FROM FRIENDSHIP TO PHILANTHROPY: THE STORY OF DSAFI
By: Carren Gravito and Alexa Sandara Oro
Inception
The friendship between Mr. David S. Curry, the benefactor, and Mr. Joe Balquin (Lolo Joe), one of the founders, has birthed the Dominican Scholarship Assistance Fund, Inc. (DSAFI), formerly Sto. Domingo Scholarship Assistance Fund, Inc. SDSAFI has been giving hope and opportunity since 2000 in the local municipality of Sto. Domingo. Mr. Curry and Lolo Joe recognized the potential of education to transform lives and communities; hence, the organization was conceived to actualize their shared vision of creating opportunities for underprivileged families to access education.
The Founders
Alongside Mr. Curry and Lolo Joe, four other compassionate leaders joined and served as the organization’s founders: Mr. Manolo Evangelista, Mr. James Balin, and Mr. Ernesto Ballano. Together, these founding fathers poured their skills, commitment, and passion into paving the way towards education for children who needed it most.
Early Years
The organization launched with $1,000 in the house of one of the founders, which served as the office. Three (3) initial scholars received financial support for tuition and assessed fees for their vocational studies. This small but significant beginning laid the groundwork for what would become one of the most impactful scholarship programs in the municipality.
Early on, Mr. Jose Ballesteros joined the organization as the Program Director of the scholarship program. Ms. Lea Balderama briefly served as Board Secretary and Ms. Marilyn Mercado was hired as Board Treasurer.
Upon the passing of Mr. James Balin in 2005, his spouse Mrs. Paciencia Balin took his post.
Mr. Romie Cabria
Mr. Jovert Balunsay – 2013 until
Mr. Christian Calleja – 2014
Mrs. Julie Ann Ballaran – 2016 as sub; 2018 as the board Treasurer
Ms. Sheryl Z. Baliwas – August 2017
Ms. Morevel Magallanes – 2019 after the death of Fr. Jay
DSAFI Time:
Mr. Joey Balquin – 2020
SEC Registration in November 2020
Ms. Cheenee Mendina – July 2021
Mr. Carmelo Jr. A. Balbin – August 2022
Ms. Sandy Barnedo – 2023
Program Expansion and Evolution
Since then, DSAFI has expanded both its reach and its scholarship offerings. Currently, a new batch of scholars, not just from Sto. Domingo, but also from Malilipot, Sorsogon, and Masbate, are chosen to join the program each year under three scholarship offerings: David S. Curry Award, Regular Scholarship, and Susan S. Curry Fellowship Grant. With the establishment of a new and separate office equipped with educational facilities such as laptops and printers, all 118 current scholars can also enjoy a broader range of support for their academic and extracurricular pursuits. The organization also regularly holds training and events directed towards the holistic development of its scholars.
Notable Milestones
From its humble start, the organization was able to reach greater heights. With its help, hundreds of scholars could attend universities, pursue diverse career paths, and achieve remarkable success in various fields.
In 2009, a Plaque of Appreciation was presented to DSAFI by Bicol University to acknowledge the organization’s contribution to providing quality education. More recently, the organization also received accreditations from the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), the Sangguniang Bayan, and the Charities Aid Foundation (CAF) International. Now, DSAFI has grown from a small circle of friends into a family of over 100 scholars.
Future Goals
With the new set of Board of Trustees (BOTs), headed by Mr. Christian C. Calleja as the President, Vice President Mrs. Pacencia B. Balin, Secretary Ms. Sheryl Z. Baliwas, Treasurer Mrs. Julie Ann A. Ballaran, Auditor Ms. Cheenee O. Mendina, and Business Manager Mr. Joey M. Balquin, DSAFI plans to continue improving and widening its impact by reaching more youths in need and providing additional resources to ensure their academic and holistic growth.