City officials recently congratulated and commended Khianne Orteza of the University of the Philippines College Baguio (UPCB) for having earned the McCall MacBain Regional Award of Canada.
In a resolution, local legislators stated that Orteza’s achievement has brought honour and pride to the city which is yet another testament that Baguio remains to be the undisputed educational center of the north.
The McCall MacBain Scholarships at McGill are Canada’s first comprehensive leadership-driven scholarships for master’s and professional degree studies. This program brings together a diverse group of scholars who aspire to lead with purpose, those who have demonstrated leadership potentials and an inner drive to make a positive impact in other people’s lives.
Further, the program is a result of a landmark C$200 million fund in 2019, then the largest single donation in Canadian history, by John and Marcy McCall MacBain.
Orteza recently graduated magna Cum Laude from UPCB where he majored in Microbiology and co-authored a research paper on biotherapeutics as treatment for skin conditions for which he has earned a C$10,000 McCall MacBain Regional Award.
The council noted that Orteza placed among the top 50 of international applicants from 2,250 universities. He is one of the first two Philippine university graduates selected for the program.
The scholarship recognizes engaged student leaders who have demonstrated exceptional character, community engagement, leadership potential, entrepreneurial spirit, academic strength and intellectual curiosity. It provides funding for a full-time master’s or professional program at any public university in Canada.
According to the body, prior to his graduation, Orteza has participated in various volunteer programs conducting workshops at underserved schools in the |Cordillera and assisted patients at a human immune virus (HIV) clinic.
Copies of the approved resolution will be transmitted to Orteza and the UPCB for their information, guidance, ready reference and further needed action. By Dexter A. See