CORPORATIONS enhance educational opportunities with innovative programs, recognizing education as key to empowerment and development.

Foundations and companies such as Aboitiz Foundation Inc., Petron Corp., SM Foundation Inc. and Ayala Foundation Inc. have stepped up their efforts not only as part of their corporate social responsibility (CSR) but also as investments in the nation's future workforce.

Aboitiz Foundation's educational initiatives

Since its inception in 1988, the Aboitiz Foundation Inc. has been a trailblazer in providing access to quality education. Working with various schools, training institutions and the Department of Education, the foundation executes strategic education programs, designed to produce skilled graduates that are ready to contribute to the workforce.

The foundation's commitment to the United Nation's Sustainable Development Goals for quality education is reflected in its comprehensive approach. It offers quality technical, vocational and tertiary education and provides financial assistance and scholarships. It works with partners to build and improve learning facilities, train teachers and conduct in school feeding programs.

One of the Aboitiz Foundation's initiatives, the Aboitiz Future Leaders Scholarship Program, epitomizes its commitment to nurture the next generation of leaders. Established in 2003, this program aims to equip promising individuals with skills and values that are needed to make a positive impact in their communities.

John Josel Bautista, an Aboitiz Future Leader and Political Science student at De La Salle University, says: "Pursuing a degree in the Liberal Arts, the Aboitiz Future Leader scholarship serves as a life-changing blessing in my life. Being an Aboitiz Future Leader means attaining holistic excellence and sharing it with others."

In Bukidnon, Hedcor Inc. (Hedcor) and the Aboitiz Foundation Inc. are making a significant impact by providing P167,900 in financial support to 23 high school students. This aid covers essential school supplies, books, transportation and allowances, aiming to motivate students to achieve their goals and prepare for future scholarships. This initiative underscores its dedication to fostering the potential of future leaders.

Advancing digital education

Aboitiz Foundation Inc., Huawei Technologies, UnionDigital and GoDigital Pilipinas have signed a memorandum of agreement to enhance digital education across the Philippines on April 23, 2024. The collaboration will see Huawei donate laptops to public schools while GoDigital Pilipinas will work with local governments to ensure the technology reaches those in need.

Ginggay Hontiveros-Malvar, chief reputation and sustainability officer of Aboitiz Group, says: "We are grateful to Huawei for their generous support and to our partners at UnionDigital and GoDigital Pilipinas. Together, we are setting a foundation for a future where every student and teacher has the tools necessary for success in a digital world."

Paulina Alberto, Huawei public affairs manager, says: "We are both grateful and proud to have the opportunity to partner with the Aboitiz Foundation and UnionDigital to support the GoDigital Pilipinas movement. This contribution will supply high-quality gadgets to regions prepared for digitalization. At Huawei, we are hopeful that these tools will be fully utilized to enhance the digital experiences of Filipinos."

Petron's scholarship programs recognized in Hanoi

Petron Corp. has also made notable contributions, recently earning recognition at the 16th Annual Global CSR and ESG (environmental, social and governance) Summit and Awards in Hanoi.

Its programs, including Tulong Aral ng Petron (TAP) and the Bataan Engineering Scholarship Program, have supported nearly 18,500 scholars nationwide. TAP offers educational assistance to students from the company's fenceline communities while the Engineering Scholarship Program aims to employ talented engineering graduates at the Petron Refinery.

The award has been received by Petron Assistant Vice President for Corporate Affairs and Petron Foundation Executive Director Mia Delos Reyes.

The summit has also been attended by representatives from San Miguel Corp. (SMC), who have received the award for SMC's women empowerment program, Abante Babae. The award highlights Petron and SMC's commitment to a sustainable future by uplifting communities and fuelling journeys.

SM Foundation's educational impact

The SM Foundation Inc. continues to impact education through its "Pages for Progress" book donation program.

Recently, it has distributed over 3,000 books to Duquit High School and Camachiles Elementary School in Pampanga. This initiative, in collaboration with Phoenix Publishing House, aims to enhance educational resources and support students as they prepare for the new academic year.

"Even in the digital age, printed materials [such as] books still have the power to captivate readers. The donated mathematics books will be a valuable addition to our school's resources," says Duquit High School teacher Prince Mangahas.

The SM Foundation Inc. and Phoenix Publishing House have collaborated to distribute over 3,300 books ahead of the new school year, with SM City Clark leading the distribution in Pampanga. The partnership aims to uplift the nation through education with plans to distribute approximately 270,000 volumes to public schools nationwide and help youth from vulnerable communities.

Alegria Sibal-Limjoco, chairman of the board of directors at Phoenix Publishing House, says, "Through initiatives [such as] this, we reaffirm our belief that education is the key to unlocking opportunities and building a brighter future for all."

Ayala Foundation's support for women

The Ayala Foundation Inc. has also demonstrated its commitment to education through its support for U-go, an international nonprofit focused on empowering young women. The fundraising dinner, held at the Ayala Museum in May, has raised over P19 million to support 300 promising young women in completing their college degrees.

Ayala Foundation President Tony Lambino emphasizes the importance of these initiatives, stating: "Through the U-Go Scholar Grant, we are providing financial assistance to promising young women so they can focus on their studies despite financial pressures. We are grateful for the opportunity to help our U-Go scholars achieve this transformative goal."

This initiative highlights the need for more educational opportunities for women from low-income backgrounds. It underscores the Ayala Foundation's commitment to empowering young women as future leaders in their chosen fields.

U-Go Founder and Chief Executive Officer John Wood says: "When we launched U-Go, many 'experts' told us that we would not be able to raise large sums of money in Manila; that it was somehow different from Hong Kong, Singapore and Sydney. We ignored that conventional wisdom and are so grateful to the local business community for really stepping up and proving that sometimes in life, we have to take calculated risks. As a result of one magical evening, we will be able to add 300 more ambitious and promising young Filipino women to our program between now and the start of the school year in September."

Wood has expressed his gratitude to private and corporate donors, who have supported the scholars. U-Go grants support to women from low-income households across eight countries, including the Philippines. The program has helped 408 scholars in the Philippines, aiming to reach 1,000. Its first graduate, Dona Mae Oco, has earned a Values Education degree with honors from Philippine Normal University.

Corporations in the Philippines are significantly impacting education through innovative programs and strategic partnerships, advancing a more inclusive and dynamic system that prepares students for the future.