The FFRGOC Seminarian Scholarship Program is an education program created to support young men with the heart to serve as seminarians in Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao. Managed by the Federation of Filipino Rosary Groups, Inc. Orange County (FFRGOC), a U.S.-based non-profit Catholic organization, the program was designed to support seminarians who are deeply committed to their vocation but may not have the means to sustain their education.
If you’re a seminarian in the Philippines hoping to continue your formation but struggling financially, the FFRGOC Seminarian Scholarship Program could be the help you’ve been praying for. In this guide, you’ll learn everything you need to know about how to apply for this scholarship program, what the organization stands for, who qualifies, and what to expect after being chosen.
Program Overview
Beyond spiritual enrichment, FFRGOC has become known for its charitable works, particularly its ongoing Seminarian Scholarship Program, which remains the heart of its mission. This scholarship was designed to provide grants to qualified seminarians who demonstrate not only academic capability but also spiritual dedication and pastoral potential. Through this initiative, the organization has continued to nurture vocations and strengthen the Catholic Church by helping young men become priests and fulfill their calling to serve parishes across the country and abroad.
Objective
The main goal of the FFRGOC Seminarian Scholarship Program is simple yet profound — to financially support seminarians in need who are preparing for priesthood. FFRGOC also provides financial assistance and donations to seminarians and seminary schools in Northern, Central, and Southern Philippines, as well as contributed to the Diocese of Orange Seminarian Fund in California. It is funded by FFRGOC members and donors through faith-based events, including the annual Rosary Rally, Pista sa Nayon, Simbang Gabi, Share-A-Meal, and Christmas at Orangewood Home for Children programs. All donations to the FFRGOC are tax-deductible, and receipts can be issued upon request.
Benefits
Here’s a list of the benefits offered by the FFRGOC via this program:
- Financial assistance for seminarians to help cover tuition, seminary fees, and other formation-related expenses so scholars can focus on their vocation without financial stress.
- Support for spiritual and pastoral formation by encouraging seminarians to grow in their calling through prayer, community service, and active participation in seminary life.
- Access to nationwide scholarship opportunities for qualified seminarians from Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao, regardless of their seminary’s location.
- Pastoral and community guidance via mentorship and recommendations from parish priests, fostering accountability and spiritual direction.
- Ongoing development and progress tracking to keep scholars engaged and motivated in their journey toward ordination.
- Connection with a wider faith community as part of the FFRGOC network around the world.
- Opportunities after ordination with the help of scholars who have successfully been ordained and now serve as priests in the Philippines and abroad.
- Encouragement through prayer and fellowship from FFRGOC members and benefactors.
Who Can Apply
The scholarship is open to seminarians in the Philippines who are in financial need and currently enrolled in an accredited seminary. Applicants are selected based on their qualifications and the recommendation of their local parish priests or pastors. All candidates go through a screening process by the FFRGOC Seminarian Scholarship Committee, and the final approval comes from the FFRGOC Board of Directors.
Admission Criteria
To qualify, applicants must meet the following:
- Must have completed his college course (with a Bachelor’s Degree) and in the final stage (Theologate) of his priestly formation studying or about to study theology.
- Must be a Diocesan seminarian of a Diocese in need.
- The candidate must submit letters of recommendation from:
- The Rector of the major seminary, the Bishop of the Diocese, and Seminarian’s Parish Priest;
- The Rector of Philosophy Seminary and
- The Dean of Studies.
Requirements
Here’s a complete list of requirements you need to prepare to apply for the FFRGOC Seminarian Scholarship Program:
- Personal Profile (or Resume);
- Family Background and Financial Status;
- One Page Essay entitled “Why I deserve the support of FFRGOC”
- One Page Essay entitled “Why I want to be a priest”
- Statement of Financial Expenses from the school bursar, detailing projected expenses such as tuition, books and board and lodging expenses (for the school term following acceptance). This information is used by FFRGOC for budgeting.
Requirement from current scholar(s):
- Submit periodic report card (grades of just completed semester).
- Submit financial needs (i.e. tuition, books, board and lodging, etc.) prior to the incoming semester.
- Submit financial statements from school administration to support financial needs above.
How to Apply
If you feel called to apply, here’s how you do it:
Step 1. Prepare your documents.
Gather all necessary papers such as your seminary enrollment certificate, recommendation letter from your parish priest, and a personal statement explaining your financial situation and calling to the priesthood.
Step 2. Submit your application.
Send your completed application and documents to FFRGOC through their official contact channels.
Step 3. Wait for review and evaluation.
Your application will be reviewed by the Seminarian Scholarship Committee, and recommendations will be forwarded to the Board of Directors for approval.
Step 4. Provide periodic updates.
Once approved, scholars must send regular updates on their progress — including academic performance and formation activities — to remain in good standing within the program.
Note: The committee reviews all submissions carefully, ensuring that every chosen scholar is truly dedicated to the priestly vocation and committed to fulfilling their responsibilities both academically and spiritually.
Notable Beneficiaries and Their Journeys
Through the years, many FFRGOC scholars have gone on to complete their formation and become ordained priests serving communities in the Philippines.
A few inspiring examples include:
- Rev. Emmanuel Baybay: Former scholar (2004–2006) from St. John the Evangelist School of Theology, Palo, Leyte. Ordained in 2006 at the Cathedral of Ormoc City.
- Rev. Roberto Brillantes: Former scholar (2004–2006) from St. Mary’s Theologate, Ozamis City. Ordained in 2006 in Zamboanga Sibugay.
- Rev. Mark Marowen Adona: Joined the program in 2007, ordained in 2010 at the Cathedral of Palo, Leyte, and served as parochial vicar in St. Isidore Parish, Merida, Leyte.
Other seminarians from various theological schools — including San Carlos Seminary (Makati), Holy Rosary Major Seminary (Naga), and St. Joseph Regional Seminary (Iloilo) — have also been part of the program.
While some financial assistance was discontinued for scholars who did not submit required progress updates, the organization continues to guide and support new applicants committed to their formation journey.
How You Can Support the Program
FFRGOC’s mission thrives through the generosity of donors and benefactors. If you want to contribute or help more seminarians reach ordination, you can send donations or intentions through their contact email or Facebook page.
Donations can be one-time or long-term, and every contribution — no matter the size — helps form the future shepherds of the Church.
To learn more about the program or to join the community, visit the official FFRGOC Facebook Group or reach out through their official contacts via the following:
FFRGOC Contact Person:
- Elizer M. Ruiz, S.K.
- Director, FFRGOC Seminarian Scholarship Program
- Email: knchoc@yahoo.com
- Telephone No. (714) 423-8680
- Address: 643 Jimenez Lane, Placentia, CA 92870
You can also email the website administrator who will forward your email for his review and eventually approved by FFRGOC Board of Directors.