A continuing legacy

CEBU, Philippines -  A typical Filipina, Doña Modesta Singson Gaisano was active in Cebu’s socio-economic activities during her time.  She was always ready to support the government in its effort towards development, and above all, she had a great heart for the needy.  As a loving tribute to her commitment for the poor, her sons, Stephen Sy Gaisano, Sr. and Henry Sy Gaisano, established the Gaisano Foundation in 1955.  The Foundation, among others, helps poor but deserving students pursue higher education through its scholarship program.  The woman with a great heart for the poor was the only sister of President Sergio Osmeña.  She died happy and fulfilled in 1985 at 101 years old.  Because of the many great deeds she had done for her fellowmen, she was honored by the government with the Philippine Flag and 24 hours honor guard during her wake.  The City Government of Cebu also named a bridge and a street in her memory.

 The Dona Modesta S. Gaisano Foundation’s stellar tradition of giving scholarship funds to deserving students continues to this day, thanks to the surviving Gaisanos’ generosity.

 The foundation has appropriated P3,000,000 to be given to 30 outstanding graduates from the different schools and universities in Cebu.  Each graduate will receive P100,000 to fund their college education. 

 The Gaisano scholarship, considered as one of the biggest and longest running in the country, is an annual project of the Dona Modesta S. Gaisano Foundation.  Now on its 58th year, the foundation was founded by the children of the late Gaisano matriarch – the late Don Stephen S. Gaisano and the late Don Henry S. Gaisano – and continued by their heirs.

 30 outstanding graduates from the different schools/universities in Cebu will receive P100,000.00 each.  The benefited schools/universities are as follows: Colegio de la Inmaculada Concepcion,  Saint Theresa’s College, University of  San Jose-Recoletos, University of  San Carlos, University of the Visayas, University of Southern Philippines Foundation, Southwestern University, University of the Philippines - Cebu, Abellana College of Arts and Trade, Cebu Institute of  Technology, Centre for International Education, University of Cebu, Cebu Normal University, Cebu Eastern College, Sacred Heart School for Boys and Girls, Cebu City Don Carlos A. Gothong Memorial High School, Philippine Christian Gospel School,Don Bosco Technology Center Inc., Seminario Mayor de San Carlos (Faculty of Theology), YLAC Free School, Cebu Samantahabadra Institute, Bethany Christian School.

 The scholarship grant for YLAC Free School will be shared by a number of deserving students to be handpicked by the school.

 The foundation is now managed by the younger Gaisanos: Joseph Gaisano, chairman; Stephen Gaisano, Jr., president; Alex Gaisano, Chief Executive Officer; Francisco Gaisano, Benito Gaisano, Edmund Gaisano, Jack Gaisano, Edward Gaisano, John Gaisano Jr., Hans Gaisano and Sally Gaisano.

 His Eminence Ricardo Cardinal Vidal, renowned educator Dr. Alejandro R. Roces, economist Peter Cang Hocho and The FREEMAN’s publisher Juanito V. Jabat sit as co-chairmen of the foundation.

Doña Modesta S. Gaisano Foundation, Inc. is one of the awardees in 2007 Cebu City Charter Day. (FREEMAN)