On 29 April 2023, Mr. Roberto M. Laviña, Mrs. Ma. Theresa Baliñgit-Laviña (GS 64, HS 68, and College 72) and their children turned over the Laviña family’s gift to Miriam College establishing an endowed scholarship named as the Marité Baliñgit-Laviña Scholarship Fund. 

An endowed scholarship is a cash donation for scholarship purposes. It is a perpetual gift established as a legacy in education by the donor.  Other parties may contribute to the endowed fund. 

The Marité Baliñgit-Laviña Scholarship Fund will cover 100% of tuition, basic and miscellaneous fees of up to two scholars at a time in the Senior High School (SHS) to be selected by the Miriam College Institutional Scholarships Committee (MC-ISC) starting SY2024-2025. Succeeding scholars will be identified upon graduation of the current one. 

The donors, Mr. And Mrs. Laviña (center), joined by VP for Finance Dr. Lupisan (L) and President Amb. Del Rosario (R) 

The event was an intimate and special gathering of family, friends, and batchmates of Mrs. Laviña; MC administrators; and MC Trustees, who witnessed the MOU signing between Mr. and Mrs. Laviña and Miriam College led by President Amb. Laura Q. Del Rosario and Vice President for Finance Dr. Maricon Y. Lupisan. Board of Trustees Chair Ms. Josefina Tan joined online while BOT member and Maryknoll Sister Sr. Imelda Bautista joined onsite. The MOU signing, with the check turn over, was held at the Miriam College Museum. 

MOU signing (L-R: VP for Finance Dr. Lupisan, donors Mr. And Mrs. Laviña, and President Amb. Del Rosario) 

Mrs. Laviña’s husband and MC BOT member Mr. Roberto “Bobby” Laviña, Amb. Del Rosario, and batchmate Mrs. Monina Oliva-Valencia (GS 64, HS 68, and College 72) delivered tributes to the donor. High School Principal Ms. Nancy Roman accepted the donation on behalf of the HS unit. 

Mr. and Mrs. Laviña are joined by Mrs. Laviña’s batchmates: L-R: Grace Jhocson, Sr. Imelda Bautista (Maryknoll Sister representative to the Board), Mr. and Mrs. Laviña, President Amb. Del Rosario, Monina Oliva-Valencia, Mad da Silva-Vargas 

The day was capped by a lunch celebration with the Laviña family: Bettina (CSC 82, HS 94), her husband Marc André De Los Reyes (College 97) and their three children. The other family members: Niccolo (CSC 84), his wife Dianne and their 2 sons; Enricco (CSC 88) and his wife Denise, joined the celebration online. 

The Laviña Family joined the event onsite and online. 
Onsite L-R: Bettina, Zach carried by Marc, Kenzi, Mr. and Mrs. Laviña and Pixie who just completed grade 8 in Miriam. 
Online were: Niccolo, his wife Dianne and their sons Santi (CSC 2015) and Yanni (CSC 2017); Enricco and his wife Denise; Garnet David, Mrs. Laviña’s batchmate.

L-R: Mercy Huvulla, Pixie, Mr. and Mrs. Laviña, Kenzi, Bettina, Marc with Zach in front.

The ceremony was held, and the special luncheon was shared by family and friends at the MC Museum.