FMBFI Through the Years 1996 to 2023

Summary

The Francisco M Bautista Foundation, Inc. (FMFI) was established to honor the legacy of Francisco Manuel Bautista, a self-made entrepreneur who founded the St. Peter group of companies. Following his passing, his daughter, Sister D Bautista Vitanol, founded the FMFI in 1996 to support financially challenged students. Over the years, the foundation has helped over 650 students, adapting to challenges like the COVID-19 pandemic by transitioning to online exams. With continued support from the St. Peter group of companies, FMFI remains dedicated to its mission of empowering students nationwide, embodying the spirit of giving back and making a lasting impact.

Takeaways

• 😀 The Francisco M. Bautista Foundation, Incorporated (FMBFI) was created to honor the legacy of Francisco Manuel Bautista, a self-made success despite his limited education.
• 😀 The foundation was established by his daughter, Sister D. Bautista Vitanol, with the support of Brother Ernie M. Bordos, the presiding Elder of the St. Peter Community.
• 😀 The FMBFI was officially registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) in 1996.
• 😀 Initially funded by donations from the St. Peter Community's members and close friends, the foundation provides scholarships to financially disadvantaged but deserving students.
• 😀 Since its inception, the FMBFI has helped 653 students, with 469 of them already having graduated.
• 😀 The first graduate of the FMBFI was Reverend Father Roy Villas, who is now a parish priest in Ontario, Canada.
• 😀 The foundation initially focused on public high school graduates in Quezon City, with qualifying exams organized by dedicated volunteers from the community.
• 😀 In 2013, the FMBFI expanded its reach nationwide, conducting qualifying exams in areas like Bayas and Mindanao.
• 😀 The foundation faced challenges in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic but successfully transitioned to an online qualifying exam format.
• 😀 The foundation continues to receive financial support from the St. Peter group of companies and remains committed to helping college students nationwide.
• 😀 The foundation embraces the principle of sowing the seeds of education in the hearts of children to yield the most fruit in the future.

Q & A

Who was Francisco M. Bautista, and what legacy did he leave behind?

Francisco M. Bautista was an individual who, despite only completing fourth grade, achieved great success in life and became the founder of the St. Peter group of companies. After his death, his daughter, Sister D. Bautista Vitano, sought to immortalize his name by creating a foundation in his honor.

How was the Francisco M. Bautista Foundation, Incorporated (FMBFI) created?

The FMBFI was created through the consultation of Sister D. Bautista Vitano with Brother Ernie M. Bordos, the presiding Elder of the St. Peter Community. Their collaboration led to the foundation's creation, aimed at supporting financially challenged yet deserving students.

When was the FMBFI registered, and where?

The FMBFI was officially registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission in 1996.

How was the foundation initially funded?

The initial funding for the FMBFI came from donations made by members and close friends of the St. Peter Community.

How many students has the FMBFI helped graduate since its inception?

Since its inception, the FMBFI has helped 653 students complete their studies, with 469 of them already having graduated.

Who was the first graduate supported by the FMBFI?

The first graduate supported by the FMBFI was Reverend Father Roy Villas, who is now a parish priest in Ontario, Canada.

What was the foundation's early focus in terms of student demographics?

The FMBFI initially focused on supporting students from public high schools in Quezon City.

How does the FMBFI conduct its qualifying exam each year?

The FMBFI conducts its qualifying exam with the help of dedicated volunteers from the St. Peter Community, its alumni, and current scholars who serve as proctors, interviewers, and technical support staff.

How did the COVID-19 pandemic impact the FMBFI's qualifying exam process?

The COVID-19 pandemic forced the FMBFI to transition to an online qualifying exam. Despite the challenges, the foundation adapted to this new dynamic while remaining dedicated to its mission.

What is the FMBFI's current national reach in terms of student support?

The FMBFI has expanded its reach nationwide, conducting qualifying exams in regions such as Bayas and Mindanao, in addition to its original areas of focus.