Along the coast of Pagbilao, Quezon, hard work has always been part of everyday life.
For Ren Mark Catamio Albuero, it meant growing up watching his father juggle work as a carpenter and fisherman, while his mother accepted laundry work to help support their family.
Years later, those sacrifices led to a moment their household would never forget: hearing the title “Engineer” attached to his name.
When the results of the 2026 February Mechanical Engineering Licensure Examination were released, Ren Mark’s success represented more than a personal achievement. It reflected years of perseverance, supported by the continued partnership of Therma Luzon, Inc. (TLI) and the Aboitiz Foundation, Inc. (AFI) through its scholarship program — a reminder of how sustained support can help open opportunities for young people in host communities.
“Ang aking ama ay isang karpintero at mangingisda, at ang aking ina ay isang maybahay na tumatanggap ng labada.” said Ren Mark. “Bilang panganay sa magkakapatid, aking isinapuso ang pagsisikap na makatapos ng pag-aaral upang makatulong sa aking pamilya.”
(My father is a carpenter and a fisherman, and my mother is a housewife who accepts laundry work. As the eldest among my siblings, I took to heart the effort to finish my studies to help my family.)
A Dream Sustained Through Opportunity
Mark’s journey with TLI began long before college. In 2016, when he was still in Grade 8, he joined the scholarship program. This support would continue through junior high school, senior high school, and eventually college. For his family, the assistance meant less financial woes, and it allowed Mark to stay focused on his studies.
In 2021, Mark enrolled in the Southern Luzon State University (SLSU) Lucban Campus to pursue a degree in Mechanical Engineering. Like many students from modest backgrounds, entering college came with uncertainty, especially about how to sustain daily expenses and academic requirements.
“Subalit tunay na napakabuti ng Panginoon sapagkat nagpatuloy ang scholarship sa tulong ng Therma Luzon, Inc., at muli akong nabigyan ng pagkakataong maging iskolar mula ikalawang taon hanggang ikaapat na taon sa kursong Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering.” Ren Mark said.
(But the Lord is truly good because the scholarship continued with the help of Therma Luzon, Inc., and I was once again given the opportunity to be a scholar from my second year until my fourth year in the Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering course.)
Through a monthly stipend and financial support from TLI and AFI, Mark was able to manage the demands of engineering school, from transportation and daily expenses to laboratory materials, textbooks, and thesis requirements.
More Than Financial Support
Beyond financial assistance, the scholarship program also gave scholars access to mentorship, guidance, and a support system that encouraged them to keep pushing forward. For Mark, this became especially important during the challenging months of preparing for the 2026 board examinations.
Lou Jason Deligencia, AboitizPower’s AVP for Corporate Services, highlights that the impact of these programs goes far beyond individual relief.
“Seeing scholars like Engr. Ren Mark’s transition from a determined student in our host community to a licensed professional is the ultimate validation of our mission,” said Deligencia “Powering the nation is our purpose, but empowering the youth through education is how we truly fuel the future. Mark’s journey proves that when we invest in local talent, we aren’t just supporting an individual—we are developing the next generation of world-class technical leaders who will help drive the country’s energy ecosystem forward.”
“Hindi lamang pinansyal na tulong ang aking natanggap, kundi inspirasyon at motibasyon upang lalo pang pagbutihin ang aking pag-aaral at pagsisikap.” Ren Mark added.
(I did not only receive financial help, but also inspiration and motivation to further improve my studies and efforts.)
A Future with AboitizPower
Now a Licensed Mechanical Engineer, Mark’s journey with AboitizPower is far from over. Today, Mark is preparing to join AboitizPower’s coveted cadetship program.
As a cadet engineer, Mark’s training will take place at the newly inaugurated Global Technical Center of Excellence (GTCOE) located in the LIMA Estate in Batangas. Established through a milestone partnership between AboitizPower and Japan’s largest power generator, JERA Co., Inc., the GTCOE is a world-class training hub designed to foster a pipeline of premier energy professionals.
“Although my scholarship journey may come to an end, I hope to continue learning and growing in knowledge. I truly wish that someday, I will have the opportunity to give back to Aboitiz Foundation and Therma Luzon, Inc., and work hand in hand with them to give others the same blessings that they have showered upon me.”
Today, Engr. Ren Mark Albuero serves as an inspiration to the current scholars under the TLI College Scholarship Program — proof that with access to education, consistent support, and determination, opportunities can create lasting change for future generations.