Uplift Plus Scholars Receive Warm Welcome At Scholarship Orientation

Our over 200 new scholars for Academic Year 2025-2026 walked another step forward in their academic and discipleship journeys – on another special celebration of God’s faithfulness upon their lives!

Last May 14, 2025, they officially became part or were renewed as recipients of our Uplift Plus Scholarship Program for underprivileged Senior High School and College students. This went into reality at the Uplift Plus Scholarship Orientation and Contract Signing 2025 Event at the CCF Center Multi-Purpose Hall in Pasig City. The scholars were eager to receive God’s provision in their studies through the scholarship program.

As they were excitingly waiting for the event to start, they posted some notes on a wall containing questions on what they could commit to God and their fellow scholars, what an UPLIFT Cares scholar is to them, and what they were looking forward to in the program.

Marking the start of the event was a praise and worship segment, led by UPLIFT Cares Discipleship Lead Jun Lavetoria along with a handful of Uplift Plus scholars. They encouraged the audience into singing “Sa Diyos Ang Papuri” by PAPURI! and Rommel & Susan Guevara, “One God” by CCF Exalt Worship, “Wala Kang Katulad,” and “Pupurihin Ka Sa Awit.”

Scholar-And-Mother’s Testimony

Uplift Plus scholar and fourth year Office Administration student Tara Maxine Borja, together with her mother Gloria, delivered an impactful testimony on how Jesus has transformed their lives through UPLIFT Cares.

Tara opened up that before, she was not able to have a good relationship with her mother. Meanwhile, Gloria shared about her real-life challenges as a solo parent.

“It was very hard for me to provide for our household needs, especially when it comes to Tara’s studies… I am thankful that one of my friends became a ‘bridge’ for us to discover that UPLIFT Cares offers a scholarship program for the unprivileged youth,” Gloria said.

For Tara, the scholarship program has not only provided for her education, but also helped her experience growth as a servant-leader, balance her studies and personal life, and deepen her faith in Jesus.

Gloria, meanwhile, became part of UPLIFT Cares’ GoViral program in Angono, Rizal. She is now discipling others through leading a house fellowship in their community.

“We have attended a True Life Retreat. And we have both been baptized, and have accepted Jesus as Lord and Savior. We are now attending a weekly Sunday service and a Dgroup (discipleship group) at CCF Angono together,” Gloria added.

Tara said that she loves her mother very much. “I’m thankful that we are now living with peace, and full of love and trust with each other. My life changed. And the Lord is very kind, because in June, I’ll finally be graduating from college. Thanks be to God,” Tara shared.

Tara urged her fellow youth to never give up. “Let’s not get tired of placing faith in the Lord, and value the blessings that He gave us like this scholarship program,” she added.

Devotion From UPLIFT Cares’ Chief Operating Officer

Pastor Ito de Jesus, UPLIFT Cares’ Chief Operating Officer, gave meaningful insights in his devotion, “God Calls You! Be Strong and Courageous.”

As he began his devotion, Pastor Ito urged the attendees to reflect on who they are before God’s eyes, based from the message in Psalm 139:13-14. He said that God created them for a purpose, and stressed the importance of the family.

Pastor Ito said that a child’s responsibilities include obeying his or her parents in God (Ephesians 6:1); and honoring them (Ephesians 6:2).

“God has a purpose for you. He has an invitation to you. And many times, the invitation for you is very difficult,” he added.

Pastor Ito told scholars that no one will be able to stand against them, because God is with them. He shared with them the message found in Joshua 1:5-6, where people were told that God would never leave them nor forsake them, and to be strong and courageous.

He said that God is always with them in their studies.

Joshua 1:7 shows a message of obeying God’s commands, and Joshua 1:9 tells that we are not to tremble or be dismayed, for God is with us wherever we go.

Pastor Ito also encouraged the scholars to read the Bible day and night, to learn more about God’s commands. He reminded the scholars to never give up in achieving their dream of finishing their studies.

“As you go through life, as you go through your school, even after school, things are going to be difficult,” he said.

He said that weekly reflections, which are part of Uplift Plus scholarship requirements, will involve how the message from the most recent CCF Worship Service will apply in their lives – like a diary addressed to God. In being part of CCF discipleship groups, they are to encourage one another.

Pastor Ito summed up his five points: God’s purpose/invitation, God’s promise, God’s protection, God’s path, and God’s presence.

Towards the end of his devotion, he led a prayer of acceptance unto Jesus as personal Lord and Savior.

Scholarship Responsibilities, Benefits Discussed

UPLIFT Cares Scholarship Lead Sid Valencia further familiarized the scholars regarding the Uplift Plus Scholarship Contract, their responsibilities and guidelines, and scholarship benefits.

“Your contract is your commitment to the Lord through UPLIFT Cares… Because it’s a commitment, we expect that you’ll do your best,” he said.

Valencia told the audience that the mission of the scholarship program is to develop servant-leaders who are committed, competent, and Christlike. The benefits that a scholar will receive will depend on his or her scholarship performance.

The scholarship grant is valid for the entire academic year, provided that the scholar fulfills his or her scholarship responsibilities. These are in the areas of discipleship, reflections, academics, and character.

Scholars’ responsibilities include meeting the minimum grade requirement set by Uplift Plus; carrying their regular academic load; complying with the servant-leadership requirements (active participation in the discipleship and character development trainings of UPLIFT Cares); and maintaining positive and honest social media engagement.

The scholarship program aims to ensure the continuity of a scholar’s education, until he or she graduates from college. However, he or she is to re-apply every academic year.

With these responsibilities, Uplift Plus scholars are molded into God’s faithful stewards of the resources that He has entrusted them.

Uplift Plus Contract Annexes

UPLIFT Cares Scholarship Lead Annafe de Real tackled the scholarship contract annexes, which deal with a student’s scholarship eligibility. These include family living conditions, active discipleship and servant-leadership character, academic standing, and school preparedness.

A scholar’s performance rating falls in one of the four colors (blue, green, yellow, and red), which range from “showing excellence” to “showing disinterest.”

Each scholar must actively communicate with his or her assigned scholarship coordinator, attend Uplift Plus leadership trainings, and complete the required service hours.

Scholars enrolled in private academic institutions will receive tuition assistance subject to a tuition cap, while those in public academic institutions will be granted monthly allowance.

“It’s one thing to do your responsibilities, but it’s another thing to do [them] heartily unto the Lord… We would like to see all of you finish well,” de Real said.

After the annexes had been discussed, the attendees had the opportunity to ask questions regarding the scholarship program. Among the questions raised were about scholarship benefits, along with Uplift Plus rules on shifting to another course or transferring to another school.

Uplift Plus Awardees’ Recognition, Scholars’ Contract Signing

Deserving Uplift Plus scholars reaped the rewards of their efforts for being faithful scholars and inspiring others through their godly excellence.

Those recognized for the past academic year were Character Training Awardees, Academic Competence Awardees, and Servant-Leadership Awardees. Scholars from Metro Manila and nearby provinces went up the stage, while scholars from other provinces were recognized online.

The scholars’ contract signing then went through. They were familiarized with the contents of their scholarship contract, and received instructions in filling out and signing their contracts.

The scholars, along with their parents or guardians, filled out and signed their contracts on their seats. Then they submitted their contracts at their assigned stations.

Official Acknowledgement Of Scholars

UPLIFT Cares Scholarship Head Christine Chuca then acknowledged the scholars.

Chuca recalled the annual scholarship orientation event’s humble beginnings in 2018. The event was initially held at the UPLIFT Cares lobby, ministering to around 40 scholars. But by God’s grace and provision, the event moved to bigger venues at the CCF Center while the scholar count grew.

“Praise God, because we are many present here. But it’s not just about numbers, it’s also about God’s faithfulness through UPLIFT, for our scholarship program,” Chuca said.

Chuca reminded the scholars to be strong and courageous, and shared about the covenant between them and UPLIFT Cares.

She then told all the scholars in attendance, together with their parents or guardians, to stand for the confirmation of their signed Uplift Plus scholarship contracts.

The scholars read aloud their confirmation oath flashed on the screen, promising to wholeheartedly abide by the scholarship agreement. After which, their parents or guardians took their oath of supporting their scholar-children in their scholarship responsibilities.

In response, Chuca joyfully welcomed the new scholars into the scholarship program.

Later Segments

After the confirmation, the scholars listened to some announcements regarding their scholarship journey.

UPLIFT Cares Community Development Head Jeff Castillo then gave his message on always being excellent for the Lord. He briefly discussed Colossians 3:23-24, then urged them to finish what they have started and not to give up in their studies.

“Let’s remain steadfast and strong in the Lord. Keep right on track,” he said.

Castillo also reminded the scholars to be respectful and obedient to their parents. Parents, he said, are to support their children with God’s help.

As this joyful event drew to a close, Castillo uttered the event’s closing prayer. A group photo opportunity followed, being one huge family.

Representatives from Carrot Pixel Advertising, an UPLIFT Cares donor, were present in the event. Some representatives from Hope & Home Orphanage (which is supported by CCF Across Ministries) also attended, as a handful of their beneficiaries were also accepted into the Uplift Plus Scholarship Program.

Post-Event Interviews

Jarence Husain, an incoming Grade 12 student under the Accountancy, Business, and Management Strand, expressed his thanksgiving for the blessings that he received through the scholarship program.

“UPLIFT Cares has been a significant part of my life, and it has helped in my spiritual growth,” he said.

As he moves along in his Uplift Plus journey, he expressed hope that he will further grow spiritually, mentally, and physically.

He was among the dancers during the praise and worship segment of the event. Although he had to undergo tough preparations, he went joyful to serve because it was seldom for him to encounter an opportunity to dance on stage.

Meanwhile, incoming Grade 11 student Jayden Cassandra Tabjan shared that she was overwhelmed by her experience during the event. She said that the scholarship will help lighten their expenses, and promises to study well. She plans to take up the Humanities and Social Sciences Strand, and study linguistics in college.

As Academic Year 2025-2026 is about to unfold, it is our prayer for our scholars to hurdle their challenges and graduate from college as servant-leaders – with God guiding and lighting their paths!

To support an UPLIFT Cares scholar, you may send us a message on our social media accounts or kindly send us an email at sponsorship@upliftcares.com