The Akashic Field Chronicle

Originally posted on: http://urriza.net/blog/2009/08/a-call-for-help/

The Short Version

I have been accepted to the University of California – Los Angeles (UCLA) Electrical Engineering Ph.D. Program and am about to start this Fall 2009 term with full financial support (~$50,000) for the 1st year. I have a ticket to LA scheduled to depart on August 30, 2009 and have also made a downpayment on a UCLA owned graduate student housing (1 year contract).

However, my service obligation to DOST prohibits me from leaving the country for the next 7 years without posting a bond amounting to Php 364,000. I do not have this money and have tried everything in my power to get around it, to no avail. The only conclusion left — I would have to raise the money in less than a month. If I fail… I would miss what I believe to be one of the greatest opportunities that ever came along for a a guy like me. I will not fail.

The Slightly Longer Version

I have benefited from DOST’s financial support for virtually my entire academic life (Philippine Science High School, DOST Merit Scholar – BS CoE, DOST AHRDP – MS EE). For those in the same boat as I am, or even those with relatives that are DOST scholars, you know that this support comes with a price. For every year of study, you are required to render a year of service to your country. So for example, I need to work in the Philippines for 7 years before DOST finally gives me clearance.

Personally, I do not have any issues about working in my own country. I would never have signed the DOST contract if I had the slightest wish to work abroad. I like it here, weird as that might sound to the majority of the Filipino population. In fact, I barely thought of ever leaving the country except for short vacations and such. But, circumstances change, and now I have been given the chance of a life time. To pursue the academic dream and get my Ph.D. from one of the leading universities the world over. Unfortunately, I would have to travel abroad to do it.

So I went to DOST and asked if I could defer my service obligation for approximately 4-5 years (the length of time to get my Ph.D.). Here’s what they said:

You may be allowed to defer your service obligation provided you shall post an amount equivalent to the total financial assistance you received as a DOST-SEI scholar + 12% interest (Php 364,000). In posting the required bond, you have the following options:

Option 1: Post a cash bond with SEI (cash basis)

Option 2: Post a surety bond with GSIS (with collateral)

As I’ve said, I do not have that money. OK, I have a little, but my projected expenses for the first month of study renders that amount useless (this includes rent, airfare, food, stuff not covered by financial aid). Our house does not have a “clean” title (i.e. GSIS owns it until my parents housing loan is paid in full – not happening in the foreseeable future). I have also tried (correction: still trying) to work my way around the bond through a deed of undertaking which is similar to a promissory note. Things are looking bleak though, what with the sloooow process, DOST bigwigs out-of-the-country, and overall lack of support at their end.

Bottom line is: I will probably end up paying the bond anyway just to keep my August 30 deadline and not end up wasting the money I have invested so far in this endeavour as well as turning my back on my dreams.

So here it is. The point of this whole post. I need your help in raising Php364,000 in less than a month so that I could pursue my dreams and get my UCLA Ph.D. If this sounds desperate to you, don’t worry, it probably is to anyone (even me). So without further ado, I present:

Fund The Pinoy

a.k.a. send mr. urriza to UCLA fund drive

Fund The Pinoy FAQ:

Q: Are you crazy? High? Mentally disturbed?

A: No. I’m perfectly fine! A little desperate maybe, but fine.

Q: How much do you need to raise?

A: Php 364,000

Q: Do you honestly think this would work?

A: I’ve done the math and based on my optimistically estimated probability of a positive response and the number of people I plan to send this to, it should. Anyway, it’s better than doing nothing.

Q: I don’t have much, can I still help?

A: Although it would be so much easier if people gave larger amounts since this would greatly increase the chances of this harebrained scheme working, I would be perfectly happy and infinitely grateful for even Php 1,000 from you. I don’t think anything lower would be advisable considering the logistics and overhead cost.

Q: What do I get back?

A: Besides the satisfaction of having helped a Pinoy go to UCLA and pursue his dreams… You get your money back in 4-5 years with additional interest based on prevailing time-deposit rates. You even get better time-deposit rates since larger deposits have higher interest rates and I will be able to pool approximately Php 364,000 if everything goes according to plan. I’m also thinking of giving a little memento to you once I graduate.

Q: Can I get my money earlier?

A: If you really need it, and I’m capable, this could be arranged. So long as you give ample time for me to prepare.

Q: OK. I’m in a giving mood today… How do I send you the money?

A: If you are interested in helping me, or if you have a question about how this would all work out, please email: fundthepinoy-at-urriza.net. At the risk of identity theft, I dare not release any details in this blog. Just email and I’ll get back to you as soon as I possibly can.

Q: Do you have some sort of deadline?

A: If I do it really really fast, I could probably arrange everything in a week. So that means, I should have the money by: August 23, 2009.

Q: Hi! I know you personally… Can I just give it to you in person?

A: OK. No problem.

Q: I can’t really spare any money right now… What can I do to help?

A: No amount of Bond money could ever compare to prayer. Please pray for the success of Fund The Pinoy.

Q: I’m abroad. Can I still send money?

A: I’m sure that could be arranged. Again please email: fundthepinoy-at-urriza.net

Q: What if you still don’t raise enough?

A: Then the Lord has other plans. I will give the money back to you as soon as I’m able.

Q: I have other questions which are not listed here. Where can I contact you?

A: To be safe, I can only give out my email address: fundthepinoy-at-urriza.net

Q: I think you’re crazy and your stupid idea won’t work!

A: Technically, that’s not even a question. Well… I guess we’ll just have to see what happens. I will post a counter on the sidebar of my blog: http://urriza.net/blog (as soon as I figure out how). I believe in the power of the internet, of friends, of Pinoys, and of asking for help when you need it. I honestly hope you can help me.

Q: Is this one of those Internet scams?

A: No. If you need further convincing, email me at: fundthepinoy-at-urriza.net

Thanks to bananie for the name idea. Thanks to all my friends who have supported me so far. Thanks to my family. Thanks to the LORD.

P.S. Please show this post to anyone you think can help in my situation. Reposts, forwards, facebook notes, are most welcome.

fundthepinoy-at-urriza.net

EDIT: Upon the recommendation of one of the commenters, here is a copy of my acceptance letter from UCLA. (edit: file removed for security reasons) As proof of the authenticity of this post.