Wharton-Penn Club Secretariat - Ms. Len Buning
Room 910 9th Floor, PLDT Tower 1, 6799 Ayala Ave, Makati City
Phone: (632) 817-9961 / (632) 817-9962
Fax: (632) 817-9962
Office Hours: Monday - Friday, 8:00am-5:00pm
E-mail: whartonpennclub@yahoo.com or whartonpennclub@yahoogroups.com
Rationale
- The WPCF is a business-related organization with an education focus.
- Quick solution to brain drain and an unsustainable economy
- Philippines’ very small number of entrepreneurs vs. total population.
The mentors who will be tapped from among Wharton
Penn alumni comprised of captains of industry, top
business executives and entrepreneurs are requested
to help selected business scholars by providing
guidance on how to successfully launch a micro
business.
- The business scholars shall be required to present
their project to a panel of judges selected by the
WPCF Trustees.
- The winner chosen by the panel of judges is awarded
project funding from the WPCF.
Commencing the Mentoring Program
- Creation of a simple Business Plan
to help the business scholars
- WPCF Trustees as Program Selection Committee
members
- Program Selection Committee selects 15 business
scholars
- Requesting targeted Wharton Penn alumni to
volunteer as mentors
- Setting up an internet newsgroup as a network
resource for scholars
- Creation of a resource center at the present WPCF
office
Club members or contacts will be requested to donate
books,
computers and supplies.
- Selection of 5-8 scholars
- Creation of a panel of judges
Pre-qualifying criteria for scholars
- High School or College graduate or
at least 2-year equivalent of tertiary level
education (preferably from universities offering
Entrepreneurship or Management Studies)
- Between 18 to 21 years old
- Proof of limited financial means
Proposed Culminating Activity
- Business Plan Showdown
- Awarding of PhpP50,000 in project funding.
The WPCF reserves the right to refuse disbursement of
funds for whatever reason such as Misuse of Funds,
Project Failure, Lack of Progress.
- Business Consultations
- Recognition of the Mentor
Possible Future Plans for
Consideration
- Matching Program by a philanthropist or a
private corporation (with naming rights, e.g. MVP
Entrepreneurial Program) to fund expansion plans of
winning scholars
- Regional or Provincial Competitions
- Corporate-sponsored competition (e.g. San Miguel
Fellowship for business ideas that make use of San
Miguel products)
- Competitions for Teenagers and out-of-school
youth
Once again, the Wharton Penn Club Foundation of the Philippines, Inc. (WPCF) focused on the public school teachers as the instrument for instituting reforms in public education. This year, upon the suggestion of WPCF Trustee Conrad Marty WG'77, the Board approved a program conducted by the Ateneo Center for Educational Development (ACED).
The ACED Public School Teachers Training Program is recognized in this endeavor conducting many such programs jointly with corporate or civic sponsors. This particular program aims to provide the teachers with opportunities to improve their content, knowledge, instructional skills, and classroom management skills.
In keeping with the Board's policy of prudently disposing of its resources, the WPCF funds 50% of the cost of the program, while the other 50% is being funded by the City of Manila, through the kind assistance of incumbent Wharton Penn Club Trustee Felicia Atienza.
To mark the beginning of the training program, a simple ceremony was held with the thirty-four (34) pre-qualified public school teachers who are currently teaching English or Math subjects to elementary or secondary students from various public schools in the Manila division.
It began with an inspiring speech from Mrs. Leticia Corona, Principal of the P. Gomez Elementary School, where the opening program was held. Welcome remarks and introductions followed from Dr. Luisa Quinones, the Division Superintendent and Dr. Isabelita Santos, the Assistant Superintendent.
The WPCF President, Ms. Sandie Castro-Poblador, as well as the ACED Managing Director, Ms. Anne Candelaria, also gave their words of encouragement to the present teacher-participants. The event concluded with a brief but spirit-boosting speech from Councilor Kim Atienza, husband of incumbent Wharton Penn Club trustee, Ms. Felicia Atienza. Mr. Ponciano Menguito, Assistant Superintendent of Manila, and the various principals participating in the Leadership and Management Program for public elementary and secondary school principals were also in attendance.
The program will run from August 13, 2005 until February 11, 2006, with several course requirements for the teachers to submit in order to be given the ACED certificate. We intend to mark the graduation ceremony on February 19, 2006.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------The Wharton-Penn Club of the Philippines, Inc. is
an association of Filipinos who have earned their
degrees from the world-renowned Wharton School of
Business as well as the University of Pennsylvania .
The official Philippine alumni roster is comprised of
over 300 names from whom we seek even more active
participation.
In November 2001, “ Going Once, Going
Twice ” the first fund-raiser of the
Club was held through an art auction at the Tower
Club where unprecedented ticket and art sales of Php
1.8 Million were generated.
In 2002 as Club President, we organized the second
art auction where the Club marked a milestone by
announcing the creation of the Wharton-Penn
Club Foundation, Inc. (“WPCF”) as
a separate entity to fulfill the Club's civic-minded
aspirations. Both fund raising art auctions were
fully supported by Manuel V. Pangilinan, WG
'68 (Club President 2001) who deemed a
number of the paintings worthy of belonging to the
collection of the PLDT. The Manuel Baldemors are
displayed in his office.
The WPCF officers and trustees were inducted by
Jose L. Cuisia, WG '70 at the
splendid residence of Ambassador Bienvenido R.
Tantoco. (courtesy of Trustee James O. de
Jesus, W '93 )
In 2003, the WPCF was the sole beneficiary of the
Club's first movie premiere of Runaway Jury where
Trustee David B. Lim, WG '90
solicited the highest number of advertisements and
ticket sales. In its first full year, the WPCF held a
fund raising art exhibit at the RCBC Plaza Lobby.
Energy Secretary Vincent S. Perez, WG
'83 and Senator Manuel B.
Villar opened the exhibit and bought the
first three art pieces.
As the WPCF President, I recommended Las Pinas as a
beneficiary, given the Club's strong links with
Senator Manuel B. Villar and Congresswoman
Cynthia A. Villar whose sons are Wharton
alumni. They have long been supporters of the Club
since my first stint as Trustee for the Wharton Penn
Club in 1995. WPCF launched the Used Book Drive for
its chosen beneficiary, the Las Pinas National High
School (“LPNHS”) - CAA Annex. Congresswoman
Cynthia Villar specifically chose LPNHS from among
the high schools in Las Pinas it being most in need
of sustenance.
Trustee Marites Chan, C '91 was
designated to spearhead the Used Book Drive , which
gained an encouraging response from the alumni,
Makati village associations and schools such as
Xavier, Miriam and Assumption College San Lorenzo.
The inauguration of the Wharton-Penn Club Foundation
Library, dubbed “KinaBookasan Para
Sa Kabataan” was held on Sept. 12,
2003 at LPNHS-CAA Annex.
Andres Soriano III, W '72 and
Benjamin R. Punongbayan, WG' 69
donated complete computer sets which now form the
future electronic nexus of the WPCF Library. Once DSL
facilities are available in this area, the high
school will be linked to the unlimited realm of
education through the net.
Giving their utmost cooperation to the library
project, an elaborate program was planned and
attended by the Congresswoman and her staff, WPCF
Trustees, the Mayor and city officials, and the
school population. Her office provided funding for
the construction of the library furniture. LPNHS is
situated in a “barangay” of some 89,000
residents. Its proximity and population of 3,000
students make it an ideal beneficiary.
In its second project, WPCF focused its attention on
improving the skills of public schools teachers. The
Department of Education (DepEd)'s Analysis of the
Self-Assessment Test for public secondary school
teachers of English, Science and Mathematics in the
National Capital Region in April 2003 revealed that
Las Pinas City teachers needed to undergo further
studies or training to improve their skills in
English.
WPCF, with counterpart funding from the
Manuel B. Villar Foundation and the
Office of Congresswoman Cynthia A. Villar, organized
the Teachers' Training Program on English Proficiency
held from May 17-21, 2004 with 30 Las Pinas City
elementary and secondary level teachers. Dr. Lydia R.
Arcellana, University of the Philippines Associate
Professor of English was chosen by WPCF to conduct
the workshop upon the recommendation of WPCF Adviser
Benjamin R Punongbayan.
In 2004, the Board decided its fourth project would
be the granting of a 4-year scholarship program for
students majoring in Education at the National
Teachers College . Initially, the WPCF is sponsoring
one scholar chosen on the basis of limited family
income, exemplary character and conduct, excellent
scholastic record, outstanding performance in the
entrance requirements and positive leadership in
school socio-civic activities.
Seventeen-year old Cheryl A.
Casilao, the valedictorian of her class in a
public school in Mandaluyong, was chosen and
qualified to receive the scholarship. For the
duration of the 4-year course, this means 100%
percent of the tuition fees, a stipend in relation to
educational expenses, such as laboratory fees, and
book allowances. A bright and patriotic girl, Cheryl
said that she would like to major in science, teach
high school students and remain in the Philippines to
do her share of nation building.
This project is the brainchild of Trustee
Emmanuel G. Herbosa, WG '79 , (Club
President 2004) who put the WPCF in touch with the
NTC and facilitated the selection of the first
scholar. He also spearheaded the Club's 2004 fund
raiser, the movie premiere of Polar Express, where he
single-handedly raised some P150,000 in sponsorships.
The WPCF received by an outright donation of P50,000
from SMART, through the intercession of
Manuel V. Pangilinan, WG '68, and
WPCF Treasurer Marites Chan, C '91
contributed P25,000 from her family-owned companies.
The WPCF nurturing this new beginning of
social consciousness, will be empowered to carry out
its mission. That is for Wharton-Penn alumni, blessed
with success in life, to help make a difference in
lives of our youth. Thank you for your enthusiasm and
compassion.
Sandie Castro-Poblador, G
‘82
President
Early this year, the Wharton-Penn Club Foundation, Inc . (“ WPCF ”) launched the Used Book Drive for its chosen beneficiary, the Las Pinas National High School (“LPNHS”) - CAA Annex. Marites Chan was designated to spearhead this project, which gained an encouraging response from the alumni, Makati village associations and schools such as Xavier, Miriam and Assumption College San Lorenzo.
Sandie Castro-Poblador, WPCF President, recommended the LPNHS to the WPCF Board as its first beneficiary, given its strong links with Senator Manuel B. Villar and Congresswoman Cynthia A. Villar. The Villars, whose sons Mark and Paolo are Wharton alumni, have long been supporters of the Club since her first stint as Trustee for the Wharton Penn Club in 1995. Congresswoman Cynthia Villar specifically chose LPNHS from among the high schools in Las Pinas.
The inauguration of the Wharton-Penn Club Foundation Library, dubbed “KinaBookasan Para Sa Kabataan” was held on Sept. 12, 2003 at LPNHS-CAA Annex. The Congresswoman and her staff had given this project their utmost support and cooperation. LPNHS is situated in a “barangay” of some 89,000 residents. Its population of 3,000 students and proximity make it an ideal beneficiary.
It was truly a festive celebration attended by the students, parent representatives, faculty and staff. Principals and librarians of the various public schools in Las Pinas, as well as the city's government officials, represented by Barangay Captain Sony Aguilar, were also present to witness this special event. Board of Trustees, Sandie Castro-Poblador, Ben Punongbayan, Mark Villar and Marites Chan represented the Wharton-Penn Club Foundation, Inc. during this special occasion.
Congresswoman Cynthia A. Villar led the cutting of the ceremonial ribbon at the WPCF Library together with WPCF Trustees, followed by the blessing of the library by Rev. Fr. Nicola Barbato, Parish Priest in Las Pinas City . In the program that followed, Congresswoman Villar acknowledged WPCF's contribution to LPNHS-CAA Annex citing the various books, references materials, and three computer units. The computers were donated by Trustee Ben Punongbayan and alumnus Andres Soriano III.
WPCF President Sandie Castro-Poblador thanked the Villars, WPCF Trustees present, the donors from among the alumni, Makati villages, high schools, and all those who helped in making this dream a reality. Dr. Lourdes Victoriano, Assistant Schools Division Superintendent in Las Pinas challenged LPNHS Officer in Charge/Principal, Mr. Andres Pedro, to implement measures in maintaining and making the library conducive to learning even after 3-5 years. Without hesitation, Mr. Pedro accepted this challenge.
As a sign of their gratitude to the Foundation, selected students showcased their talents during the program. In striking new uniforms, the Las Pinas North Drum and Lyre Band definitely brought life to the celebration as they played a medley of upbeat music. The LPNHS-CAA Annex Choir and Dance Group also rendered very entertaining numbers.
“KinaBookasan Para sa Kabataan ” marks
a good beginning for the Wharton-Penn Club
Foundation, Inc. The next projects shall be announced
and commenced shortly.
The WPCF Board, in cooperation with the National Teachers College in Manila , chose to participate in the 4-year scholarship program for students majoring in Education. Initially, WPCF is sponsoring one scholar who was chosen based on the following criteria:
1. Family income of not more than P150, 000.00 per
annum
2. Exemplary character and conduct
3. Excellent scholastic record from elementary to
high school (must belong to the top 10 of
his/her graduating class)
4. Outstanding performance in the entrance
requirements (should rank among the top 10 in the
entrance and interview of NTC)
5. Positive leadership and active involvement in
school socio-civic activities.
Seventeen-year old Cheryl A. Casilao, the valedictorian of her class in a public school in Mandaluyong, has been chosen and qualified to receive the scholarship program, which includes 100% percent free tuition fee for the duration of the 4-year course, 4-year stipend in relation to educational expenses, such as laboratory fees, etc., and 4-year book allowances. In an interview with the WPCF Trustees, Cheryl said that she would like to major in Science and teach high school students.
This project is the brainchild of Trustee,
Emmanuel G. Herbosa, who also represents the Dr. Jose
P. Rizal Resource Foundation, Inc., an organization
established by certain descendants of Dr. Jose P.
Rizal to promote educational programs aimed at
enhancing the dignity and quality of human life. Mr.
Herbosa put the WPCF in touch with the NTC and
facilitated the selection of the first scholar.
Once again, the Board of Trustees of the Wharton-Penn Club Foundation, Inc. (WPCF) focused its attention on Las Pinas, having been inspired by the success of its maiden project, the launching of the WPCF Library at the Las Pinas National High School CAA-Annex in September 2003.
The Department of Education (DepEd) conducted an Analysis of the Self-Assessment Test for public secondary school teachers of English, Science and Mathematics in the National Capital Region. In April 2003, more than 6,000 teachers were tested to assess their English language skills in word-sentence structure, written expression, and reading comprehension.
Las Pinas City teachers scored an average of 83% in word-sentence structure, 69% in written expression, and 62% in reading comprehension. Clearly, the teachers needed to undergo further studies or training to improve their skills in English.
WPCF, in cooperation with the Manuel B. Villar Foundation and the Office of Congresswoman Cynthia A. Villar, organized the Teachers' Training Program on English Proficiency held from May 17-21, 2004 at the office of the DepEd Division of City Schools.
Selected as participants were thirty Las Pinas City elementary and secondary level teachers with the assistance of the English Division supervisor, Ms. Violeta M. Gonzales. Dr. Lydia R. Arcellana, a long time University of the Philippines Associate Professor of English was chosen by WPCF to conduct the workshop upon the recommendation of WPCF Adviser Ben Punongbayan.
All participants were given certificates for completing the course and the top five chosen by both Dr. Arcellana and Ms. Gonzales were awarded during the culminating activity attended by Congresswoman Cynthia A. Villar who spoke of the value of education and Las Pinas City's continuous endeavor of improving the quality of education.
In her post evaluation Dr. Arcellana stated,
“The teachers were, from the very beginning,
very enthusiastic for they realized that they need to
improve their proficiency of the very language that
they are teaching. And this was largely responsible
for the success of the project. They were highly
motivated and extremely cooperative. I saw a rise of
at least 10 to 20 percentage points in the post-test,
compared to their scores in the pre-test (which
covered all the basic elements of English grammar and
syntax). I emphasized to them that they should
immerse themselves in the language and use it as much
as possible. This is the only way to sustain the
improvement that they had achieved. I recommend that
they be given more training like this. They
themselves commented that this is the first seminar
that they had attended where they really learned a
lot of things.”
Wharton-Penn Club Foundation, Inc. (“WPCF”) organized a “Fund-Raising Art Exhibit” which was held at the Carlos P. Romulo Auditorium of the RCBC Plaza. On the opening night of March 27 th at 6pm, we had the pleasure of having Senator Pro Tempore.Manuel B. Villar & Sec. Vincent S. Perez of the Department of Energy as our guests of honor.
There were 73 paintings showcased during the 3-day exhibit, most of which were provided by Art Circle. Among the paintings displayed were those of well-known artists like Baldemor, Evangelista, Lamarroza, Belleza, Antonio, Parial, Mahilum and Pat Reyes to name a few. A number of paintings were sold, like the two Filipino-inspired Evangelista paintings to Sec. Perez, a lovely Baldemor painting to Sen. Villar, and a huge Pat Reyes and Evangelista watercolor to our Treasurer, Mr. David B. Lim.
The Board of Trustees of the WPCF, headed by the President, Ms. Sandie Castro-Poblador, was present during the event. They entertained the alumni and guests who came to see the exhibit. A special catering service was prepared for everyone by EAT, Inc., of course with the help of Trustee, Mr. James de Jesus.
The “Fund Raising Art Exhibit” is the first project of the WPCF for year 2003. Proceeds of the exhibit will be used for the upcoming projects of the Foundation like the Adopt-A-School Project, with the Civil Aeronautics Administration High School (CAA) in Las Pinas as its first beneficiary. A separate article will be circulated detailing the projects of WPCF.