The 19 scholars were supported by DAUSA members Winston/Pat Osmena-Misa, Candy Canga, Manny/Melinda Derecho-Aquino; Ben and Dr. Anita Cal- Jackson and Fred/Nattie Almeda.

They were first to respond when the Adopt-a-Student Project was initiated sometime in year 2000 after a successful medical mission.

Sponsors must support the students’ tuition and other fees until they finish their 4-year bachelors degree.

Below are the names of the 19 graduates, where they came from and their respective degrees: Bachelor of Elementary Education (BEED), Bachelor of Secondary Education (BSED) and Bachelor of Industrial Technology (BSIT):

Marcialito Batoon of Taboc-Looc, BEED; Belindo Cal of Barangay Langusig, BSIT; Haydee Camanse, Timobo, BSED; Renelito Cane, Manghilaw, BEED; Rufil Castro, BSED, Dungguan; Nobeya Colon, Maslog, BSED; Chito Gervise, Maslog, BSED; Anecita Lato, Cambanay, BEED; Algerry Laum, Poblacion, BSIT; Zosimo Lawas, Togonon, BSIT, Zenith Manulat, Baliang, BEED, Ma. Fe Mata, Taytay, BEED; Ryan Mata, Looc, BEED; Josefina Montes, Suba, BSIT; Jesiel Pareja, Manlayag, BSED; and Maria Lenalie Roto, Sandayong Sur, BSED; Catherine Tano, Cambanay, BSED; and Alfredo Tumampos of Looc, BSED.

Each 19 graduates will receive a cash bonus of P1,000.00 from DAUSA donors to be handed to them by Mrs. Rose Canga during their graduation ceremonly. Mrs. Canga serves as a DAUSA volunteer in the screening of scholarship applicants who must be top students of Danao’s barangay high schools.

Meanwhile, two other DAUSA scholars will graduate this year, Joebert Ricafort of Guinacot, in Bachelor Science in Nursing from Cebu City Medical Center College of Nursing and Janice Lima from Cebu Northeastern College in Business Administration. Janice and Joebert are orphans and they graduated first and second honor in Suba Barangay High School in 2000. They got discovered by their sponsors during a school visit that by some DAUSA officers and U.S. based medical-mission volunteers.

Also, another two students from Danao’s mountain barangay high schools who got scholarship awards from the E. R. Barriga Memorial Foundation will be graduating this month: Alma Polido of Ibo, Bachelor of Science in Nursing and Warren Perez of Masaba, BS Education. Dr. Leonora Barriga-Philipps is President and her brother Engr. Felix Barriga is Board Chairman. Dr. Barriga, an aunt DAUSA Web Master Celso Barriga, is consistently supporting Danao Association USA, Inc. in its projects for the people of Danao.

For as low as $250.00 for a 4-year tuition ($50.00 per year) you can help a barangay high school go to college and earn a degree. You will help not only the student but the entire family for an opportunity to change their quality of life.

Assisting in the screening of applicants is Mrs, Rose Canga, who serves as volunteer Danao Association USA, Inc. Adopt-a-Student Adviser.

Should anyone wish to be part of DAUSA’s Adopt-a-Student Project, please contact DAUSA President Gemma Montegrande (Tel, 310-5391354) or DAUSA Treasurer Darling Dayondon (714-226-0336) or send email to DAUSA Vice-President Candy Canga (CangaR@sutterhealth.org ) and/or Ramon Barriga (monching@dausa.org)<br>

In both communications Ms. Ybanez attached a letter signed by  Dr. Michael M. Cono, Danao City School Superintendent.

(Dungguan Elementary School is beneficiary of DAUSA Adopt-a-School Program initiated by Mr. Jose Campo of Freeport, TX and who personally donated lots of hard bound books to the school library and some 13 computer desktops and monitors.)

The first letter is an appeal to kind-hearted DAUSA members and other Danawanons living abroad to sponsor deserving high school students.

These young boys and girls, according to Ms. Ybanez, recently graduated from Guinsay and Dungguan Elementary Schools as well as from nearby barrios.  They are seeking admission at the newly opened Ramon H. Durano Foundation Science and Technology Learning Center.   Their parents are reportedly unable to pay the monthly tuition.

The second letter is an invitation for DAUSA to nominate or recommend a representative as incorporator of the Foundation that is in the process of registration with the Securities and Exchange Commision.

Both letters and Ms. Montegrande’s response are herein posted for our readers’ consideration.

We certainly hope some generous and kind-hearted individuals will respond to this appeal.

May 17, 2003

MRS. GEMMA MONTEGRANDE
President-DAUSA, Inc.

Madam:

The newly established Ramon M. Durano Sr. Foundation–Science and Technology Education Center located at Guinsay, Danao City will be registered in the SEC as a foundation. We are now on the process of identifying kind-hearted individuals to compose the group of incorporators for this foundation who could back up its operation.

In this regard, the undersigned and the mayor of our city would like to request you or any officer/member of DAUSA to be one of the founding incorporators of
this foundation.

Hope for your consideration on the above request.

Thank you,

Very truly yours,

MICHAEL M. CONO, Ed.D.
OIC-Schools Division Superintendent

************************************************************************

May 20, 2003

Michael M. Cono, Ed. D.
OIC School Division Superintendent
Danao City, Philippines

Dear Dr. Cono:

On behalf of the Danao Association USA, Inc. (DAUSA) I am responding to your two communications sent via e-mail through Mrs. Lilia Ybanez, dated May 3 and May 17, 2003.   Two specific issues raised in these two communications were discussed at our 2nd Quarterly meeting held on May 17, 2003, and I want to convey to you DAUSA’s response.

1.    Scholarship

Aside from the annual medical mission which is DAUSA’s vehicle in reaching out the poorest of the poor in Danao, the Association is likewise supporting 35 Adopt-a-Student Project beneficiaries from Danao’s barrio high schools, presently enrolled at the Cebu State College – Danao City Campus and four other scholars studying in Cebu City. The members who participated in the project are committed to help these students until completion of their 4-year course.  Hence, we are not in the position at this time to have DAUSA get involved in another scholarship program. However, we will spread the word, through the DAUSA website (www.dausa.org) of your need for sponsors to help poor and deserving students of Barangay Guinsay and Dungguan.  We will just hope and pray that some kind-hearted Danawanons who have not participated yet in any reach-out program will take interest in this very noble cause you are initiating.

2.    Ramon H. Durano Foundation – Science and Technology Education Center

On behalf of our association I want to thank you for considering any one of us to be an incorporator of the Foundation which is in the process of being incorporated and registered with SEC.   But I regret to inform you that after your letter was read at our 2nd  quarterly meeting held on May 17, 2003, the consensus of the body was that DAUSA cannot and should not officially endorse a representative, to stand on its behalf as an incorporator and/or Board of Director, of any entity.  However, in the same meeting we have encouraged our active DAUSA members and officers to volunteer in their individual capacity as an incorporator in the Foundation.  We have told them that anyone interested will have to contact you personally to enlist his/her support as an incorporator.

Again, I want to thank you for informing us of your efforts to uplift the youth of Danao.  Please feel free to communicate with us about future activities so we can likewise disseminate them to our members who may be interested.

Sincerely,

Gemma Montegrande
DAUSA President

Candy is a professional registered nurse and currently is Surgical Department Manager of Sutter Memorial Hospital, Modesto, California,

Candy spearheads the DAUSA’s Adopt-a-Student Program since its inception three years ago. She is a sponsor herself to some five scholars.

Likewise, Candy’s mom contacts the barrio high school principals of Danao to send deserving indigent students to apply for scholarship.

Mrs. Canga screens and recommends students who get 4-year free college tuition. At present there are 30 DAUSA scholars enrolled at the Cebu State College, two will be graduating this March and another 20 next year. (Click “read more” to continue)

Dear Mrs. Rose Canga (Mommie),

On behalf of DAUSA, I would like to recognize your sincere efforts in coordinating this scholarship program. I really did not have to do much of anything other than just communicating and supporting the program.

You did most of the legwork, and I am very proud of you! I have never written to you something like this letter before because I just presumed that you are my mother and I did not need to say anything.

However, after reading your letter, I believe that as a coordinator myself, I need to tell you that you are an excellent program director…..you always follow through without fail. That is a trait that I needed to constantly remind myself. Your role-modelling has helped me become what I am today.

I want to thank you for being who you are. In fact, I have received an “exceptional evaluation” from my boss recently. Only 7% out of the 3,000 employees of our facility gets an exceptional evaluation.

Anyway, I believe that you will surely be missed by CSCST-CIT once you retire from your office on January 31, 2003. Writing this letter brought tears to my eyes because “Sabang Hayskul” (as we called it then) has been a great part of my life. The faculty and students were my extended family.

I will never forget the many times when I attended your faculty seminars which had helped me tremendously in my career today.

Sincerely from your daughter,

Candy C. Canga, BSN-RNC
Department Manager

It’s me again, Nobeya, I was very happy to receive a letter from you. I want to ask an apology that I haven’t responded immediately. I have been very busy in school and in other activities outside school during the past weeks. Some of these activities include catechism (teaching children the basic prayers, religious songs and teaching them how to go to confession.) I was involved in this activity because I am a member PYCC (Pastoral Youth Coordinating Council) in our parish. Other things that kept me busy is the Clean and Green Program in which I am one of the organizer.

I don’t know how to use the internet that’s why I am writing you, but don’t worry I will try my best to learn how to email. I also want to thank you for all the help that you had given to us all. You know if only we’re near, I want to thank you everyday, but since we are far apart and making phone calls overseas is costly, I’ll just send a letter every month. You know I always pray to the Lord our God that He will keep you and your family safe and guide you in whatever you do.

I always remember you, even if I can’t recognize your face one by one. Sir, I am very inspired by your letter. Thank you very much for the inspiration. I will let my English teacher read that. I am very much excited to see you again this coming September. By the way my parents also wanted to say “thank you” for helping me, together with my fellow scholars. I also am sending you my picture, taken during our trip in Bogo, Cebu. I will stop only until here ‘coz it’s already 12:30 a.m. and I feel sleepy na . . . Once again, thank you and God Bless . . . I LOVE YOU.

Yours truly,

Nobeya

There is not a bit of doubt Dungguan Elementary School pupils will be most computer literate among all barrio public schools throughout the country. Thanks to Joe Campo whose heart is bigger than Texas.

DAUSA Board of Director Joe Campo of Freeport, Texas, pioneered the association’s Adopt-a-School Project and started the project in the barrio where he was born and raised.

Joe reported that a shipment of 13 PCs and books had been turned over to the school sometime in October this year.

Dungguan Elementary School is where Joe  studied 1st and 2nd grade, many many years ago, when it only had a single classroom and one teacher for both grades.

During the past two years Joe and his wife Estela have been soliciting books/supplies from public schools in Freeport, Texas, shipping them to Danao City in crates, paying freight cost out of their own pocket.

In September 2000 during the 3rd DAUSA Medical-Educational, Joe had donated two desktop computers for Dungguan Elementary School, and also a brand-new printer and scanner for the Danao General Hospital.

DAUSA Adopt-a-Student Project Coordinators Candy Canga and Darling Dayondon confirmed that they had remitted the first semester tuition and miscellaneous fees for 30 scholars who had enrolled at the Cebu State College of Science and Technology – Danao City Campus in Sabang.

These DAUSA scholars are entitled to 4-year free tuition provided they pass all the subjects.

All scholars are enrolled in a 4-year course leading to a Bachelor’s degree in vocational or industrial education.

Scholarship recipients were graduates of the five barrio high schools in Danao who ranked in the top ten.

Without the DAUSA assistance these students were expected to seek jobs in Mitsumi or as GROs, dometic helpers in Cebu City or Manila.

Their parents are too poor to to send them to college without outside help.

Selection were based upon the recommendation from barrio high school principals.

Initial sponsors are the following: Winston & Pat Osmena-Misa – 10 scholars; the Lofranco Family of Texas – 10; Candy Canga – 5; Fred Almeda. – 2; Anita Jackson – 1; Leelin Cal – 1, Gina Valdez, 1; & Flora Hicks – 1.

Pat O. Misa, Chief of Educational Mission 2000 expressed her most sincere gratitude to all donors, most of whom are her own friends and relatives. Their help enabled Pat to deliver to barangay schools much needed assistance.

Pat said that she would like to like to acknowledge and sincerely thanks to the following people who financially supported the mission: Boy & Lindy Cortez ; Lou & Fe Almendras, Joey Ursua, Clinton & Amy Almendras, Dindin Ceniza, Nole & Lel Damole, Hector & Nita Colina, Annie Fabunan, Irene Almendras, Conchita Misa, Lila Escario, Winston Misa, Mando & Rose Osmena.

Also according to Pat O. Misa, below are the list of the schools that benefited from the Educational Mission:

CABUNGAHAN HIGH SCHOOL, VCR, school supplies, typewriter, books & P500.00; SUBA HIGH SCHOOL – school supplies, books and typewriter

IBO HIGH SCHOOL – books, school supplies (computer & typewriter to be shipped out); LOOC ELEMENTARY SCHOOL – books, school supplies, typewriter;

P.G. ALMENDRAS ELEMENTARY SCHOOL , typewriter, school supplies, books;

CAHUMAYAN ELEMENTARY SCHOOL – books, school supplies; GUINACOT ELEMENTARY SCHOOL – books, school supplies, typewriter;

TAYTAY ELEMENTARY SCHOO – books, school supplies; COGON CRUZ ELEMENTARY SCHOOL – typewriter, P500.00.

I am Alfredo Tumampos, 20 years old, 2nd year  BSEd II majoring T.H.E.  I’m living with my sister at Highway, Look in our beloved city.

During my 1st year, I was chosen model student of our school and most outstanding leader as well.  I took up summer class and had  lots of experience here.

If you still remember, I was the one who spoke on behalf of the scholars.  Now I’m the Supreme Student Council President, the highest governing body of our school.

I knew this a hard and tough job.  But I believe you are always in my side to support me, morally and financially.

Thank you very much for this rare opportunity of  being your sponsored scholar.
God bless and more power to all of you

Alfredo Tumampos
Looc, Danao City

To my dear beloved sponsor,

First and foremost my warmest greetings.  I hope everything is going ok especially your health, your job and your family.

I’m Ma. Fe Mata, 22 years of age and presently residing in Taytay, Danao City.   I’m in 2nd year college taking up Bachelor of Elem. Education.

I try my very best to study hard, comply all the requirementl, so that in return you will be happy of my grades. By the way, we had our summer class.  We had our educational tours to  different school of Agriculture and we  learned  about planting and raising animals.

Lastly, than you for your financial supports.  You are an angel from heaven above, because you helped  us to be good and responsible individuals.

I will always be a good student with your help.

Ma. Fe Mata
Taytay, Danao city

To my dear sponsors,

Before anything else I would like to greet you, my dear sponsors, a warm Hello. I’m Josephine Montes, 17 years of age, a BSIT Computer studenty.  Because of your financial support I’m second year now.

My dear sponsors you are our Lord’s  greatest gift to me that I am able to continue my studies. A million thanks.   I  assure you I will do my best to maintain my good grades.

I want to prove to you how much you meant to me.  Thank you so much  for the financial suppotr.

May the Lord continue to shower His blessing unto you and  your family. Everyday I pray you will always be in good health. God loves you always.

Josefina Montes
Suba, Danao City

Dear DAUSA Sponsor,

I’m Belindo Cal, BCIT Automotive II-C.  I want to thank you for supporting me in my college my study.
I will promise to maintain the required grade even more than the 2.5 average and also thank you again for your helping me.

Belindo Cal
Langusig, Danao City

Hello!  How’s your day?  Still fine.  About me I’m fine.

Anyway, I want to ask an apology for not sending you a letter in the past.  This is the first letter that I sent. Right?  I’m so sorry.

By the way, a million thanks for being kind with us and supporting my studies.  It is my wish that you continue your good work.  Thank you so much.

Well, about my studies, I’m striving hard to maintain my good grades, but sometimes there are subjects that are difficult, especially Filipino.   I’m trying my best to study harder to get better grades.  Nothing to worry.  Right now, I’m too busy doing my projects and studying my lessons.

Beloved sponsors, I am hoping you continue your good work helping us poor students get higher education.  We, the DAUSA Scholars are proud to have been selected to deserve your support.  May our almighty God bless us all.

Thank you.  Thank you so much.  Regards to all of you there. . . More power and I miss you all.

Haydee Camanse

To my beloved sponsors,

First of all I would like to introduce myself.  I am Anecita Lato, a female student, taking up Bachelor in Elemetnary Education.  I am presently residing in Cambanay, Danao City and I am 17 years of age.

It is my great honor and privilege to be one of the DAUSA scholars.  My heartfelt thanks to you, my beloved sponsors for supporting me financially since I was in first year.

With all my efforts I was able to pass first year and hopefully I can do the same in my 2nd year.  And I assure you, my beloved sponsors, that I will do my best so that you will not be discouraged and hesitant to sponsor other poor students like me.

Again a million thanks to all of you. ….

Aniceta Lato
Cambanay, Danao City

Hi, a pleasant good day to all of you DAUSA sponsors.  I hope  you are all in a good health.  For me I’m very fine.

I’m Jeaniar Oliverio, a BSEd II student.  I’m residing in Cabulihan, Danao City.  I;m 18 years of age.  I’m very happy I qualified to be a DAUSA scholar.  Thank you for supporting me and thank you for your kindness.  Thank you for everything.

I’m very lucky to get the scholarship ‘cause my parents cannot afford to support my studies.

Thanks to all of you DAUSA Sponsors.

Jeniar Oliverio
Kabulihan, Danao City

First of all I would like to thank you for supporting.  Because if you did not, I’m sure I can’t be in college.  I’m working this time with heavy equipment.  You know already what I mean.

As you know my average grade does not qualify for scholarship.  But despite that, Ms. Canga gave me a chance to take this scholarship.  By the way, I am Darrel P. Colon, residing in Maslog, Danao City, taking up BSIT major in Computer Technology.  My talent is dancing particularly in dance sports.  I can sing too and play the guitar.  Once again a very big thank you.  I forget to say, don’t mind my English.

Darrel Colon,
Maslog, Danao City

DAUSA Board of Trustee Joe Campo of Freeport, Texas gave a big boast to DAUSA’s Educational Mission by setting a precedent – adopting Dungguan Elementary School. Joe grew up and learned his abc in Dungguan.

Joe also pioneered the adopt-a-student concept before the Association adopted it as a project and presently had sponsored four scholars at the Santo Tomas School. Having adopted Dungguan Elementary School Joe had sent two boxes of books, a computer system and is currently seeking help from his company, Dow Chemicals to fix the school’s leaking roof. Joe earlier donated to the Danao District Hospital a printer and a scanner. He also gave out t-shirts to volunteers. Having noticed the inadequacy of Danao’s barrio schools, Joe hopes that DAUSA members especially those from the barrios will also try do something for their own barrio schools. According to Joe “anything you can bring for the kids or the school does make a lot of difference.”