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History
of the Lodge | Mencius’
Biography |
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THE
7th DECADE (1994-2003)
Mencius
Bags 4 District Awards
Ten years later in 1994, WM Peter Phoa Yong Chip was the
first Worshipful Master to initiate the wearing of uniform
inside the lodge: White Barong Tagalog with embroidered white
logo of Mencius Lodge at the left breast, black pants, and
black shoes. He conducted a Medical Mission for the poor residents
of a depressed area in Barrio Imelda, Araneta East Subdivision,
Quezon City. He held Moon Cake Festival and Christmas Party
for the members and family of the lodge. He supported the
Masonic Charity for Crippled Children. He actively participated
in all the activities of the district. In recognition of all
his efforts, District Deputy Grand Master VW Alexander Madamba
awarded him the Most Outstanding Lodge and the Most Outstanding
Worshipful Master in District I-A. The other two District
awardees were also from Mencius Lodge. VW Mariano Sih received
the Most Outstanding Lodge Secretary, while WI Andy Lim bagged
the Most Outstanding Grand Lodge Inspector.
Mencius Wins 3 Grand Lodge Awards
For the first time in the history of the lodge, Mencius won
3 Grand Lodge awards for 1996:
- Outstanding Lodge
- Outstanding Worshipful Master
- Outstanding Lodge Secretary
Mencius: Outstanding Lodge
Grand Master MW Jose Percival Adiong declared Mencius Lodge
as Outstanding Lodge of the Year 1996 during the ANCOM in
April 1997 at Tacloban City. The Committee on Award evaluated
the performance and accomplishments of the lodge based on
the following criteria:
- Quality of the Meetings
- Promptness and Quality of Reports
- Programs and Projects
- Participation in District and Grand Lodge Activities
- Inter-Lodge and Intra-Lodge Relationships
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Quality of the Meetings. Mencius
conducted 12 stated meetings and 6 special meetings during the
year. The meetings started and ended on time. The Agenda made
the meeting interesting and flowed smoothly. An average of more
than 30 members and guests attended the meetings. They actively
participated in the discussion of matters and issues concerning
the lodge. The members in formal uniform observed proper decorum
inside the lodge. Masonic education was regularly conducted
every stated meeting.
Promptness and Quality of Reports. The lodge through its
Secretary, VW Mariano Sih, promptly submitted all the required
reports to the Grand Lodge: Minutes of the Meeting, Secretary's
Report, Treasurer's Financial Statement, monthly Mencius Bulletin,
List of Members and Membership Dues.
Programs and Projects. The lodge implemented programs and
projects of the Grand Lodge on community services, charity,
and for the benefits of the members.
- Community Services
The MedicallDental Civic Action Projects of Mencius Lodge
benefited 5,827 poor and less fortunate people in the different
depressed areas of the country. The project includes free
medical consultation and treatment, dental examination and
extraction, de-worming and milk feeding, blood pressure
test, circumcision, anti-rabies and anti-FMD campaign, informational
drive on personal hygiene and community cleanliness. Free
medicines were also distributed to the indigent patients
with doctor's prescription.
- Charity
The lodge's Scholarship Program helped the poor but deserving
students in their elementary education. It donated to the
Masonic Charities for Crippled Children, Inc. The members
visited and cheered the disadvantaged children at the Masonic
Ward of the Mary Johnston Hospital in Tondo, Manila. It
had also extended financial assistance to a burn victim.
- For the Benefit of the Members
The lodge had undertaken several projects for the benefit
of the members:
a. Masonic Education
Masonic Education was regularly conducted every stated
meeting to keep the members updated in their Masonic knowledge.
The new members benefited particularly from this portion
of the meeting as they increased their knowledge on Masonic
subjects.
b. Sunshine Visitation
The members of the lodge visited the sick and senior
members, widows and orphans. The visited brethren were
very happy and enjoyed the company of the visiting brethren.
c. Physical Fitness Program
To keep the members physically fit and healthy, the lodge
organized the Sunday Walkers Club and Tai Chi Classes.
d. Newsletter
To inform the members about the plans and activities
of the lodge, Ed Ramos initiated the publication of monthly
newsletter: Mencius Bulletin.
e. Award and Recognition
Brethren who supported the activities of the lodge that
contributed to the achievement of the goals of the lodge
were given due recognition and awards.
f. Enhance Closer Family Relaationship
The lodge had undertaken the following activities to
enhance closer family relationship among the members of
the lodge: Officers' Night, Family Excursion, Educational
Tour, Moon Cake Festival, and Christmas Party.
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Participation in District and
Grand Lodge Activities. Officers of the lodge regularly attended
and participated in the District Council Meetings and activities.
They also attended the Annual Communication held in Cagayan
de Oro in April 1996.
Inter-Lodge and Intra-Lodge Relationships. During the year,
members of the lodge attended and assisted in the installation
of officers of other lodges. They also assisted Nilad Lodge
in the conferral of the 3rd Degree of Masonry on its candidate.
They also attended the 75th Anniversary celebration of Kasilawan
Lodge. Indeed, they maintained good relationship with other
lodges.
Over 30 members attended every lodge meeting in 1996. Harmonious
relationship prevailed among the members of the lodge. Members
cooperated in the accomplishment of all the activities and
projects of the lodge. Closer relationships also existed among
the families of the members through excursion and parties.
Ed Ramos: Outstanding Worshipful Master
During his inaugural speech, Ed Ramos outlined his program
of activities for the Masonic Year 1996: M-E-N-C-I-U-S
M - Masonic Education
and Masonic Award & Recognition
E - Enhance Closer
Family Relationship
N - Newsletter
C - Charity/Civic Action/Community
Services
I - Inter-Lodge Visitation
and Independence Day Celebration
U - Uniform
S - Sunshine Visitation,
Scholarship/Y outh Program and Sport l
Physical Fitness Program
To implement this plan and program, he created several committees:
- Masonic Education Committee
- Award & Recognition Committee
- Special Events Committee
- Charity Committee
- Medica1lDental Committee
- Scholarship Committee
- Sunshine Committee
- Sport Committee
With the cooperation, commitment and support of the members,
Ed Ramos has successfully implemented all the programs and
projects planned at the start of the year.
The Medical/Dental Civic Action Projects of the Lodge had
benefited 5,827 poor and less
fortunate members of the depressed communities. It has won
the heart and goodwill of the people toward the fraternity.
They become aware of the charity projects being undertaken
by the Freemasonry.
Closer family relationship among the members has been achieved
through various family-get together activities: Officers,
Night, Excursion/Family Outing, Educational Tour, Past Masters
Night/Charter Day, Moon Cake Festival and Christmas Party.
Scholarship Program has helped 7 poor students in their education.
The Lodge will continue to support these students up to the
completion of their secondary education. The Lodge had also
extended financial assistance to a fire victim whose 7-year-old
niece perished during the conflagration. It had donated cash
to Masonic Charities for Crippled Children, Inc., A. Mabini
Chapter, Order of DeMolay, Scottish Rite Foundation of the
Philippines, Inc. Sport Program has kept the brethren physically
fit. Sunshine visitations were made to senior and sick members,
widows and orphans. Two brethren had restored their membership
with the lodge. Bro. Rafael Rodriquez, a long lost brother,
had availed of the amnesty under Edict 173 last Nov 6. He
was raised 43 years ago as Master Mason on 27 May 1953 and
suspended on 7 Dec 1983 for non-payment of dues. Another brother,
George Juanico, paid his past due account within 2 years after
the suspension for nonpayment of dues.
The lodge conducted Masonic Funeral Services for 2 departed
brethren: Bro. Josefino Arqueza, and WB John Ong Lin Siu.
Meetings started on time and followed a prepared agenda.
An average of not less than 30 members and guests attended
the meetings. The committees regularly made a report on their
respective activities. The members were in proper attire and
observed proper decorum. They actively participated in the
discussion of the issues under consideration. Masonic Education
was always conducted for the benefits of the members.
The lodge maintains good relationship with other lodges.
It helped other lodges in the installation of officers and
conferral of degree. It has actively participated in all District
and Grand Lodge activities. Monthly and Annual Reports, membership
dues, and other requirements of the District and Grand Lodge
were promptly submitted.
VW Mariano Sih: Outstanding Lodge Secretary
During the 81st Annual Communication at Tacloban City on
24 April 1997, VW Mariano Sih received the Outstanding Lodge
Secretary Award from Grand Master MW Jose Percival Adiong.
He has consistently and regularly submitted all reports of
the Lodge on time: Minutes of Stated and Special Meetings,
monthly financial statement, monthly Mencius Bulletin and
other requirements of the District and the Grand Lodge. He
also promptly remitted the membership dues. He efficiently
and effectively sent notices to the members of the lodge.
He regularly attended meetings and actively participated in
all the activities and projects of the lodge District and
Grand Lodge. |
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MENCIUS
HAS A NEW OFFICE WM Michael Lim Chee We initiated
the acquisition of a permanent office for the lodge. He successfully
launched the fund raising for the renovation of the office
space at the mezzanine near the entrance of the Scottish Rite
Temple. The brethren contributed a total amount of P122,100.00.
Other brethren donated office furniture and equipment as well
as appliances. A Plague of Acknowledgement at the new office
shows the names of the generous donors to this project. The
office was inaugurated at 4 PM on 1 Oct 1997. This was the
first time for the lodge to have an office of its own.
On the same evening, Ms. Teresita Ang See (the Founding President
of the Kaisa Para Sa
Kaunlaran, Inc.) was the guest speaker during the meeting.
She talked about the Chinese participation in the Philippine
revolution, the Chinese influence on the Philippine history,
and the Chinese contributions to the socio-economic development
of the country.
During the Charter Day on 24 June 1997 at Taipan Seafood
Restaurant, WM Mike Lim gave due recognition to the Past Masters
who brought honors to the lodge and those who has served the
as Grand Lodge officers. VW Benito C. Ang received the award
for being the first member of the lodge to became the District
Deputy Grand Master of Masonic District I-A. For having served
as Assistant Grand Treasurer, VW Cristino Lim was awarded
a Plaque of Recognition. VW Andy Lim was presented the award
for serving as Grand Lodge lecturer. For outstanding service
to the lodge, senior Past Masters WB Benjamin Gotamco, Sr.
and Angeles Limguat were also presented Plague of Recognition.
In recognition of his distinguished and outstanding service
to the lodge as secretary, Mike awarded VW Mariano Sih a Plague
of Recognition. WBs Peter Phoa and Ed Ramos were also duly
recognized. The former won the Most Outstanding Lodge and
Most Outstanding Worshipful Master in District I-A. The later
earned 2 honors from the Grand Lodge: the Outstanding Lodge
and the Outstanding Worshipful Master.
As a token of appreciation, WM Mike distributed to the brethren
and visitors a miniature of Plague with an inscription that
reads: "In Harmony, We Unite." The theme is translated
in Chinese. The logo of Freemasonry, name of the lodge, year
1997, and Mike Lim also appear on the plate.
WM Mike Lim also successfully led the lodge in the conduct
of free Medical and Dental Civic Action at Bgy. 192, Barrio
Obrero, Tondo, Manila on 20 July 1997. The charity project
was undertaken jointly with the Chinatown Charity Foundation,
Inc. and the 4th NCR Battalion, 131·t Infantry Division,
Philippine Army. It benefited 1,295 indigent residents of
this depressed area of the community.
On 27 July 1997, Mike led a group of brethren and visited
a widow and senior members of the lodge: Sis. Ursulina Esteban
(widow), WB Federico Chusuey (75 years old, Past Master, 1963),
Bro. Chua Bon Kue (81 years old), and Bro. Tommy Uyliapco.
To foster closer family relationship, Mike led the brethren
and their family to an excursion at Splash Island, Southwoods,
Ecocentrum, Biñan, Laguna on 18 May 1997. In addition,
he also held the celebration of Moon Cake Festival on 14 Sept
1997 at Tang Dynasty Restaurant. Christmas Party was scheduled
for the members and their family on 22 Dec 1997 at the Masonic
Heroes.Hall of the Scottish Rite Temple.
On the evening of 21 January 1998, WM Mike Lim awarded the
first Hiram Award to WM Angeles Limguat. He is the oldest
Past Master of the Lodge who despite his old age is still
very active in attending lodge meetings. He is always at the
lodge before it starts the meeting. He cheerfully fills up
the position of an absent officer. He coordinated the medical
and dental civic action conducted last July in the depressed
area of Barrio Obrero, Tondo, Manila. This charity project
benefited 1,295 indigent patients. |
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MENCIUS
LAUNCHES A MOVIE PREMIERE In the souvenir program
of his movie premier, WM Alejandro Tan aptly stated: "
... Mencius Lodge No. 93 will be celebrating its 75th year
Diamond Jubilee Anniversary on June 28. 1999. To mark this
historic milestone. the Diamond Jubilee Committee started
its plans and begun working as early this year to raise funds
to be able to perform an enduring project worthy to commemorate
the 75th year existence of our lodge."
On 20 June 1998, a movie premiere on the "GODZILLA"
was held at SM Mega Mall Cinema 9. The fund-raising project
was a resounding success as it was able to raise a gross income
of about P808,360.00. He donated P50,000.00 of the proceeds
to the Filipinas Shrine Foundation. After deducting the costs
and expenses incurred in connection with the movie premiere,
the lodge was able to raise a net income of P570,000.00. This
fund will be earmarked for the celebration of its 75th foundation
day next year.
WM Andy Tan led the lodge in the celebration of the 74th
Charter Day on 27 June 1998 at the Masonic Heroes Hall of
the Scottish Rite Temple. On the same evening, he honored
the Past Masters by giving them a book written by VW Mabini
G. Hernandez entitled: "Reflections on Masonic Values."
The lodge held family excursion on 22 March 1998 at Sunrise
Resort, Antipolo, Rizal. The lodge also held a family-get-together
affair by celebrating the Moon Cake Festival on the noontime
of 18 Oct 1998 at Hwa Yuen Restaurant, Escolta, Sta. Cruz,
Manila.
On 25 Oct 1998, the lodge and Masonic District 1, Manila
Bodies, and 4th NCR Battalion, 131ST Infantry Division, Philippine
Army jointly conducted Medical and Dental Civic Action at
the Oro B corner Estrada St., San Andres, Manila. The project
benefited 1,119 indigent residents of this depressed area.
Besides, it has earned the admiration of the public, government
officials, and military officers toward the Fraternity. |
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MENCIUS
CELEBRATES ITS 75th ANNIVERSARY
This year 1999 is the 75th Diamond Year of Mencius Lodge.
To commemorate this year Diamond Jubilee, the lodge under
the dynamic leadership of Diamond Worshipful Master Henry
Yap has undertaken and participated in the following important
and long lasting projects:
- Centennial Clock at Rizal Park, Manila
- Commemorative Marble MatXer at Scottish Rite Temple,
Manila
- Donation to Kaisa Heritage Trust Fund
- 75th Diamond Year Souvenir Program
- Diamond Jubilee Party at Westin Philippine Plaza Hotel
- Medical and Dental Civic Action Project
The Centennial Clock
The Centennial Clock at the Rizal Park, Manila has two important
purposes. The first purpose is to tell time accurately to
all passers-by at the park as the satellite control its movement
with precision. The other most important purpose is to remind
us that 100 years ago, our forefathers had successfully launched
a revolution against the Spaniards to gain our independence
from foreign domination.
The Cost of the Project
Mencius Lodge played a key role in the erection of the Centennial
Clock at the Rizal Park, Manila. This was the pet project
of District 5 DDGM VW Sonny Wang last year. The construction
of the structure for the Centennial Clock will cost about
one million pesos.
The 3 Bulova round clocks costing about US $54,000.00 was
donated by the Swiss Bulova Clock Company. This was solicited
through the effort of Dapitan Lodge WM Wilfred Yu. All engineering
design and plans, blue print and surveying works costing about
P50,000.00 were provided by Bro. Hombono C. Pique free of
charge to the Grand Lodge. Pique is a member of Makabugwas
Lodge No. 47 and Palanyag Lodge, U.D.
However, the project can not be started for lack of fund.
VW Sonny Wang appealed to the different lodges in the National
Capital Region for the badly needed financial resources for
this project. No lodge came out with a substantial sum of
money to start the project. Mencius Lodge decided to donate
P400,000.00 to the project so that it can at least take off
from the planning board to the actual construction.
Mencius' Donation to the Project
On 29 March 1999 at about 9:30 a.m, WM Henry Yap led a group
of Mencius members to the Grand Lodge and presented a check
in the amount of P400,000.00 to Grand Master MW Enrique Locsin.
The other members of the lodge who witnessed the presentation
of the check were VW Ed Ramos (DDGM of Masonic District 1),
VW Mariano Sih (Lodge Secretary), WB William Co Dy (Treasurer),
WB Michael Lim Chee We, and VW Benito C. Ang. Sis. Susan Locsin
and VW Sonny Wang (DDGM of Masonic District 5) also witnessed
the donation to the project.
The Unveiling of the Clock
On 15 May 1999 at about 3:30 p.m., Pres. Joseph Ejercito
Estrada was represented by Executive Secretary Ronnie Zamora
in the unveiling of the Centennial Clock at the Rizal Park.
The clock marker stands at the center of the sidewalk in front
of the two cement carabaos at the Roxas Blvd. The unveiling
ceremony was started with the singing of the Philippine National
Anthem and Grand Lodge Hymn. VW Jaime Gonzales delivered the
invocation. VW Samuel Fernandez, the Master of Ceremonies,
presented the guests. VW Sonny Wang welcomed the brethren
and the guests. Dir. Antonio S. Mercado (Executive Director
of National Parks Development Committee) and MW Enrique Locsin
(pGM) delivered their respective messages. Executive Secretary
Ronnie Zamora read the messages of Pres. Estrada.
Mencius Attends the Unveiling Ceremony
VW Ed Ramos, VW Mariano Sill, VW Benito C. Ang,VW Lucas T.
Ty, WM Henry Yap, WB
Alejandro Tan, WB William Co Dy, WB Angeles Limguat, WB Mariano
Cleto, WB Michael Lim Chee We, WB Johnson Yu, Nelson Cheng,
Paul C. Ibasco, Andres Co Sy, William Que, Benson So, Florencio
Sia, Ely Rodriguez, and Henry Ramos witnessed this important
historical event. |
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The
Commemorative Marble Marker The Commemorative Marble
Marker at the Scottish Rite Temple reminds us the significant
role of our brethren in the successful revolution against
the Spanish rule in 1896. A century ago, Masonry played a
key role in the fight for the independence of our country
from foreign domination.
The Inscription on the Marker
Gen. Emilio Aguinaldo's famous statement on the manner of
the revolution against the Spanish rule was inscribed on the
Marker. He declared: "The successful revolution of 1896
was masonically inspired, masonically led and masonically
executed and I venture to say that the first Philippine Republic
of which I was its humble President was an achievement we
owe largely to Masonry and the masons."
The Cost of the Project
On 29 March 1999, WM Henry Yap presented a check in the amount
of P39,500.00 to ll1. Alberto C. Reyes for the construction
and installation of the Commemorative Marble Marker near the
entrance of the Scottish Rite Temple. VW Ed Ramos (District
Deputy Grand Master of Masonic District 1), VW Mariano Sih
(Secretary), VW Benito C. Ang, WB William Co Dy (Treasurer),
and WB Michael Lim Chee We witnessed the presentation ceremony.
The Completed Project
On 15 May 1999 at about 9:00 AM, the brethren unveiled the
centennial marker at the Scottish Rite Temple. WM Henry Yap,
VW Ed Ramos (PDDGM), VW Mariano Sih (Secretary), VW Benito
C. Ang, WB William Co Dy (Treasurer), WB Michael Lim Chee
We, WB Alejandro Tan, WB Angeles Limguat, WB Mariano Cleto,
WB Johnson Yu, Nelson Cheng, Paul C. Ibasco, Benson So, Florencio
Sia, and Ely Rodriguez were present during the ceremony.
Donation to Kaisa Heritage Trust Fund
Kaisa ... a bridge between Tsinoys and fellow Filipinos.
It is a cause-oriented non-government organization aimed at
promoting the integration of the Tsinoys into mainstream Philippine
society. It helps bring Tsinoys into meaningful participation
in national concerns. It aims to enhance the Filipinos' understanding
and awareness of the true role of the ethnic Chinese in Philippine
life (Tsinoy, 1997: 11).
The Decision to Donate
Mencius believes in this worthwhile endeavor of Kaisa: "
... to document the rich heritage and significant legacy of
the Tsinoys in the history of the Filipino nation ... "
(Teresita Ang See' Message, 1 Oct 1997) Hence, the lodge decided
to donate to the Kaisa Trust Fund.
Tour of the Kaisa Museum
On 15 May 1999 at about 10:30 a.m., WM Henry Yap led a group
of brethren from Mencius Lodge and toured the Kaisa Museum
at the comer of Anda and Cabildo Sts., Intramuros, Manila.
Ms. Teresita Ang See explained to the group the exhibits inside
the museum. It holds precious artifacts brought to the Philippines
by the early Chinese - from farm implements, weaving loom,
cooking ware, goldsmith tools, and other items that had impact
on Philippine life; to precious pottery and porcelain and
other treasures. Valuable photographs depicting all aspects
of Chinese life amongst the Filipinos adorn the walls of the
museum.
The exhibits reconstruct the life of the Tsinoys in the millenia
in the Philippines starting from the early trading activities
in the Parian days to their common struggle to defend Philippine
freedom and nationhood and ending with the role and impact
on contemporary Philippine society (Tsinoy, 1997: 45).
Mencius Presents its Donation
After the tour, the group proceeded to the office of Kaisa.
WM Henry Yap presented the check
worth Pl00,000.00 to Ms. Nancy Herrin, the President of Kaisa
Para Sa Kaunlaran, Inc. VW Ed Ramos (PDDGM), VW Mariano Sih
(Secretary), VW Benito C. Ang, VW Lucas T. Ty, WB William
Co Dy (Treasurer), WB Michael Lim Chee We, Alejandro Tan,
WB Angeles Limguat, WB Mariano Cleto, WB Johnson Yu, Nelson
Cheng, Andres Co Sy, William Que, Paul C. lbasco, Benson So,
Florencio Sia, and Ely Rodriguez witnessed the donation to
the trust fund
75th Diamond Year Souvenir Program
Mencius published a souvenir program during its 70th Anniversary.
It will again publish a souvenir program for this 75th Diamond
Jubilee Anniversary. This was the decision of the Diamond
Jubilee Committee. The Chairman of the Committee is WB Danilo
Ong. The members are VW Benito C. Ang, VW Mariano Sih, WB
William Co Dy, WB Johnson Yu, WB Peter Phoa Yong Chip, WB
Wilson Keh, WB Michael Lim Chee We, and WB Alejandro Tan.
VW Ed Ramos was designated as Chairman of the Committee on
Publications, while WB Michael Lim Chee We was in charge of
the Committee on Ads Solicitation. VW Mariano Sih is the official
Photographer.
The Souvenir Program is divided into four parts. First part
contains the Messages from the VIPs of the Fraternity and
friends of the lodge. Second part lists the names of the Officers,
Past Masters, Charter Members, Honorary Members and Regular
Members of the Lodge. Third part includes some important articles
on the Lodge: "History of Mencius Lodge", "The
Oldest Yet Most Active Past Master", "The Youngest
Yet Proficient Master Mason", "The Burning Flame
of Charity", and "The Outstanding Lodge Secretary".
Fourth part depicts some pictorials on the activities of Mencius
Lodge. Last part lists the names of friends of the Lodge who
supported our worthwhile activities and projects.
Diamond Jubilee Party
On the evening of 28 June 1999, the 75th Founding Anniversary
of Mencius Lodge, the members with their wife will hold a
Diamond Jubilee Party at the Grand Ballroom of the Westin
Philippine Plaza Hotel, Cultural Center Complex, Roxas Blvd.,
Pasay City. Some important guests will be invited to grace
this great and happy celebration of the lodge.
Medical/Dental Civic Action Project
To cap this 75th Year Anniversary celebration, Mencius Lodge
will undertake a Medical/Dental Civic Action Project for the
benefit of the indigent patients in the depressed area of
Manila. This is part of the charity program of the lodge.
The program also includes Scholarship Program for the financially
poor but deserving students. |
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