Last month, Cojuangco launched Project Free (Flagships to Reach Educational Excellence) to benefit over 2,000 public school teachers in Tarlac by providing scholarships for Masteral and doctorate studies in partnership with La Salle, Tarlac State University and the Dept. of Education. A budget of P42 million was allocated for the project. The graduates of Project Free will receive La Salle diplomas. Cojuangco’s educational initiative has been cited as a replicable model for the entire country with a major positive impact in propelling an enlightened citizenry for the future.
Often said to be ahead of his time, Cojuangco conceived the idea of providing small businessmen with access to credit through his foundation in Tarlac in 1985 – long before the term microfinance or microcredit became popular. What he envisioned in Tarlac 25 years ago is now an exciting development in finance and a key to alleviating poverty all over the world. Cojuangco’s concept of microfinance has evolved into a self-sustaining system that now counts on 10,000 beneficiaries in seven North and Central Luzon provinces and has gained recognition from the United Nations.
Even in sports, Cojuangco was and is still a visionary. He bred the thoroughbred “Manila” which won the Breeders Cup in 1985 and thought of employing naturalized players as a means to even the playing field in world basketball. Today, the use of naturalized players is widespread and an accepted practice in FIBA competitions. Under his leadership, the Philippines won its last Asian basketball championship in 1986 and made history by beating coach Gene Keady’s US All-Star collegiate selection in overtime for the Jones Cup title in 1985.
“The La Sallian credo ‘for God and country’ is one I have always tried to live by,” said Cojuangco. “The basic lesson that somehow, in return for all that we’ve received, we have a duty to put something back is one that I learned at La Salle. As La Salle marks its centennial, this tradition of giving and sharing with the less fortunate is more alive than ever.”
Br. Gus Boquer, president of La Salle Dasmariñas, said Cojuangco “has used the education and values he learned from his alma mater and served the best interest of his fellowmen over and beyond the call of duty and made many hopes and dreams come true…Our Lord must be very pleased with the way this recognition is being accepted, quietly, humbly, in the midst of loved ones, close friends, the Christian Brothers and La Salle partners…Danding, continue the path you have chosen of making life better for our fellowmen searching for a better future…you are one of a kind with a compassionate heart and you have transformed, for good, many lives. Our God will be your ultimate reward.”
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