Insider Spotlight
Rheanna Yzabelle R. De Guzman describes the achievement as a “full circle” moment, from once dreaming about the profession to officially joining it.
Why it matters
Her journey underscores how sustained scholarship programs can unlock opportunities for students facing financial hardship. It also highlights how partnerships between foundations and corporations help build a more inclusive pipeline of professionals in the Philippines.
De Guzman was raised by her father, Rhonnel, with support from her grandmother, Librada. Her academic path was nearly cut short when her father stopped working due to heart disease, straining the family’s finances and putting her education at risk by her second year in college.
“When my father had to return home due to heart disease, our world shifted. His savings could only carry my education until my second year. At that point, the dream of becoming an architect didn’t just feel far away; it felt impossible. All we had was prayer and a quiet hope that the Lord would provide. And He did. Two days after my birthday, I got the news: I was a scholar,” she said.
The big picture
The Metrobank Foundation–Boysen scholarship enabled De Guzman to stay in school, focus on her studies, and graduate cum laude from the University of Santo Tomas. She later passed the licensure examination alongside fellow scholars Joanna Rose Irinco of National University–Manila and Lycel Anne Pineda of the University of the Philippines Diliman. Her experience, detailed in a company release, reflects how targeted education support can translate into measurable outcomes.
The program aligns with Metrobank Foundation’s broader mission to empower individuals to contribute beyond themselves. “We believe that empowering individuals goes beyond enabling personal success. It is about inspiring them to give back and take part in building stronger communities,” said Metrobank Foundation president Philip Francisco Dy.
“They [Metrobank Foundation and Boysen] did not only help sustain my education. They also stayed by my side. They saw potential in me that I hadn't yet seen in myself. They didn't just see a student in need; they saw a professional in the making,” De Guzman said.
What’s next
As she begins her career, De Guzman views her license not as an endpoint but as a responsibility. “Our journey doesn't end with this license. It begins with the responsibility to build, not just structures but also hope,” she said, pointing to a future shaped by both professional growth and a commitment to help others succeed. —Princess Daisy C. Ominga | Ed: Corrie S. Narisma
