The Four Pillars of support: Why it works

Together, we strive and hope towards a better future. It is a vision that unites us.

However, we believe hope goes beyond optimism: it is made up of empowerment and planning. Our scholars have shown amazing resilience, and we know they face many challenges beyond financial constraints. This is why our Foundation operates with four central pillars to help our scholars mitigate such challenges that can often lead to drop-out or under-performance:

In 2023, we celebrated seven new graduates in their chosen fields. In particular, we recognized Bernice Oliveros, who was a recipient of the Elias J. Bechara scholarship since undergrad, passed the Bar Exam and is now gainfully employed as an attorney. “This scholarship changed not only my life, but that of my mother and sister. Because, through this, I am given a chance to give them a better tomorrow.”

Our collective accomplishments and holistic approach has garnered the interest of those in the community. In 2023, the foundation was able to expand the program in the Bulacan province and awarded 10 new scholarships fully-funded by individuals and other corporate donors.

We know that alongside positive thinking, accountability is key. Our staff truly care for our scholars whether it’s home visit or check-ins during the monthly reports. The Department of Social Welfare and Development awarded our staff a grade of 99, an excellent reflection of their dedication to our scholars. We want to take this time to give a very special “THANK YOU” to Lina Velasco and the entire ECFI team. Without your hard work, leadership and dedication, none of this would be possible. We would also like to thank the Board of Trustees for their tireless support and guidance.

From the beginning, ECFI has striven to have long-term impact that will change our scholars’ futures and the future of their families and communities. In a world filled with growing uncertainty and insecurity, we believe, more than ever, in the importance of Education. We remain focused on and hopeful for our mission of changing our lives and communities through learning, giving back, mentoring and service.