National University (NU) underscored its long-standing commitment to accessible and inclusive education as it staged the 3rd Founder’s Cup Golf Tournament at Tagaytay Midlands, with proceeds directly supporting more than 10,000 Filipino scholars across the country.
Held as part of NU’s 125th anniversary celebration, the annual tournament has become a key platform for mobilizing resources to sustain scholarships for students from underserved communities, helping them pursue quality education and build pathways toward professional success.
Co-presented by McCoy, BOYSEN, adidas, and Gransportivo, the event gathered NU alumni, faculty and staff, institutional partners, benefactors, and members of the media in a shared effort to champion education as a driver of national development. Organizers emphasized that every contribution from the tournament goes toward easing financial barriers faced by deserving students.
“More than a golf tournament, this initiative directly fuels our mission of education that works,” said NU President and CEO Dr. Renato Carlos H. Ermita Jr. “Every swing and every partnership formed here help sustain scholarships that allow over 10,000 young Filipinos to stay in school, complete their degrees, and create better futures for themselves and their families.”
NU officials highlighted that many beneficiaries of the scholarship program are first-generation college students who rely on institutional support to remain enrolled. Through tuition assistance, academic support, and access to modern learning facilities, NU aims to ensure that scholars are not only admitted but are also able to thrive and graduate.
The ceremonial tee-off was led by NU Chairman of the Board Dr. Hans T. Sy, Dr. Ermita, McCoy co-founder Harry van Helvoirt, and NU alumnus and DATEM founder Ar. Arnold De Asis, symbolizing the strong partnership between the academic institution and the private sector in advancing educational equity.
Also in attendance were government officials Hon. Edwin Olivarez Sr. and Hon. Nicanor Briones, showbiz personality Richard Yap, and NU alumni-athletes Engineers Dave and Patrick Yu, who lent their support to the scholarship-driven cause.
University officials noted that initiatives like the Founder’s Cup play a vital role in sustaining NU’s scholarship ecosystem, enabling the institution to expand access to quality education while producing graduates equipped with industry-relevant skills and strong social values.
As NU marks more than a century of service to Philippine education, the Founder’s Cup stands as a reminder that collaborative efforts—between educators, alumni, partners, and benefactors—remain essential in shaping future generations of Filipino leaders through education.
