Building Futures Through
Scholarship and STEM:
SBCAF Gathers the Augusto Lagman Scholars
By: Precious Sofia TAÑAG and Rainier Geremy NOVALES
The San Beda College Alumni Foundation (SBCAF) brought together beneficiaries of the Augusto C. Lagman Scholarship Program for a brief yet meaningful assembly held on September 15, 2026 at Club Filipino, Greenhills. Conducted from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., the gathering welcomed scholar-graduates, current college students, and Senior High School students from the Integrated Basic Education Department (IBED). The activity provided an opportunity for scholars from different batches to meet, participate in the scheduled activities, share their experiences, and further strengthen their connection and engagement within the scholarship community.
More than a simple gathering, the assembly reflected SBCAF’s longstanding mission of making quality Bedan education accessible to financially challenged but deserving students. Originally founded in 1978 and revived and re-registered in 1997, the Foundation has spent nearly three decades in its renewed form developing scholarship and professorial chair programs for the Bedan community. As of May 2023, the Foundation reported having funded 550 scholarship-years through the support of more than 300 Bedan alumni donors.
Although SBCAF has not released an official cumulative count of graduates, its reported 550 scholarship-years are roughly equivalent to about 110 to 140 complete four-year college scholarships. This comparison should not be treated as an exact graduate total because the figure includes current scholars and recipients who may have received assistance for shorter periods. Nevertheless, SBCAF’s own publication has reported that hundreds of its former scholars have continued toward successful careers and meaningful contributions to the country.
Among the grants administered through SBCAF is the Augusto C. Lagman Scholarship Program, which began in Academic Year 2020–2021 when Mr. Augusto “Gus” Lagman offered scholarships to three incoming Grade 11 STEM students of San Beda University Manila. He also expressed his commitment to support additional scholars in succeeding years because of the country’s need for more scientists, medical professionals, engineers, and technology specialists. Thus, the program has been supporting young Bedans for approximately six years. Mr. Lagman’s educational advocacy also extends beyond San Beda. In 2024, he and his wife, Mrs. Teresita “Tess” Lagman, established a separate scholarship program at the University of the Philippines that supports four engineering students from low-income families throughout their four years of study.
The assembly formally began with an opening prayer led by Moderator-Chaplain Dom Clement Ma. H. Roque, OSB, placing the gathering in a spirit of gratitude and purpose. Prof. Greg Borja III, SBCAF Executive Director then introduced the program and provided the scholars with an overview of the gathering. This was followed by the opening remarks of SBCAF President, Dr. Jaime Z. Galvez Tan, who emphasized the importance of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics in preparing the country for the future. His message highlighted the need to educate and support young people who can use their knowledge and abilities to respond to future challenges and contribute meaningfully to Philippine society.
Following the opening segment, the scholars shared a meal before participating in the sharing of stories and a meet-and-greet. The relaxed exchange allowed graduates, college scholars, and IBED Senior High School students to learn more about one another’s experiences and aspirations. Those who had already completed their studies were able to offer guidance and encouragement, while the current students had the opportunity to connect with people who understood both the opportunities and responsibilities that come with being a scholar. The interaction demonstrated that SBCAF’s scholarship program extends beyond financial assistance because it also creates lasting relationships among scholars from different batches and stages of life.
Adding a musical and lively touch to the event, scholars Denni Laurilla and Robbie Garcia performed a song by the Filipino band Rivermaya. Their performance brought energy and familiarity to the gathering, allowing the scholars to enjoy the moment and celebrate the sense of friendship that developed throughout the assembly.
One of the most memorable parts of the assembly was the sharing of SBCAF Treasurer and Scholarship Committee Chair Mr. Edgardo B. Favila. He recalled meeting Mr. Lagman when he himself was still one of Mr. Lagman’s scholars. During an election-related undertaking, Mr. Favila assisted with the technology-related work, while Mr. Lagman and the others handled the legal aspects of the election. More than an account of their early encounter, his story demonstrated how people with different areas of expertise can work together toward a common purpose. It also showed the younger scholars how the education, guidance, and opportunities received by a scholar may later be transformed into meaningful professional work and service.
Building on these reflections, Mr. Lagman addressed the scholars with a message centered on patriotism, responsibility, and the future of the country. He encouraged them to love the Philippines because “it is the only one that we have.” He also stressed the need for more Filipino scientists, information technology professionals, mathematicians, engineers, and specialists in other STEM-related fields. His message emphasized that the country’s future will depend not only on the development of new technologies but also on Filipinos who possess the knowledge, discipline, and commitment to use these advancements for the common good. For the scholars, his words served as both encouragement and a call to use their education and abilities in service of the country.
The program also included an awarding ceremony that marked another significant moment in the assembly. Following the presentation, members of the SBCAF Board of Trustees joined Mr. Lagman and his wife, Mrs. Tess Lagman, for a commemorative photograph. The group included SBCAF President Dr. Jaime Z. Galvez Tan, Vice President Mr. Tomas P. Africa, Treasurer Mr. Edgardo B. Favila, Justice Jose C. Reyes Jr., Atty. Constantino L. Navarro III, Atty. Dominador D. Buhain, Executive Director Prof. Greg Borja III, and Moderator-Chaplain Dom Clement Ma. H. Roque, OSB. Their presence reflected the collective support of the SBCAF leadership and the Lagman family for the scholars and the continued development of the scholarship program.
To cap it all off, the Augusto “Gus” Lagman Scholars’ Assembly concluded with a closing prayer led once again by Moderator-Chaplain Dom Clement Ma. H. Roque, OSB. Although the gathering lasted only three hours, it successfully brought together several generations of scholars and gave them an opportunity to form new connections, share their experiences, and reflect on the purpose of their education. The assembly demonstrated how SBCAF, its donors, and the Lagman family continue to transform generosity into opportunities for deserving young people. It also reminded everyone that a scholarship is not merely a form of financial assistance but an invitation to become part of a community founded on gratitude, excellence, service, and hope for the country. Through gatherings such as this, SBCAF continues to strengthen its scholarship community while inspiring future professionals to help build a better Philippines.