ABBA’s Next Wave of Bequest Scholarship Program 2024

As one of the leading recruitment agencies for healthcare professionals for 26 years, we can attest to the vital role that nurses play in the healthcare sector worldwide. The demand for Filipino nurses, in particular, continues to rise, especially in countries like the USA, UK, Ireland, Germany, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE. Our nurses are drawn to these opportunities due to competitive compensation and benefits, skills advancement, and the chance to migrate or travel, ultimately improving their quality of life. For over two decades, ABBA has been dedicated to connecting our skilled nurses with top employers abroad, helping them achieve their professional and personal aspirations.

In the Philippines, nursing remains a highly attractive profession, as demonstrated by the recent National Licensure Exam (NLE) results. The pivotal role of nurses in healthcare continues to grow, and ABBA is committed not only to helping nurses achieve their dream jobs abroad but also to supporting future nurses through our Bequest Scholarship for Nurses Program.

Launched in 2019 in partnership with our US client, Vintage Health Resources, the Bequest Scholarship provides financial assistance to nursing students, covering tuition fees and other school-related expenses. Our goal is to ease the financial burden for these students, allowing them to focus on their studies and ultimately graduate as successful nurses.

The first batch of Bequest scholars came from Trinity University of Asia (TUA), with three students receiving the scholarship. These scholars graduated in 2022 and passed the Philippine Nursing Licensure Exam (PNLE) in the same year, becoming licensed nurses.

TUA Bequest Scholars: (from left to right) John Rey Ramirez (Bequest scholar), Jossel Asis (Project Manager, ABBA Personnel Services Inc.), Julia Canonizado (Bequest scholar), and Francis Yosef Valeriano (Bequest scholar) during the TUA Nursing Graduation Ceremony of 2022

Expanding the Program: Bequest Lite

Following the success of our first batch of scholars, we launched Bequest Lite in 2022, a version of the scholarship aimed at supporting nursing students in public universities. In partnership with Universidad de Manila (UDM), we selected five scholars through a thorough evaluation process. These students are now in their final year at UDM, preparing to join the healthcare workforce soon.

UDM Bequest Scholars: (from left to right) Keith Mimis (Bequest scholar), Trisha Matias (Bequest scholar), Menchie Palmejar, RN, MAN (former Nurse Consultant, ABBA Personnel Services Inc.), Tyzsha Santos  (Bequest scholar), Eric Madridano (Bequest scholar), and Jonathan E. Bituin  (Bequest scholar) during UDM’s Capping, Candle Lighting, and Pinning Ceremony 

In 2023, we extended Bequest Lite further by partnering with the City University of Pasay (CUP). Five more scholars were selected, and they are now in their third year of nursing studies, consistently maintaining strong academic performance. During the same year, we also renewed our partnership with Trinity University of Asia for the main Bequest program, selecting one more scholar who is now in her third year.

CUP Bequest Scholars: (bottom from left to right)  Louise Nicole Ferrer (Bequest scholar), Naomi Chazz Ruth Lopez (Bequest scholar), Gabriel Madriaga (Bequest scholar), Majella Denise Gaje (Bequest scholar), Maryjess Lopez (Bequest scholar), and Maria Jessica O. Amba (College of Nursing Dean, City University of Pasay), (top from right to left)  Menchie Palmejar, RN, MAN (former Nurse Consultant, ABBA Personnel Services Inc.), Janet Pangadlin (Project Manager, ABBA Personnel Services Inc.), Joy Arnibal (Accounting Supervisor, ABBA Personnel Services Inc.), Nestor Flores (President, ABBA Personnel Services Inc.), and  Sonia Fernando (former Nurse Consultant, ABBA Personnel Services Inc.) during the Scholarship Awarding Ceremony

TUA Bequest Scholar: (from left to right) Jossel Asis (Project Manager, ABBA Personnel Services Inc.), Ronald Manzano (Director, OIC Student Affairs and Career Center, Trinity University of Asia), Khayla Montjoy (Bequest Scholar), Jette Naval (Director, Trinitian Guidance and Career Center, Trinity University of Asia), Caleb Coniate (AIRGEO, Trinity University of Asia), and Faith Manalang (Former Recruitment Specialist, ABBA Personnel Services Inc.)  during the Scholarship Awarding Ceremony

Reaching New Regions: Partnerships with Bukidnon and Cebu Universities

From the beginning, ABBA aimed to extend the Bequest Scholarship Program beyond Metro Manila, reaching students in various provinces. With the opening of our new branches in Cebu and Cagayan de Oro this year, we were eager to bring the program to more regions.

Last July, we partnered with Bukidnon State University and Cebu Normal University to implement Bequest Lite in the provinces. After conducting the selection process, we selected six new scholars, three from each university. 

BukSU Bequest Scholars: (from right to left) Jezelle Bagas, Andrea Gail Bernabe, and Marnel Erika Gunhuran

CNU Bequest Scholars: (from right to left) Van Allen Matthew Osugay, Micah Jillian Ymbong, and Latrelle Paul Domingo

Today, we proudly support seventeen promising scholars across our Bequest and Bequest Lite programs. These scholars are all working towards their goal of becoming successful nurses, and we are confident they will follow in the footsteps of our first graduates. As we move forward, our vision for the Bequest Scholarship Program remains clear: to empower more nursing students across the Philippines, extend our reach to underserved provinces, and equip future nurses with the tools they need to succeed. Whether they choose to work in local hospitals or bring their skills abroad, we are confident that our scholars will continue to make a difference in healthcare wherever they choose to practice. We can’t wait to see what the next wave of scholars will achieve.

Interested in applying with us? Check out our latest vacancies at applicant.abba.ph.

ABBA Personnel Services Inc.

Upper Ground Floor 01 / 02 Pioneer Highlands

Pioneer St. near cor. EDSA

Mandaluyong City 1550 Philippines

ABBA PERSONNEL SERVICES INC. IS A POEA AWARDEE RECRUITMENT AGENCY THAT'S ALSO THE #1 DEPLOYER OF FILIPINO HEALTHCARE WORKERS ABROAD.