Yolanda Victims Finish Hotel Course

“When I wasn’t able to continue my education, I felt discouraged. I felt empty and hopeless.” This was expressed by Lyca Mae Caminos, 19-years old, who is one of the ten scholars who graduated from a 6-month training course in hotel and restaurant management in Bluewater Academy last February 1, 2016. She also finished on top of the graduating class.

4Ever40 Sisterhood Association, Inc. in partnership with the Cebu Provincial Government, through the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office and Bluewater Academy of Maribago Bluewater Resort sponsored the scholarship program.

The ten female scholars come from San Remegio, Bantayan, Sta. Fe and Medellin towns, which were among the areas affected by super typhoon Yolanda.

In selecting the scholars, Bluewater Academy conducted an exam and interview in the abovementioned four municipalities and picked 10 for the said program.

The scholars, high school graduates with honors, were trained by Bluewater Academy for three months with free accommodation, monthly allowance, and a guaranteed job after the training.

Caminos, who hails from the municipality of Bantayan, said that it has always been her desire to give her family a better life. Her dreams encouraged her to study hard so she could help her family.

“I wanted to become successful someday, but before that I wanted to finish my studies because I want to achieve what I want to be in my life someday. Thanks to 4Ever 40 Sisterhood Association Inc. and to the Bluewater Academy because you gave me a chance to continue my education,” she explained.

The 4Ever40 Sisterhood Association, Inc. is a recognized public charity in Florida, USA and was formed by Asian empowered women. Their goal is to provide scholarship to poor children in remote areas in the Philippines and to inspire women to finish their education and become self-sufficient.

Caminos said perseverance and hard work allowed her to finish the course. “Thank you for inspiring us, for giving our hope to achieve our goals. This is the first step towards achieving our goals in life,” she said.

A teary eyed Caminos expressed how happy and lucky she was to be part of the scholarship program.

“We are now stronger. I believe we were able to face all the challenges because we believe that the more things we overcome the stronger we become,” she ended.

Meanwhile, PSWDO Officer-in-Charge Rocelyn Zosa said the program is really intended for the less fortunate in the remote areas of northern Cebu.

Zosa expressed her thanks to both Bluewater Academy and 4Ever40 for making the project possible. The PSWDO conducted the initial screening of beneficiaries/scholars. “When we were talking to 4Ever40, niingon me nga kami na lang mangeta ug constituents nga maka pa eskwela ninyo ,“ Zosa said.

Julie Alegrado-Vergara, President of Bluewater Academy said these ten graduates are part of the second batch of scholars for the short-term course on hotel and restaurant management.

In her speech she also encouraged the graduates to pursue their dreams in life. “Never stop learning, never stop dreaming. Life is too short. Make the best of it and make a difference,” she said.

Meanwhile, Julie Alegrado-Vergara, President of Bluewater Academy said that the ten female graduates were the second batch who finished a short-term course on hotel and restaurant management.

In her speech she also encouraged the graduates to pursue their dreams in life.

“Never stop learning, never stop dreaming, life is too short, make the best of it and make a difference” she said.

By Lee De la Cerna