By Elyssa Ysabelle P. Jimenez | The Paulinian
Cover Photo by Rae Sablaon | The Paulinian
St. Paul University Manila — On October 9, 2025, the academic community attended the Scholarship Launch held at St. Maurice Hall. The event was held in celebration of World Teachers’ Day, celebrating their commitment and service.
Sr. Ma. Evangeline Anastacio, SPC, gave the Opening Remarks, expressing wholehearted appreciation for the teachers’ dedication, hard work, and significant contributions. She said, “We know how demanding your work can be—long hours, especially checking papers and quizzes, the shifting moments of learning, and the ever-changing moods of our students.” She also emphasized, “You’re not just educators, but builders of hope, bearers of light, and witnesses of God’s love.” She thanked all the teachers for their dedication and patience in guiding the students each day.
In closing, she reminded everyone, “May this celebration remind all of us, especially you, that your work matters deeply, and your impact goes far beyond the classroom.” She then announced the launch of a new scholarship program in their honor, a symbol of shared hope for the future of education.
The Paulinian Shutters Club presented a heartfelt appreciation video featuring students’ greetings to their teachers. It was a heartfelt way to honor the teachers and show gratitude for their hard work and dedication.
A video presentation of the scholarship launch flashed on the screen. SPU Manila introduced a scholarship program for Academic Year 2026–2027, targeting incoming students pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Education, majoring in Science or Mathematics, and emphasizing competence, compassion, and faith. The scholarship seeks to address the National Learning Crisis identified in the EdCom 2 report, including students’ struggles in science and math, as well as teachers handling courses outside their areas of expertise.
St. Paul University Manila has decided to react to this report with faith and compassion rather than fear through this scholarship program. From the first year until graduation, tuition and other academic-related costs are covered by financial aid of ₱30,000.00 to 50,000.00 pesos per semester or ₱60,000.00 to 100,000.00 pesos annually through the St. Paul Manila Scholarship Program. Scholars will receive an additional ₱40,000.00 annually through the PEAC-Rex Edukasyon Program, a collaboration between the Private Education Assistance Committee (PEAC) and Rex Education. SPU Manila thanked PEAC and Rex Education for their assistance in empowering aspiring teachers. She then announced the launch of the new program in their honor, a symbol of shared hope for the future of education.
Ms. Arianne Joyce Monte Lo-ay, a present scholar pursuing a Bachelor in Elementary Education degree, gave a testimony about her time at SPU Manila. She said that her dream is to become a teacher—“And mas natutunan ko po ang mga values, mga techniques, kung paano po bang magturo sa mga bata and paano po silang matuturuan ng iba’t ibang mga bagay na nagaganap sa society po natin.” She shared that she went from being a shy student to volunteering and becoming more involved in school events. The scholarship and the environment at SPU Manila also helped her grow personally and gave her peace of mind.
Following the video presentation, the hosts Kasandra Alfonso and Christine Rivera took the spotlight to celebrate the start of the scholarship program for A.Y. 2026–2027 and to thank the teachers for their constant dedication. They invited the professors to step outside the venue for a special surprise prepared by the students. The students on the school grounds greeted the instructors, shouting, “Happy Teachers’ Day!” with joy as they stepped out to the balcony, Everyone went back to the hall to resume the program after the little surprise.
As the event came to an end, Aliyah Lamzon, a student from the College of Music and Performing Arts, gave a touching performance. Lunch was then served, and the teachers received gifts as well. A loot bag was also given to each teacher, which could be used to collect prizes from the several activity stations set up by other departments.
After lunch, the teachers went to the following booths: the CMPA Lemon Challenge, the CNAHS Wellness Booth, the CBM Care for the Caring Hearts Booth, and the CELA Photo Booth. Hannah Paleracio of the College of Education and Liberal Arts led the Closing Prayer, bringing the celebration to a happy, memorable end.
