July 2, 2025
They graduate with Latin honors and a world of opportunities
By Joy Rojas
When Neil Aldrin Yabut led the Alumni Pledge for the 87 graduating scholars in symbolic rites held on June 29 at the 2025 Scholars’ Camp in Buddhist Tzu Chi Campus, Sta. Mesa, Manila, he did so with the quiet confidence of a student who finished with Latin honors.
One of 32 Tzu Chi scholars graduating magna cum laude (38 graduate cum laude, four with academic distinction), Neil completed his BS in Entrepreneurship at Pampanga State Agricultural University with an impressive average of 1.261, the second highest in his school.
Yet it wasn’t long ago when he nearly gave up his studies to work. The eldest of four, he felt a heavy responsibility to support his siblings when the family’s lack of resources forced them to pawn and sell their possessions. “I still remember when my little brother cried because we had to sell our TV,” he says in a speech after the pledge. “Those were difficult times and I didn’t want it to be that way.”
Just as he was ready to quit, a Facebook post from Tzu Chi Foundation inviting students to apply for a scholarship caught his eye. Hesitant at first, he went ahead with it when a friend reminded him that he had nothing to lose.
Indeed, he had everything to gain from an opportunity that not only covered his academic requirements, but imbued him with valuable life lessons taught in monthly Humanity classes and through hands-on volunteerism.
“Most importantly, Tzu Chi gave me hope,” he tells scholars. “The hope that I can still continue my studies, and the hope that I can reach my dreams. The most painful sacrifice is letting go of your simple dream to go to college. Thanks to Tzu Chi, I didn’t have to do that.”
Twins Jaypee and Jayvee delos Santos, who graduate magna cum laude and cum laude, respectively, are grateful to Tzu Chi—and one volunteer in particular—for granting them scholarships from Grade 4 all the way up to college. Jaypee is graduating from the Polytechnic University of the Philippines with a BSEd major in Science; Jayvee completed his Bachelor of Library and Information Science at the Philippine Normal University.
As a rule, a Tzu Chi scholarship is awarded to only one student per household. “But [Tzu Chi Philippines Deputy CEO] Woon Ng fought for both of us to get into the Educational Assistance Program,” marvels Jaypee. “I feel that was the turning point to a better life for us.”
The youngest of seven kids, whose mother was a volunteer of Tzu Chi’s recycling center, the brothers grew up knowing nothing but hardship and heartache. At 4, they lost their security guard father to complications from a stroke following a fire that reduced their belongings to ashes. To study, they set up tables under their street’s lamppost; for spare change, they knocked on neighbors’ doors and offered to throw out their trash. Yet it was these and other disheartening instances that pushed them to slowly change their circumstances. To help with the family’s daily expenses, they got jobs: Jaypee with a call center, Jayvee with a cryptocurrency outfit.
With college done, the brothers are eager to explore their options: Jaypee aims to teach, Jayvee wants to gain experience with a private institution. They also plan to give their mother the attention she deserves as a longtime solo parent, and reciprocate the years of kindness they received from the foundation.
“You probably don’t remember us, but thank you, Auntie Woon,” says Jayvee. “If you didn’t fight for us, we wouldn’t be here today. I hope you continue to help others like us who have dreams of wanting a good life for ourselves and our families.”
If scholars needed any more proof that life does get better in time and with education and diligence, they simply have to look to Tzu Chi Philippines CEO Henry Yuñez. One of eight siblings, he recalls his mother coming to their school to bring them home-cooked lunch and asking for discounts for their tuitions because she simply couldn’t afford to pay in full.
“Being poor is nothing to be ashamed of,” he says. “Hard work is more important.”
Having witnessed scholars graduate and move on to greater heights in his nearly 30 years with Tzu Chi, the CEO adds, “I hope to see you one day in the newspaper when you finally become somebody. I’m sure I will be able to see that.”
As a surprise and welcome incentive to the scholars, the CEO announced that cum laude scholars will each receive P3,000, while scholars who graduate magna cum laude will get P5,000 each.
Graduating scholars who attended the 2025 Tzu Chi Scholars’ Camp were recognized in a symbolic ceremony held on June 29 at the Jing Si Auditorium.
Neil Aldrin Yabut (center) receives his certificate from Tzu Chi Philippines CEO Henry Yuñez (left) and JMK Charitable Foundation, Inc. co-founder Abigail Kaw See (right).
(From left) Tzu Chi Zamboanga Deputy OIC Harvey Yap, Tzu Chi Davao Deputy OIC Mei Yuen Ang, Tzu Chi scholar Jaypee delos Santos, and Tzu Chi Education Committee Head Rosa So are all smiles during the symbolic commencement exercise.
Jayvee delos Santos (second from right) is grateful that Tzu Chi granted him and his twin brother Jaypee each with a scholarship from Grade 4 to college. He receives his certificate from (left) Tzu Chi Zamboanga Deputy OIC Harvey Yap, Tzu Chi Davao Deputy OIC Mei Yuen Ang, and Tzu Chi Education Committee Head Rosa So.
Neil Aldrin Yabut leads fellow scholars in an Alumni Pledge after their symbolic commencement exercise.
Scholars erupt in cheers when Tzu Chi Philippines CEO Henry Yuñez announces that those who graduate cum laude will each receive P3,000, while graduates who finish magna cum laude will each get P5,000.
Jaypee and Jayvee delos Santos (first and second from right) meet with Tzu Chi Philippines Deputy CEO Woon Ng (second from left), who fought for the brothers to each be granted a scholarship. “When I think about it, I realize that there are people out there who are willing to fight for you,” says Jaypee. “She’s a blessing to us.”
If Neil Aldrin Yabut followed his plan to drop out of school to support his siblings, he would not be addressing fellow scholars at the 2025 Scholars’ Camp as the batch’s scholar with the highest average. “Whatever challenges you face in life, please, don’t give up,” says Neil, who graduates magna cum laude from Pampanga State Agricultural University.