In line with its thrust to provide opportunities for financially handicapped yet deserving students to continue their education, Colegio de San Juan de Letran awarded a full scholarship to Rufaida Babudin from the Molbog tribe of Palawan.

Letran executive vice president Rev. Fr. Napoleon Encarnacion, O.P. and public affairs and media development director Jhennie Caldito-Villar welcomed Babudin to the Colegio on July 11 in an informal awarding ceremony at the Rector's Hall taped by media partner GMA-7's television show, Wish Ko Lang. As part of the show's surprise, Babudin was not told about the scholarship until after Fr. Encarnacion handed her the scholarship certificate.

"In behalf of Colegio de San Juan de Letran, I am glad to present you this full college scholarship valid for any four-year course, congratulations," said Fr. Encarnacion.

Babudin was visibly surprised and delighted with the awarding of the scholarship. "Masayang-masaya po ako ngayon. Maraming salamat po sa scholarship, bibigyan ko po ito ng panahon," she said.

She then expressed her interest in the Colegio's Tourism Management and Human Resources Management programs but will have to finish her senior year at Balabac National High School in Palawan before she can avail of the scholarship.

Wish Ko Lang contacted Babudin after its segment producer Lowell Alojado read about her in the Internet. At that time, Babudin modeled for Filipino fashion designer Ariel Agasang. She had also participated in major beauty contests, being a semi-finalist at the Miss World Philippines 2012 competition and winning the Miss Lions Mutya title at the Miss Lions Clubs International 2012 pageant.