Manila, Philippines – Amidst the constant hike of education cost in almost all educational institutions in the country, La Verdad’s free school program welcomed 314 new scholars as it opened its academic year for 2011-2012.

The free education is part of Daniel Razon’s advocacy to help deserving but poor students earn a degree.

“There are those who really want to study but they hardly can…. For as long as we see the potential, the willingness to learn and the sincerity and the perseverance, we will help them,” Razon, who is chairman and president of La Verdad Christian College, said.

Last March 2011, 87 scholars of the pioneering batch enrolled under two-year courses have already graduated.

This school year, La Verdad Christian College-Caloocan Branch added 102 students to its 100 plus scholars last year, while the Apalit, Pampanga branch enrolled 180 new scholars. Another 32 elementary and high school students have received a free school grant from the La Verdad Christian School.

With the new recipients added on the list, La Verdad now supports the full scholarship of 722 students, each receiving zero-cost tuition and miscellaneous fees, including free books and manuals, meals, uniform, and dormitory for students hailing from far parts of the country.

La Verdad’s free college currently offers seven courses including AB Broadcasting, Computer Programming, Health Care Services, International Cookery, Mass Communication Technology, Nursing Assistant, and Office Management.

Kuya Daniel and Bro. Eli Soriano, Presiding Minister to Members Church of God International, finance the whole operation of the institution. Bro. Eli is also the founder and president emeritus of La Verdad.

In one of his speeches before the scholars, Bro. Eli emphasized that they are not asking anything in return from them but is encouraging each student to study smart so that their hard-earned money will not be wasted.

The free education project of La Verdad started in 2009. The project is part of Kuya Daniel’s Kahit Isang Araw Lang (Just One Day) campaign, an advocacy that encourages everyone to do good to others even for just a day.

The same advocacy spearheads various charity events that help finance the expenses of La Verdad’s free education. (Words by Hazel Chavez-David)