Golfing friends keep memory alive through scholarship grants

What better way to remember a friend who passed away years ago than by sponsoring scholars?

This is why the Louis Coson Friendship Cup Scholars keep growing each year. In 2008, golfing friends of the late Ambassador Louis Coson decided to sponsor a golf tournament, the proceeds of which will honor his memory through a scholarship program. With the help of SM Foundation, the first batch of scholars, all children of caddies/umbrella girls or boys, were awarded scholarship grants in colleges within the vicinity of Tagaytay Midlands where the tournament was first held.

From then on, the annual fellowship would be able to raise funds for more and more scholars. The tournament literally grew and grew and at present counts 36 beneficiaries (14 graduates and 22 currently enrolled).

In 2010, Christine Ann Sunga graduated from the University of Makati with a degree in Computer Science.  In 2012, two (2) scholars graduated namely, Jonathan Gadiano with a BSBA degree from the Jose Rizal University and Mercy Montilla with a BS Computer Science degree from the Asia Pacific College.

In 2013, two (2) scholars graduated – Ma. Paz Ramos from the University of Makati with a degree in Office Management and Eric Limos from the Asia Pacific College with a degree in BS Computer Science.

In 2014, five (5) students graduated – Jonises Azucena, BS Computer Science at National University; Joel Arnny Suyo, BS Accountancy at First Asia Institute of Technology and Humanities (FAITH); while at the Rogationist College are Liezel Loyola, BSE Major in Biology, Jae Erica Alcazar and Jonalyn Sarmiento BS Information Technology. Jonalyn is now employed at the Tagaytay Midlands.

Three (3) scholars will be graduating this month. They are Jomelyn Panganiban, BSBA Major in Management Accounting at  FAITH; Rhomark Negrillo, BS Elementary Education at Cavite State University and Lennie Sanarez, also BS in Elementary Education at Rogationist College.

For school year 2015-2016, the four (4) new scholars being “adopted” are Cherie Ann Coronado who will take up Accountancy in Batangas State University, Liza Albarico, Reymart Terible and Quelrius McGowan will enroll in Rogationist College with a degree in Accountancy.

According to Dennis Huang, Tournament Director, “The Louis Coson Friendship Cup is our modest way of strengthening the education ladder of the less privileged, especially among the group of caddies and umbrella girls/boys who assist us when we play golf.”

Tessie Sy-Coson thanked the group profusely for their generous display of friendship and loyalty to their golf mate who passed away twelve years ago.

Indeed, the Louis Coson Friendship Cup is a good way to remember a friend and helping the poor!