We believe that quality education is the most powerful and consistent tool in escaping poverty.
Our Mission
At Eliahu Cedars Foundation, we aim to mitigate and even eliminate the challenges facing today’s Filipino university students. With over a decade of programatic success, we are proud that 100% of our scholars have earned their degrees and are gainfully employed. Their accomplishment is made even more impressive by the fact that 83% of college students in the Philippines dropout.
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For over a decade, our program supports underprivileged youth in the Bulacan province. These indigent youths face increase difficulties to get back to formal learning. Often, they get caught in the temporary job markets, enduring meager salaries to help support family needs. For many, it is the start of a downward poverty cycle difficult to escape. In addition to financial support, all of our scholars all benefit from the four pillars of support: Financial Support, Mentoring Support, Family Counselling, and Spirit of Service. Our programs are responsive to the evolving needs of our scholars and our beneficiaries are thriving: earning an academic average of 92%!
Eliahu Cedars Foundation has Bureau of Internal Revenue Donee status and is a fully-accredited nonprofit by the Philippine Council for NGO Certification (PCNC) and the Philippines Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).
Team
Our foundation is supported by experienced staff and a dedicated Board of Trustees.
We have administered over ₱24,000,000 to 62 scholars, ensuring their educational needs are met. For over a decade, our programs and supports are responsive to the evolving needs of our scholars. Get to know our leadership below.
Lina Velasco
Executive Director
Filomina Bito
Chair, Board of Trustees
Mark and Kristen Bechara
Founders
Lina Velasco
Executive Director
Lina's vision and commitment to the Foundation is demonstrated every day. She joined the organization in 2014 and has shepherded every aspect of the work. From programatic to counselling to ensuring Eliahu Cedars maintains the highest standards and NGO accredidations, Lina is the guiding force behind all we do.
Filomina Bito
Chair, Board of Trustees
Mina has been committed to the mission of Eliahu Cedars Foundation from the earliest days. As President of Aven Fashion Manufacuring Inc., She recognized the positive influence an employer could have on breaking the cycle of college drop outs in Bulacan and served as a vocal proponent of partnering with companies to offer college scholarships to children of the employees.
Mark and Kristen Bechara
Founders
Mark Bechara found himself advocating for quality education when he took a position at AmeriCorps at age 24. As an entrepreneur, he is dedicated to Corporate Social Responsibility in all his business endevours. Kristen Bechara has served as a board member at a number of organizations and is proud to be involved with Eliahu Cedars Foundation.
Board of Trustees
Chair/President: Filomena Bito
Vice President: Nancy Xavier
Secretary: Jean Claude Chang Wai Ling
Treasurer: Froilan Carrillo
Member: Atty Ramil Bugayong