What does the scholarship did to me? Well, I should have done this testimonial a long time ago (since, if I remember it right, I was the first college student studying at the University of the Philippines – Los Baños that was given this very helpful scholarship).
It was on my sophomore years when trials of life weakened me. My mom died and my relatives keep on telling me that I'd rather top studying in order for my older sister to finish college – a junior Chemistry student also in UPLB. I decided to ask some suggestions on what I'm going do from my high school adviser (Ma'am Tamayo), and she referred me to this great man with a very big heart – Virgilio Y. Prudente. When he offered me this scholarship (financing my tuition fee and with allowance, too), everything changed! Doors of new hopes and wisdom opened. I've realized the importance of fighting and letting other people know that they can never bring me down; that nobody can stop me from reaching my dreams. I've learned to work hard so as to get better grades in exchange to the continuous support of the Prudente family.
Now, I'm at the last stage of my college life. In about a year, I can see myself marching along with the other Iskolar ng Bayan. Even though I've stayed in the campus long enough, I know that it wouldn't worsen my career. Instead, those experiences will be of great help as I go my own way to success.
With all these things in mind, I wholeheartedly thank each and every people who had been a very big help to scholars like me. May you won't get tired of extending your support to those people in need. Continue to touch every student's life, and expect that we will do the same. May our loving God bless us all in everyday of our lives
Reogo, Jacky
Cleto Prudente Scholar
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Many youths today dream of a good education. However, there are instances that prevent them from realizing these dreams. In most cases, financial instability is the main problem. The desire to have a good education is wasted when opportunity to actually have one is not available.
The future, talents, skills and intelligence of the youths that do not have the opportunity to pursue their dreams of having a good education are wasted.
I am a college student of the University of the Philippines , Los Banos, taking up Bachelor of Science Statistics. I belong to a large family with only a small store as a primary source of income. I am the second child of seven. My elder sister also studied in UPLB, however, due to financial constraints she was forced to stop studying. My brother is supposedly a college student also but because of the same problem, he has already stopped schooling. The income from the store meets only the most basic needs of my family. It cannot support the education of seven children.
Despite the circumstances I was able to finish my high school at a private school and was able to enter college. I was given this opportunity by the owner of the school, Mr. Virgilio Prudente, who has supported my education since the beginning of my high school. During my high school education, I was provided with the things I needed to satisfy my requirements. I was even given enough allowance in order to join extra-curricular activities such as joining the camps of the Boy Scout of the Philippines and contests. This not only provided me with the much needed education but has also given me the chance to experience things that I would not have learned in school.
If it were not for the financial assistance given to me by Mr. Prudente, I would not have been able to continue my college education. Every semester, he pays for my registration fee. Also, he provides for my allowance. Without those, I would not have been able to get into college.
Life today is very difficult. Lack of education makes it even more difficult. I am grateful that I am given this opportunity to continue my college education. This will give me a better chance of finding a good job. I am very blessed to have been given this privilege. 
Alvares, Loiu
Cleto Prudente Scholar
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