FutureSmart scholars: Shaping leaders with purpose and poise
As explosive reports on the misuse of government funds meant for infrastructure and other public welfare projects prompt the nation to scrutinize public servants—questioning whether and how they lead—80 young leaders gathered to examine how they might lead more conscientiously.
The elite cohort of 80 young Filipinos, known as the FutureSmart scholars, gathered in Makati City last July to develop their potential for principled leadership with the guidance of professional trainers, beauty queen–ambassadors, and civil society leaders.
They convened for their second general assembly, where their ranks had grown by 20 members since last year.
Tools to inspire
The FutureSmart Scholarship Program is an initiative of BingoPlus Foundation, the social development arm of DigiPlus Interactive. Its scholars routinely engage in PLUS (Pioneering Leadership and Uplifting Service) Factor sessions that aim to equip them with the tools to inspire.
The sessions last July focused on staying true to one’s purpose and communicating effectively.
“We believe transformation begins when a young person discovers their purpose,” said Jasper Vicencio, president of AB Leisure Exponent, and vice president and trustee of BingoPlus Foundation. “When scholars know their purpose and can speak it with confidence, they become unstoppable forces for good.”
In the “Purpose and Vision Workshop,” global consulting and training firm Management Strategies guided the scholars in discovering their purpose and vision in life. Through practical tools and reflective sessions, they also helped them align their “why” with their future careers and advocacies.
The workshop became more memorable when beauty queens Chelsea Fernandez and Katrina Llegado, Miss Philippines Cosmo 2025 and Miss Philippines Supranational 2026, respectively, joined a panel discussion, and shared how their advocacies impacted communities and guided their journeys to the crown.
The panel was completed by Joie Ann Balaong, Partnership Director of iVolunteer Philippines.
Cultivating confidence
During the “Public Speaking Workshop,” trainer, host and actress Issa Litton assisted the scholars in cultivating confidence when speaking to an audience.
The workshop paid special attention to the scholars’ presence and delivery. They learned how to project their voice, maintain a confident posture, and present themselves with clarity and poise, among others.
The FutureSmart scholars even held mock presentations to gauge their learnings and receive direct feedback from expert mentors.
“We’re not just offering scholarships. We’re building leaders who can create impact, inspire others, and give back to their communities,” said Vicencio. “We want to help shape leaders who will influence the future with clarity, compassion and courage.”
