Baguio city: A scholarship privilege that shapes one's future is not only about building a profession but also empowers a person to caring for others.

According to Philippines News Agency, Aboitiz Renewables, Inc. (ARI), one of the Philippines' leading geothermal energy producers, said the company believes in nurturing the potential of the youth and giving them the space to dream and pursue their passions, which benefits the community where the scholars come from.

"Seeing our scholars thrive as engineers, financial enablers, and medical professionals is a milestone for our host communities. Our focus remains on creating shared value by empowering the next generation to lead overall community development," ARI chief operating officer Alexander Coo said in a recent interview.

"A doctor serving mountain communities. An accountant teaching her neighbors to manage their money. An engineer working at the plant in his hometown. For Aboitiz Renewables and Aboitiz Foundation, these are what scholarships make possible."

From across the power plants (geothermal, hydro, and solar), host communities have success stories of members who did not forget their roots.

Dr. Michelle Mariacos of Benguet General Hospital grew up in Bakun, a mountain town located hours away from the nearest hospital. What made the difference for her was a college scholarship from Aboitiz Foundation Inc. and ARI, which operates three run-of-river hydropower plants in Bakun.

"Becoming a doctor was never just about achieving a personal goal. It was about giving back to the community," she said.

The scholarship covered her pharmacy degree at Saint Louis University in Baguio City, which became her stepping stone to medical school. Her primary qualification for the program was being a member of the host community of an Aboitiz Power company.

Mariacos was one of the 61 scholars supported by the program of Aboitiz Foundation. Thirty-one are from the Tiwi host site, which produced magna cum laude and cum laude graduates. The rest are from North Luzon (14), Makiling-Banahaw (four, now completing board reviews), Northern Mindanao (nine), and Southern Mindanao (three). Each scholar received full tertiary funding, stipends, and licensure review support.

The foundation gives scholarships to members of the host community as part of its corporate social responsibility program, aside from other education support activities like classroom construction, provision for internet service, and solar power for the last-mile schools, to ensure holistic support to education.

Journey to becoming a doctor

Mariacos proved that perseverance, passion, and a life-changing scholarship can turn aspirations into reality. Inside a small classroom in Barangay Ampusongan, Mariacos once sketched a stick figure of herself - in a white coat and with a stethoscope around her neck. It was a simple drawing, but for Mariacos, it was a promise.

"That little drawing was my dream. I wanted to become a doctor, even if it felt impossible at the time," she said.

For many young women in rural communities, pursuing a career in medicine comes with significant challenges like limited financial resources, lack of access to opportunities, and societal expectations that often place higher education out of reach. Mariacos refused to let the challenges define her future.

Through Hedcor, a company under ARI, she completed her Bachelor of Science in Pharmacy at Saint Louis, before moving on to medical school. Her dedication and academic excellence later earned her a full government scholarship grant, further supporting her journey toward becoming a doctor.

"Hedcor's scholarship was more than just financial assistance. It was a vote of confidence -- an assurance that my dream was worth pursuing," she said. Beyond financial aid, Hedcor's support also provided mentorship and encouragement, helping scholars navigate the challenges of higher education.

"Knowing that an organization believed in me and my potential gave me the motivation to keep going," she added.

Giving back

Beyond her hospital work, Mariacos actively participates in medical missions and community outreach programs, ensuring that underserved communities receive essential healthcare services. She said knowing what it is like to lack access to resources, she now has the opportunity to provide care for those in similar situations.

"I owe so much to the people who supported me. Now, it's my turn to do the same for others. I want young women to know that they belong in any profession they choose, including medicine," she said.

"When we invest in education, we create opportunities not just for individuals, but for entire communities. The culture of being a good neighbor, which I experienced through the scholarship, became my compass during my studies.'

For aspiring professionals like Mariacos, education is more than just a path to success. It is a tool for change, empowerment, and community development.