As one of the Philippines’ largest producers and distributors of electric power, AboitizPower carries out its purpose of Transforming Energy for a Better World through its corporate values of integrity, teamwork, innovation, responsibility, and service excellence.
At the root of it all are people who live out these values, and among the values’ exemplars are Aboitiz Scholars who eventually joined AboitizPower. Jey De Los Reyes, Jarren De Guzman, Jon Kristoffer Tagalog, and Vince Jane “Vinchay” Olaer—once bright students who are now dedicated team members.
Even way back then, these Aboitiz Scholars already understood that the grant—and what it represents—was not just support, but also added motivation.
“The scholarship lifted a huge burden off my shoulders and allowed me to focus on my studies without constantly worrying about expenses. But beyond that, it also gave me a strong sense of purpose and accountability,” recounted Jey.
“Knowing that I was entrusted with such support motivated me to stay focused and do my best in school—not just for myself, but also to be worthy of the opportunity I was given,” he added. “It shaped the way I approached both my education and my future career—with gratitude, determination, and a mindset to give back.”
Today, Jey works as Risk and Organizational Performance Manager at Visayan Electric, an AboitizPower subsidiary and the Philippines’ second-largest private distribution utility.
“The sense of responsibility and accountability I developed during my time as an Aboitiz Scholar has been incredibly valuable. Knowing that the company supported me in such a comprehensive way really motivated me to stay focused—not just in my studies, but up until now, in every opportunity I’ve had here,” Jey said. “That drive to do my best has carried over into my work, where I take full ownership of my tasks and always strive to exceed expectations.”
Since joining Visayan Electric, Jey maintained that his career has been greatly shaped by AboitizPower’s values and culture, specifically citing his exposure as part of the engineering corps for further broadening his knowledge and experience. He also noted that the experience equipped him with the skills “needed to tackle challenges and seize new opportunities.”
Jey De Los Reyes of Visayan Electric (L) took up BS Electrical Engineering, while Jarren De Guzman of AP Renewables (R) studied BS Mechanical Engineering, both with the help of an Aboitiz Scholarship. Today, they enjoy promising careers in AboitizPower—one in power distribution, the other in clean energy generation — while adhering to the time-tested values of integrity, responsibility, and service excellence.
Like Jey, Jarren also recognized the weight of responsibility that came with being an Aboitiz Scholar.
“The biggest impact that the scholarship had on me was the value of responsibility. Having the opportunity to be an Aboitiz Scholar wasn’t just financial support—it was a commitment. It taught me that I wasn’t only accountable to myself, but also to the people who believed in my potential,” Jarren shared. “That pushed me to stay focused, strive for excellence, and give back in whatever way I could,” he added. “I became more intentional with my goals, knowing that what I do reflects not just on me but on the values the scholarship upholds.”
After graduation, Jarren dreamt of working for AboitizPower, saying he was inspired by how the company “prioritizes skill development and capability building,” which he believes “creates an environment where growth is encouraged and supported.”
Fortunately, Jarren eventually began his AboitizPower journey as a Cadet Engineer in Operations and Maintenance. Today, after distinguishing himself in various innovation competitions, he serves as Business Process and Innovation Supervisor for AP Renewables, Inc. (APRI)—the company’s geothermal power arm operating in Tiwi, Albay as well as in Laguna and Batangas.
“Looking ahead, the values continue to guide my career choices and fuel my drive to contribute meaningfully, especially in roles where I can create impact beyond myself,” he observed.
Meanwhile, down south, fellow Aboitiz Scholars-turned-team members also recounted how the scholarship helped them cultivate integrity, teamwork, innovation, responsibility, and service excellence—values they now carry into their respective roles within the organization.
As the eldest child among nine siblings, it has always been my drive to study hard in order to graduate and look for a job that can help my family financially,” shared Jon. “But being an Aboitiz Scholar, I was already able to help my parents with their financial burden, even while studying.”
“Bringing the name of Aboitiz—it pushed my drive to another level. I needed people to see that Aboitiz Scholars are achievers in all aspects,” he further explained. “I became a student leader and joined a club that tutors younger students with difficult subjects for free.”
Aboitiz Scholars Jon Kristoffer Tagalog (L) and Vince Jane “Vinchay” Olaer (R) both finished a degree in South baseload power plant in Davao del Sur. The values of integrity, responsibility, and teamwork have guided them since their college days up to today.
To Jon, it was the values of integrity and responsibility, together with a keen attention to detail, that brought him to where he is now: a Quality Assurance and Quality Control Technician at AboitizPower’s Therma South in Davao del Sur.
Pondering on his current role, he maintained that “quality, compliance, and precision are non-negotiable.”
“As a scholar, I was entrusted with an opportunity that changed my life, and I carried that sense of accountability with me when I joined the company,” he expressed. “I approach every task, big or small, with the mindset that my work reflects not only on me but on the entire team and organization.”
Vince, a colleague of Jon, also aligned and cultivated her personal values with those of AboitizPower—starting from her years as an Aboitiz Scholar and continuing through her full-circle journey within the company.
“The Aboitiz scholarship allowed me to cover nearly all of my academic expenses without having to ask my parents for help. It also provided invaluable career development opportunities such as an on-the-job training experience in the Therma South power plant during my third year in college,” she recounted, noting how this played a role in her decision to pursue a career in the power industry.
As fate would have it, Vince has now been with AboitizPower for the last five years, where she currently works as an Electrical Specialist for Therma South.
“Values such as integrity and teamwork are essential to my role. Integrity ensures that I follow the highest standards of safety and quality, especially when dealing with critical equipment,” she explained. “Teamwork is equally important because maintenance work often involves collaboration with others to troubleshoot and resolve issues to keep the plant running and the lights on.”
“These values and skills—nurtured during my time as an Aboitiz Scholar and at present—continue to support my contributions to the company’s success, allowing me to excel in my role and help ensure safe and reliable operations.”
