ISLA Lipana & Co. or PwC Philippines brings a first-of-its-kind experience to students of the Polytechnic University of the Philippines with its new Learning and Experience Hub, providing the necessary practical training that will allow students to experience collaborative instruction with the working community.

PwC Philippines Chairman and Senior Partner Roderick "Rick" Danao says: "We want to establish stronger connections with the students, understand their aspirations and provide them with practical experiences beyond the classroom. This program underscores our commitment to developing world-class professionals by equipping them with real-world skills that prepare them for the future."

The hub will be an avenue of learning that bridges the gap between the academe and the working sector through internship opportunities to college students from various courses such as accountancy, computer science, business and engineering.

Professionals from PwC will personally train the students and help them apply their college learning to real world scenarios. Not only will this increase their employability after graduation, but they will also gain relevant practical and analytical skills, have a better understanding of their chosen fields and build networks with other professionals.

According to Danao, the students will be trained using the same PwC Learning and Development program given to full-time professionals.

Danao addresses the students, saying: "We will expose you to real world corporate environment, enabling you to complement your classroom training and learning with practical business application. With practical experience, hopefully you will substantially increase your technical skills and enhance your ability to succeed in the future."

Upholding inclusivity, PwC will also employ senior citizens and persons with disabilities for the building's maintenance team, giving them an opportunity to contribute meaningfully to their community while earning income for themselves.

"At PwC Philippines, we believe in the power of diversity. Every contribution, regardless of age or ability, strengthens our purpose. We are proud to create opportunities for all, reflecting our commitment to a better tomorrow. Together, we set a new standard for inclusivity and collaboration, proving that everyone has a vital role to play," Danao says.

The facilities include audiovisual equipment, a courtyard and a zen garden. The hub can also accommodate 200 individuals. As of now, only students from the Polytechnic University of the Philippines (PUP) are accommodated, but the firm aims to expand these resources to other colleges and universities. By the end of the year, PwC intends to onboard 150 to 200 student trainees.

"Let me express my heartfelt gratitude to PwC Chairman [Danao] for your selfless endeavor to make this novel project possible," says PUP Dean of the College of Accountancy and Finance Julieta Fonte,

PUP Executive Vice President and Vice President for Planning and Finance praises PcW for the project, emphasizing the core values that the university and the firm share.

Ultimately, the hub is a testament of PwC's commitment to excellence, innovation, inclusivity and community development. It is an important milestone that contributes and gives back to the community with unique opportunities for the students.

"This hub will serve as a beacon of innovation and progress, and it promises to redefine the traditional internship program," PUP President Manuel Muhi says.

"I am very confident that the Learning and Experience Hub will serve as a model for future collaborations, setting a new standard for how we approach education and professional development. Through initiative like this, we can create world class professionals that are ready to take on the challenges of tomorrow," Muhi adds.

"I'm sure that it will bring a lot of opportunities to my fellow iskolar ng bayan (national scholar). As one of the leads, I couldn't be happier, and I'm sure a lot of beautiful things will come by, and this is the beginning." PwC Business Services Partner and PUP alumnus Jimmy Disquetado says.