third Scholar Development Core Module, building on the foundations established by IGNITE and CARE. With each succeeding rollout, more scholars will gain access to learning experiences that prepare them to thrive in STEM, lead with purpose, and contribute meaningfully to their communities and the nation.