Corporate Philanthropy: CSR champions of today -- MS 32nd Anniversary

32nd Anniversary

Corporate Philanthropy CSR CHAMPIONS OF TODAY

32nd Anniversary

Corporate Philanthropy CSR CHAMPIONS OF TODAY

EDUCATION/YOUTH

Change the world with education

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ENJAMIN Franklin once said, “An investment in knowledge pays the best interest.”

Take it from one of the Founding Fathers of the United States of America, who valued his learning more than anything. A testament to this was his accomplishments as a profound polymath, inventor, scientist, printer, politician, Freemason, and diplomat.

Indeed, education is the great equalizer, but sometimes opportunities don’t come knocking for the less privileged but most deserving in students.

That’s why companies, believing in the power of education, have leveled the playing field for those armed only with potential and perseverance to pursue their dreams through education.

Through the years, CSR in the Philippines has created a long-term, sustainable change to help provide and enrich the quality of education in the country.

From the public to the private sector, companies and agencies have been actively involved in the growth and development of education in the Philippines.

This is by ensuring to provide programs and support for scholars leading to the

TEACH THEM WELL. An investment in

education ripples into mmore opportunities for everyone

betterment of society, in turn, bringing a larger impact and imperative change in the society.

But CSR intervention does not stop in providing scholarships for higher studies, it also focuses on providing vocational skills and livelihood enhancement. These interventions help the students to be equipped with necessary skills for a growing economy and a need for a skilled workforce, here and abroad.

The main purpose of CSR is to create an avenue which will come full circle, and an investment in education ripples into more opportunities for everyone.

Because as the late great Nelson Mandela put it, “education is the most powerful weapon we can use to change the world.” Peter Paul Duran

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Escape Poverty through SM Scholarships

By Carmela Martinez

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DUCATION has always been a means to alleviate poverty. This is especially true when it comes to countries with citizens who are economically challenged like the Philippines. That is why government and non-government organizations are working together to promote it.

In recent years, the Philippine government made improvements to the educational system of the country. They added two more years to the otherwise 10 years of required schooling. The K-12 program was designed to enable future generations to compete with other countries with more or less the same format in their education. The division is similar to the old curriculum; from the kinder to Grades 1-6, then junior high school that’s four years. The only difference is the two years for senior high school. Their subjects were also revised and updated to suit the current generation. In senior high, students can choose what kind of track they’ll take according to their interest or skills.

More than 500 hopeful youth gathered together for the first SM Foundation Technical-Vocational Scholarship General Assembly on Sunday at the Mall of Asia Complex. This year, SM Foundation gave 1,000 technical-vocational scholarship grants nationwide which is a big jump from its previous average of 100 a year.

There are four main tracks for senior high students. The first one is the academic track, next is the technical-vocationallivelihood (TVL) track, the sports track, then the arts and design track. After senior high school, the students can choose to continue their studies to college or to be part of the current workforce especially those under the TVL track. They are

capable of taking TESDA tests that would enable them to apply for work right after senior high school.

The whole K-12 program may seem like a paradise escape from the hard life, but with this addition to the country, it left a dent in their pockets. New school buildings need to be built, new teachers had to be hired, new school books needed to be supplied, to go with new school supplies and many more. The truth is not every Filipino can afford to send their child to

Mom, what is a better future?

A better betterfuture futureis... is... ...one where where the the young young can can bask bask in in the the fruits fruits ...one of our our investments investments today. today. of With With our our significant significant infrastructure infrastructure assets assets in in power, power, water, water, healthcare, healthcare, toll toll roads, roads, railways, railways, and and logistics, logistics, we we at at Metro Metro Pacific Pacific Investments Investments Corporation Corporation strive strive to to create create that that ideal ideal future future for for the the youth youth –– aa future future that that will will bring bring hope hope for for generations generations to to come. come.

school.

That is where non-government organizations (NGOs) come in with scholarships that allow these economically challenged students to thrive despite adversity.

Scholarships from companies as a form of corporate social responsibility (CSR) is a way for them to give back what they earned to the world. It is financial aid for the students who need it--much like how the SM Group helps students through their college.

SM Scholarships first started in 1993 by the couple, Henry Sy, Sr. and Felicidad T. Sy, when they accepted scholars. At first, the number of the scholars were few, but as years went by, the scholars boomed to more than 3,000. The late Henry Sy, Sr. believed that if one person or student from a poor family got to graduate college, they would soon lift their family from poverty like a chain reaction.

There are two kinds of scholarships in Turn to D2

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Corporate Philanthropy

32nd Anniversary

CSR CHAMPIONS OF TODAY

The Aldub Library Project

Fame and fortune for a good cause

By Kyle Gabrielle Ureta

N

owadays it’s easier to be famous, what with the various social media sites rampant on the internet. The term ‘Five Minutes of Fame’ became common slang for someone who’s gone viral over the media. As the term implies, the fame doesn’t last very long before the public’s attention moved on.

Some people end up famous longer than others, as they even extended their fame towards getting something more.

Then, there are those who use their fame to bring attention to important issues, or to further help the community.

In the year 2015, fans all over the country bore witness to the birth of one of the biggest showbiz phenomena in Philippine history.

blocks, obstacles and subplots.

What did the TV couple do with all this fame and attention? They used it to give back.

The concert raised a total of P14 million from ticket sales alone.

One hundred percent of the proceeds were used for the Aldub Library Project. Fans who could not attend the concert, were also given the opportunity to donate to the project

The ‘chance meeting’ of Alden Richards and Maine Mendoza (then called “Yaya Dub”) sparked the “Aldub Nation” and subsequently the world record for most number of tweets in 24 hours for their hashtag #ALDubEBTamangPanahon which reached over 41 million tweets.

The record got them into the Guinness Book of World Records.

The love team’s popularity rose, and with it their influence and reach. The pair inspired an entire soap opera parody (called “Kalyeserye”), three films and a benefit concert, amongst various other interviews, guest appearances and commercials.

The concert, entitled “Ang Tamang Panahon” was meant to be the final episode of the parody, where Alden and Yaya Dub finally met face to face after two years of various road-

The Aldub Library Project funded the creation of fully functioning libraries in 10 schools all over the country. The first library was built in Lumban Central Elementary School, located in Lumban, Laguna.

Other libraries were constructed in schools in Samar, Camarines Sur, Davao City, Palawan, Zambales, Capiz, Pangasinan, Lanao Del Norte and Cebu. Until today these libraries are still in use.

The libraries are fully equipped with two computer systems, a television and speaker set, various tables and chairs, and of course shelves upon shelves of educational books.

It’s been a long while since the Aldub Nation had taken the spotlight, but what they did with the fame and fortune their popularity granted them, will remain in the hearts of those whose lives they touched.

Escape...

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SM: The SM College Scholarship and the SM Technical-Vocational Scholarship.

The SM College Scholarship has certain qualifications, such as the students need to be senior high graduates with a general weighted average of 88% and a household income amounting to P150,000 annually.

The college covers most of the universities or colleges from Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao.

The Scholars-to-be do not need to go through the hassle of applying for it is done online.

The courses they offer are BS in Computer Science, BS in Information Technology, BS in Electronics and Communications Engineering / BS in Electronics Engineering, BS in Computer Engineering, BS in Civil Engineering, BS in Electrical Engineering, BS in Elementary Education, BS in Secondary Education major in Biology, Chemistry, General Sciences, Physics, Mathematics, English; BS in Accountancy, BS in Accounting Technology, BS in Accounting Information Systems, BS in Internal Auditing, BS in Financial Management, BS in Management Accounting, and BS in Civil Engineering.

These college scholars benefit from full tuition fee paid in the college, a monthly allow-

ance, the choice of specialization, part-time jobs during semestral or holiday breaks and exclusive job offers when they graduate.

The SM Technical-Vocational Scholarship has fewer qualifications as they need to be high school graduates and must have passed the requirements in their Technical-Vocational school.

These scholars can choose to specialize in Food and Beverages, Automobile Mechanic, Fitter Machinist, Electro-Mechanical Technician, Refrigeration and Air conditioning, Small Arc Welding and Electronics.

Like the college scholars, they also enjoy full tuition, but they have on the job internship, referral to SM industry partners after they graduate and many more.

SM Foundation doesn’t only just help in terms of scholarships, but also provide buildings for schools, complete with the essentials of a typical school building.

Aside from this, it also helps in times of need like disasters, they plant trees to help the environment and many more.

Education is a means to escape poverty, though the decisions to actually prosper are with the person themselves.

It’s because being educated is like giving wings to people in order for them to soar.

Corporate Philanthropy

32nd Anniversary

CSR CHAMPIONS OF TODAY

Bringing the Focus on Tondo’s Youth I

By Carmela Martinez

N the 2018 Miss Universe, Catriona Gray said that working in the slums of Tondo encouraged her to find the beauty in the faces of children despite the fact that living there is poor and sad. What she was referring to was the voluntary work that she does in Tondo with the organization Young Focus. They help children there with their education from pre-school to college.

Young Focus believes that education is the key to have a better life thus, ending poverty.

Young Focus International started in the Netherlands by a Dutch/English couple Paul and Ann Wijgerden, who expanded the project to the Philippines in 2008. It is based in Tondo near the Smokey Mountains where there are thousands of families in need and who are scavenging for

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food or money.

Young Focus sees a future with the improved mental, physical and social wellbeing of the youth in poor communities via education, health care and personal support.

Young Focus gives these children a chance to be more, with programs like the Child Care Plus, School Sponsorship from elementary to college, Love2Learn

Miss Universe Catriona Gray with her Tondo inspirations.

(a special program for school drop-outs), YoUNgLI (Young Unlimited) and Alternative Learning System.

It also has Combat Malnutrition in Tondo and provides Family Care and Social Support to those who need it.

Child Care Plus or Early Childhood Education is for children aged 3-5. Here, the group provides quality education to help the development of their social or emotional, physical and cognitive wellbeing.

Almost 300 children ages 3 to 4 attend preschool and 125 are 5-year-olds enrolled at the local school. Uniforms, school books and school supplies are provided for 5 years old.

School sponsorship for elementary, high school and college are for 6-yearolds to 20+ young adults. Young Focus also provides school fees, uniforms, books and school materials.

It also tutors these sponsored students at its student’s center that has a library, a computer room and recreational areas.

Aside from tutoring, it has a writing class, arts and music lessons and dance groups catering to children’s interests.

Once the students graduate from college, Young Focus also helps them get a job via a network of companies and contacts that support the organization.

Love2Learn is part of Catch-UP: A

special program for school drop-outs. It helps children who were dropped out of school because of personal, financial or family reasons, teaching the lessons they missed for one year before enrolling them back to their proper year.

It also works out the problems of the family so they can go back to school with

that enables them to enrol to senior high school or any vocational course.

ALS is also a program of the government for ‘study acceleration’.

The Young Focus’ Combat Malnutrition provides healthy food by means of feeding programs. Children from the Catch-UP programs receive health food

ease. Children on this program are aged 8-15 YoUNgLI or Young Unlimited is also part of the Catch-UP programs that cater to school dropouts, but this is for 15+-year-olds who never received education and more often than not are addicted to solvents.

Some live alone and/or supporting children of their own. The program aims to recapture their love for education and receive training in hygiene, education, personal coaching and life skills. They are assisted in finding job training programs or in enrolling to school again.

Alternative Learning System (ALS) is another part of the Catch-UP programs that allow students that have been out of school for too long to be in a one year course to catch-up on the things they missed. After the year is done, they receive a four-year high school certificate

when they are at school.

In addition to that, they also teach children and their parents all about nutrition, health and hygiene.

Mothers are also taught how to cook healthy meals with a budget of P200+ for a family of 4.

Family Care and Social Support are for parents where they teach the value of education as well as training on health, hygiene, nutrition, parenting, family planning, spiritual and mental health including the rights of children.

Young Focus also tries to pinpoint the cause of the drop-outs and guide them.

What started in the Netherlands that expanded in the Philippines now has 1,085 students in its program, 185 school dropouts in its Catch-UP programs, 750 in its regular programs and 150 who enrolled in their preschool. Maybe in the future, they will help millions more.

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World Vision:

Keeping dreams alive

By MJ Blancaflor

W

HAT is the best way to teach students the value of education? High school teacher Celine Calado found a unique and noble way to make her students appreciate learning even more.

Her students in Muntinlupa Science High School sent six children to school as part of their class project, which they fulfilled through World Vision, a Christian humanitarian organization.

When Teacher Celine, 39, had first introduced her “adopt a scholar” project, she knew it was a daunting task. But the seemingly impossible idea of “children helping children” kindled waves of excitement among her students.

To raise funds, her class looked for creative means such as math tutorials and cleaning services. The project ran for almost a decade.

Through the project, her students learned to value education—and perhaps more importantly, compassion and shared responsibility.

“Sending a poor kid to school is our biggest achievement,” shares Jamie Macasinag, one of the many students who took part in the project.

It all began when Teacher Celine discovered World Vision in a book titled “12 Little Things Every Filipino Can Do for the Country.” Among the 12 acts mentioned in the book, one stood out: “Adopt a poor child or adopt a scholar.”

The child sponsorship program of World Vision allowed her students to be linked directly to the children from a small village in Palawan whom they supported.

For only P750 a month, their sponsored children attended school and received healthcare.

As soon as they signed up for World Vision’s program, the young sponsors were

32nd Anniversary

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given pictures and basic information of their sponsored children.

World Vision is a child-focused organization advocating children’s holistic development. It believes that the best way to help a child overcome poverty is to help communities become better places to grow up in.

Like in other countries, World Vision works with communities in the Philippines. To select the children who will become scholars, the organization partners with local staff and families.

By pooling together all sponsorship donations, selected children and their communities acquire access to education.

World Vision believes that the child sponsorship program facilitates overall growth and development in the community, and secures a better future for them through empowerment, education, and self-sufficiency.

To ensure that the sponsor’s contribution

reaches the child, World Vision gives the opportunity for both of them to have correspondences. The sponsor receives a photo of the child upon the grant of the first donation. Annual progress reports of the child are also sent through mail. It contains the child’s latest photo, average grade, community updates, and message from the child.

The sponsorship may last several years depending on the sponsor. The sponsorship may end for various reasons, but the newfound friendship between the sponsor and the beneficiary will last for a lifetime. In case the sponsor misses his pledge, World Vision starts looking for another sponsor.

The organization was founded in 1950

by Rev. Robert Pierce, an American Baptist minister and relief worker, as a service group to meet the emergency needs of Christian missionaries. In 1975, development work was added to World Vision’s objectives.

For more information, visit https://www. worldvision.org.ph.

Metrobank Foundation: Securing better tomorrows

By MJ Blancaflor

pine University in Iloilo. This was made possible in partnership with other companies and organizations.

Furthermore, MBFI has teamed up with Mathematics Teachers Association of the Philippines (MTAP) and the Department of Education (DepEd) to conduct the prestigious Metrobank-MTAP-DepEd Math Challenge (MMC).

MMC provides a venue for Filipino students to hone their mathematical skills in an atmosphere of friendly competition. For several years, it has produced national winners who get to compete in international tilts.

As of writing, MMC is the longest running math competition in the country with more than half a million students participating in the nationwide elimination rounds yearly, attracting students from both private and public schools.

Other flagship programs include the National Teachers’ Month celebration; Metrobank Foundation Outstanding Filipinos which recognizes 10 Filipino exemplars composed of four teachers, three soldiers, and three police officers; Metrobank Art & Design Excellence; and the Metrobank Foundation Professorial Chair Lectures.

Metrobank has acquired respect for its commitment in social responsibility.

It has garnered various awards both in the local and international scene for its various programs. To date, MBFI has bagged 57 Philippine Quill Awards, nine of which were won last year.

Because of Metrobank’s efforts in supporting education, it has successfully branded itself as one of the giants in corporate philanthropy.

It has actively taken part in nationbuilding and securing better tomorrows for the younger generation. It also sets a good example for other companies to emulate.

SEVERAL companies are paying attention to their social responsibilities, but a few have risen above the rest.

Among the frontrunners in the CSR world is Metrobank Foundation, Inc. (MBFI), the corporate social responsibility arm of the Metrobank Group. Established in 1979 by Dr. George S.K. Ty, MBFI runs stellar programs that have an enduring impact on society.

It has emerged as one of the country’s most active corporate philanthropic organizations over the years for its various programs in visual arts and health—significantly on education, since it is one of the major thrusts of Metrobank Foundation.

MBFI’s flagship projects include the Metrobank Scholarship Program (MSP) established in 1995, aimed at providing educational opportunities to academically gifted but financially challenged students.

Consequently, MBFI provides a four-year scholarship to 611 students enrolled in accountancy, business management, and education courses; two-year scholarship grants to 141 students majoring in English, Science or Math; a special education assistance package to 159 qualified graduating students in selected Level II- or III- accredited schools all over the country.

The Foundation also established the Share-A-Gift-Education (SAGE) Program, which supported elementary and high school Filipino-Chinese students enrolled in 95 schools accredited by the Association of Filipino-Chinese Schools.

Metrobank has also granted scholarships to deserving students from Adamson University, Don Bosco Technical College-Mandaluyong, Technological University of the Philippines-Manila, University of the East-Manila, University of Santo For more information, data are Tomas, University of the Philip- available on www.mbfoundation. pines-Diliman, and Central Philip- org.ph.

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Education as a tool to progress

Education is often seen as their ticket out of poverty. However, for those living in poverty, access to education is easier said than done. With limited resources, many of them go to school on an empty stomach, with incomplete school supplies. Some even skip going to school altogether on days when they have absolutely no money for their commute and meal.

However, for top-performing students from Energy Development Corporation’s (EDC) partner schools, they get a little help to make their dreams of finishing their education come true.

Through EDC’s College Admission, Review, and Readiness (CAREERS) program, these students attend review sessions to prepare them for the University of the Philippines College Admission Test (UPCAT), which will help them enter one of the top state universities in the country.

Moreover, under the program, they receive financial assistance upon entry to UP or other partner local state universities and colleges.

Since 2010, the program has admitted a total of 85 students in 8 UP campuses nationwide and a total of 88 students in different local state colleges and universities. We have since produced 43 UP graduates, with one graduating magna cum laude in 2017 and another graduating cum laude in 2018 from UP Visayas.

Now, the CAREERS graduates are gainfully employed and are able for to give back to their families.

Efren Temario BS Fisheries, 2017 University of the Philippines Visayas (Miagao) Kidapawan City, North Cotabato

Jemwel Autor BS Computer Science, 2018 University of the Philippines Visayas (Miagao) Valencia, Negros Oriental Jemwel Autor is the son of a carpenter and a housekeeper, and he was determined to bring his family out of poverty ever since he was young.

After successfully passing the UPCAT and becoming a CAREERS scholar, Jemwel decided to take up BS Computer Science to help him secure a stable and lucrative career in the future.

Thea Faye Culaba BS Management - Magna cum laude, 2017 University of the Philippines Visayas (Iloilo City) Valencia, Negros Oriental “I wanted to be better.”

“I had a very difficult time when I was in high school. I often went to school wearing worn out slippers without any money. I even joined dance contests, so I can pay for my meals and school projects. I even became a working student when my family faced even more financial difficulties,” Efren shares.

“Growing up helping my parents graze our cow in Valencia, I used to see our town border as a hindrance to my dreams,” Thea shared. “But if I were born in a different town, EDC would not have found me.”

Clarence Gamez BS Fisheries, 2016 University of the Philippines Visayas (Miagao) Bago City, Negros Occidental Prior to graduating from high school, all Clarence Gamez wanted to do after graduation is to move to Manila to work as a house help. With her father was employed as an irregular truck driver and her mother as a housewife, Clarence wanted to help ease the family’s financial burden.

She thought that going to university would just add to her family’s burdens.

However, this changed when she was accepted into UP Visayas Miagao’s BS Fisheries program after participating in the CAREERS summer review.

After entering UP, Clarence’s dream of simply going to Manila to become a house help has changed. She wanted to use what she has learned in school to help her family. Just like Efren, Clarence is now a Registered Fisheries Technologist after passing the 2017 Fisheries Technologist Board Exam. She is employed at the Department of Environment and Natural Resources Region VI as an Coastal Extension Officer, allowing her to help make her family’s life more comfortable.

JEMWEL AUTOR

According to him, he was able to overcome these challenges through the support of his family, his professors, his peers, and his CAREERS family. Jemwel graduated in 2018 and is now employed in Metro Manila.

A daughter of a company driver and a homemaker, Thea often told herself these words while growing up in Valencia, Negros Oriental. She wanted to give her family a more comfortable life. Thea was an EDC scholar in high school. She has always excelled in school, graduating from Valencia National High School as its valedictorian.

Since graduating from UP Visayas, Efren is now a Registered Fisheries Technologies, proudly ranking 7th in the 2017 Fisheries Technologist Board Exam. He is now working as a Science Research Assistant I in UP Visayas Miagao’s College of Fisheries and Ocean Sciences.

Efren Temario

While in university, however, he found it ironic how a Computer Science major did not have his own laptop. Despite receiving financial assistance through the stipends he receives from his CAREERS scholarship, he found that this amount can cover his living expenses and school projects with some to spare. However, he struggled to complete his school requirements without a laptop. But a professor has lent him his old laptop, allowing him to fulfill these requirements.

Efren Temario is a member of the Manobo Indigenous Peoples (IP) in Kidapawan, North Cotabato. At an early age, he was already aware of how disadvantaged he was compared to his peers due to poverty. He often missed first days of the school year because his family did not have money to buy him the pencils and notebooks needed for school.

Despite helping with his family’s finances while attending school, Efren was still able to finish as one of the top students in his graduating batch.

After attending the CAREERS summer review, he was able to pass the UPCAT and was accepted into the BS Fisheries program at UP Visayas Miagao. Furthermore, through the CAREERS program, he successfully qualified for a DOST scholarship. The DOST scholarship provided Efren with further financial assistance during his stay in university on top of the stipend that he receives from EDC.

Glecerio Magbanua

After passing the UPCAT, she shared that EDC has become like her second family, giving her unwavering support throughout her stay in UP. Through the financial support that she has received through CAREERS, she was able to fully focus on her education, allowing her to graduate from UP Visayas Iloilo City’s BS Management program, magna cum laude.

Now, Thea is part of EDC’s Southern Negros Geothermal Project (SNGP). She is thankful for the opportunities that have opened for her through the CAREERS program.

Glecerio Magbanua BS Management - Cum laude, 2018 University of the Philippines Visayas (Iloilo City) Bago City, Negros Occidental Born to a father who is a farmer and a mother who is a housewife, Glecerio Magbanua - or Rio to his friends - grew up with the challenges posed by poverty. Growing up, he often skipped meals, going to school on an empty stomach. To save what he could have spent on transportation, he would walk across rice fields and sugar cane plantations just to get to school. He had experienced eating rice with just patis or cooking oil, just to avoid going to school on an empty stomach.

Clarence Gamez

Thea Faye Culaba

“I wanted to give up so many times, to stop studying and just surrender.

But my parents told me that finishing my education is the most important,” Rio stated in his speech in the 2018 CAREERS graduation.

“When I became an EDC scholar in high school, I no longer had to worry about my uniforms, and, slowly, I no longer worried about going to school. EDC motivated me to study well and to dream bigger.”

Rio used to think he was so disadvantaged compared to other people because he was poor, so he had to work harder than everyone else. It is this poverty that motivated him to succeed, allowing him to graduate cum laude with a BS Management degree from UP Visayas Iloilo City this 2018.

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RBank creates value

Robinsons Bank’s 3-Year CSR Roadmap

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OBINSONS Bank (RBank) catalyzes positive impact in the community that it serves through Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programs.

Anchored in its mission statement of “Aiming to be better every day,” RBank created a program entitled, “RBank Creates Value” to institutionalize its CSR endeavors in their community engagement.

The 3-year CSR Roadmap, which began in 2017, was designed to teach financial literacy to the whole family by “adopting” a school, selecting a number of pupils to be the beneficiaries, involving their mothers and engaging their fathers.

On the first year of “RBank Creates Value”, RBankers conducted a storytelling using the Fable, “The Ant and the Grasshopper.” The pupils were given a coin bank that symbolized the beginning of their saving attitude. A total of 948 pupils benefitted from the program and 263 RBankers taught the kids, shared their time, and extended their blessings to them.

Adhering to JG Summit’s aim to “Make Life Better,” the Bank continued to serve and uphold its commitment of fulfilling the community’s changing needs. In 2018, RBankers returned to the same pupils to teach basic financial management by identifying the difference between needs and wants that was reinforced by cartoon videos.

The importance of financial education was also imparted to the pupils’ mothers with the help of the Bank’s Bancassurance Team. Additionally, a livelihood skills training program was conducted for them with the help of the Bank’s Microfinance clients whom, aside from sharing their skills, also shared how they have built their dream business with the financial assistance from Robinsons Bank.

17 CSR Teams composed of volunteer RBankers from different units and regions nationwide were formed. A total of 290 RBank volunteers visited 17 schools nationwide (8 in Metro Manila, 5 in Lu-

zon, and 4 in Visayas and Mindanao) with a total of 1,288 beneficiaries in 2018.

The initiative sparked an interest in parents to open a Savings account for their kids. Some of the parents approached RBankers at the end of the activity and inquired about the nearest RBank Branch where they can open an account to start saving for their children’s future.

At present, with the guidance of their parents, pupils from Pura Kalaw Elementary School were able to open their first savings account and deposited the Christmas aguinaldos that they have recently

received. Also, encouraged by their classmates who already have savings accounts at a young age, more pupils opened savings accounts thereafter.

This 2019, RBankers will be returning to their “adopted” schools to hold the third leg of RBank Creates Value’s 3-year Roadmap. Moving forward, Robinsons Bank is determined in initiating more sustainable efforts towards imparting financial education among different communities.

Robinsons Bank rallies on the vision of being the Bank of Choice and carries on initiatives of creating opportunities for more people to experience the rewards of having a bank that takes care of their needs. Through its dedication to provide the best experience, winning culture, outstanding returns, and as a responsive organization, the Bank embraces and extends more than just being a financial arm but builds relationships beyond banking.

Ayala Community for Social Impact Deepening a culture of social engagement and collaboration Business can play an important role in creating social good. While its capacity to generate economic value is significant, it can also serve as an agent of social transformation.

Because business does not exist in a vacuum, business needs to create value that can be shared with the markets it serves and the communities in which it operates. As business improves, lives should also improve; what’s good for the community should be good for business, and vice versa.

Ayala Corporation believes in business’s potential to make an impact in the lives of people and communities. “At the Ayala group, we have always believed that in a developing economy like ours, businesses play an indispensable role in addressing some of the most pressing development challenges,” said Ayala Chairman Jaime Augusto Zobel de Ayala. “To remain relevant, to continue building trust with communities, businesses must contribute to society as a whole, and ensure the progressive development of the markets they serve.”

Business and social responsibility Over 185 years, Ayala has made significant headway in integrating social and environmental needs into its corporate strategies. It has pioneered sustainability reporting in the country, making sure that it tracks its impact in the economic, social, and environmental spheres, while also contributing to the improvement of each. Its commitment to transparency and accountability is also apparent in its governance and its overall approach to conducting business.

Ayala is also a leader in corporate social responsibility. Through Ayala Foundation, the group’s social development arm, it has helped improved the lives of people and communities, through programs in education, community leadership, suitable and sustainable livelihood, and arts and culture. To realize its vision of “communities where people are productive, creative, self-reliant, and proud to be Filipino,” it has worked closely with partners from within the conglomerate, with various communities, and with stakeholders that span the country.

Each of Ayala’s business units also actively contributes to various social and environmental causes, whether through its day-to-day business operations or through partnerships with various like-minded individuals and organizations, in the public and private sectors.

Ayala is also a 50,000-plus-strong organization. Its human resources also contribute to positive change in their respective spheres of influence, representing a great force for community transformation.

Community for Social Impact While each of the above brings about improvements in various areas, the Ayala group also believes in consolidating its diverse strengths and initiatives for greater impact. This is why Ayala citizens are now coming together to harness its wide-ranging strengths, resources, capabilities and talents to form a community that celebrates unique capabilities and programs while joining hands to create social impact. Serving communities is best done together, so to speak.

In a simple yet meaningful ceremony held at the Ayala Museum in November 2018, the Ayala Community for Social Impact (Ayala CSI) unveiled its vision to work for “a better and more sustainable world by creating shared value through partnerships with communities and families we serve.” The group also committed to the mission that they will “harness Ayala’s diverse strengths, resources, capabilities, and talents in engaging businesses and communities for opportunities to solve problems and help make better and sustainable world.”

Brigadang Ayala - Every year, the Ayala group comes together to support the DepEd’s Brigadang Eskwela initiative. In 2018, Brigadang Ayala mobilized more than 5,000 volunteers and served 130 schools.

Calauan Farmers for a Day Ayala Foundation and its partners work with displaced families living in a resettlement site in Calauan, Laguna, and trained them to become farmers. The participants in the program have experienced improved income. The program also presents a volunteering opportunity for Ayala citizens, so they may become familiar with the needs, daily struggles, and successes of the farmers.

Ayala CSI launch Stakeholders from across the Ayala group formed the Ayala Community for Social Good, which harnesses “Ayala’s diverse strengths, resources, capabilities, and talents in engaging businesses and communities for opportunities to solve problems and help make better and sustainable world.”

Ayala CSI identified four focus areas—Education and Scholarships, Environment, Entrepreneurship and Livelihood, and Health. They also identified the following key enablers to bring about relevant social impact: Technology, Communication and Branding, Volunteerism, Capacity-Building and Development, Measurement and Evaluation/ Data Analytics. Serving as champions for Ayala CSI are Ayala Foundation and AC Synergy, while working closely with the different business units within the Ayala group.

“We are not only community movers, but community lovers who truly desire to help bridge the needs gap in communities that we serve,” said Ayala Foundation President Ruel Maranan, as he described the organizational framework of Ayala CSI. For his part, Ayala Corporation Chief Human Resources Officer, Managing Director and Head of the Corporate Resources Group, JP Orbeta said, “We are also community shakers as we try to disrupt the status quo to be able to create social impact in our focus areas.”

Said JAZA: “Through Ayala CSI, we can strengthen partnerships and collaboration across our various social development programs in the group. By working together, we can scale up our efforts faster and ensure they produce measurable results. I’m excited to see this initiative come to fruition and deepen our culture of social engagement and collaboration among our people.”

Ayala Foundation’s CENTEX program allows bright students from poor communities in Manila and Batangas to have access to high-quality education.

We work with communities by making sure we trying to understand their needs. One of the communities we work with is Carles, Iloilo, in partnership with Ayala Land.

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Development Bank of the PH boosts CSR initiatives with RISE S TATE-owned Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP) remains at the forefront of implementing relevant and meaningful social responsibility programs through a new flagship CSR initiative -- the DBP Resources for Inclusive and Sustainable Education (RISE) initiative.

DBP President and Chief Executive Officer Cecilia C. Borromeo said that this new scholarship program, which targets underprivileged high school graduates across the archipelago, will support the education of more than 2,500 scholars in the next five years. The DBP RISE is financed by a P500million seed fund.

“As one of government’s financial institutions, DBP has been tasked to do more so that the administration’s poverty alleviation efforts can be felt by more Filipinos,” Borromeo said. “The DBP RISE was conceptualized to directly impact on an area that is broadly acknowledged to be a development driver – education. As a mechanism for providing educational opportunities, the DBP RISE can make a significant difference in the lives of promising youth from low income families. The DBP RISE gives underprivileged Filipino youth a shot at a brighter future.”

Borromeo said that with the DBP RISE, the bank will support students enrolled in courses such as accountancy, engineering, education, and information technology adding that “DBP will shoulder tuition fees, board and lodging expenses, living allowance, cost of apprenticeship, residency training, and expenses during review for Board exams.”

DBP has tapped 14 partner-schools for this initiative, comprised of eight state universities and colleges and six private educational institutions. These schools are the University of the Philippines Los Baños, Polytechnic University of the Philippines, Bulacan State

University, Emilio Aguinaldo College - Cavite, Mindanao State University, University of Science and Technology of Southern Philippines, Misamis University, Our Lady of Triumph Institute of Technology, Palawan State University, Philippine Normal University, University of Cebu, Lyceum of the Philippines University - Cavite, West Bay College, and West Visayas State University.

For the first year of implementation, covering school year 2018-2019, the DBP RISE is already supporting more than 350 scholars

from indigent families.

Borromeo added that the DBP RISE is the offshoot of another DBP flagship CSR initiative -- the DBP Endowment for Education Program (DEEP) -- which is nearing completion after a decade of empowering intelligent but underprivileged youth by giving them access to higher education.

Just like the DBP RISE, DEEP is a scholarship program for brilliant students belonging to families with annual incomes that do not exceed P150,000. Most scholars are children

of farmers, laborers, drivers, teachers, housewives, electricians, mechanics, vendors, retired policemen, and soldiers. DEEP scholars receive the whole range of support for student requirements, including books, cost of living, and allowances.

Borromeo reported that the DEEP scholarship program has already produced more than 3,200 graduates of a diverse number of college courses including maritime, agriculture, forestry, education, nursing, and hotel and restaurant management. DEEP has also produced gradu-

ates of short-term technical-vocational courses such as information technology, computer programming, graphics animation, and automotive/welding.

More than 85% of DEEP’s graduates are already gainfully employed. Out of that number, 47% hail from Mindanao, 34% are from Luzon, while the remaining 19% came from the Visayas.

Borromeo said that with the DBP RISE, the bank will provide continuing access to education for the socio-economic upliftment of the best and brightest but disadvantaged Filipino youths and their families. The program will also help ensure an adequate supply of qualified professionals and skilled workers for the country’s requirements, as well as respond to the growing demand for Filipino professionals in the global markets.

For more information about this topic, please contact Vice President Zandro Carlos P. Sison / Head, Corporate Affairs Department at telephone numbers 893-6743 and 818-9511 local 3709, or email info@dbp.ph.

Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP) President and Chief Executive Officer Cecilia C. Borromeo (seated right) and Mindanao State University (MSU) President Dr. Habib W. Macaayong sign the memorandum of agreement for MSU to be a partner-school of the DBP Resources for Inclusive and Sustainable Education (RISE) initiative. Also in photo are (standing, from left): Pamela B. Macaayong; DBP Senior Manager Merly Nonoy; DBP Executive Vice President Susan Prado; MSU Presidential Assistant Atty. Renato S. Pacaldo, Ph.D.; and DBP Executive Vice Presidents Anthony Robles and Benel Lagua.

A 2-STOREY SCHOOL BUILDING IS DONATED

BY SM PRIME THROUGH SM FOUNDATION

By Charles Arvin Dantes More than 200 pupils will be enjoying their new classrooms as SM Foundation Trustee, Ramon Gil “Chito” Macapagal, Linda Atayde, Executive Director for Education & Abraham Malicdem, Mall Manager of SM Center Dagupan turned over the symbolic key of the newly-built, two-storey building to the Dagupan East Integrated School representedby the school’s principal, Dr. Reynaldo Barrozo and the local government unit led by Mayor Belen T. Fernandez.

“We are very thankful to receive this kind of help from SM. As you can see, we are in need of classrooms. This building will go a long way in providing the students their needs said Barrozo in an interview.

The building of the classrooms was never easy as SM Foundation’s School Building Program head Juris UmaliSoliman shared how difficult it was to erect the building after Dagupan was struck by Typhoon Ompong, declaring the City in a State of Calamity. “Construction had to stop for two months ; the area was waist-deep in water and we resumed construction only when water subsided,” said Soliman in a interview with Manila Standard. “Engineers decided to elevate the area to prevent water from flooding the 1st floor of the building.”

The finished Dagupan East Integrated School is an elevated two-storey building with four disability-friendly classrooms, toilets, and ramp that can withstand storms and flood. The first floor will be occupied by kindergarten students in which innovative, geometrically-shaped and colored desks and tables were made for them to enjoy. Grade Three students will be taking classes on the second floor; each classroom has 50 chairs, with five left-handed chairs per classroom. In addition to the chairs, SMFI provided concave blackboards, teacher’s desks, tables, wall fansand a toilet per classroom.

PWDs (persons with disability) of the Association of the These-Abled, an association SM Foundation supports,made the armchairs and school furniture.

Emergency LED lights at landings of both staircases, fire extinguisher, fire alarm bells and emergency exits were also placed for emergency purposes.

A special toilet for PWDs is located at the Ground floor.

For 2019, SMFI plans to donate seven more new school buildings in Olongapo, Benguet, Bataan, Caloocan, Daet, Butuan and Zamboanga. SM Foundation aims to finish and begin turnover of these new buildings this coming August.

Linda Atayde, Education Head of SM Foundation, Inc., briefed the press about SMFI’s advocacy.

“Just like our Tatang (Mr. Henry Sy Sr.), we have a strong belief in education and that is why Mr.Sy decided to start SM Scholarship Grant in 1993 to help students reach their dreams. In 2002, we started giving buildings to schools in addition to our scholarship programs,” said Atayde.

“We are also looking forward to the breach the 100th mark of schools donated all around the country,” she added.

Last 2018, SM Foundation, Inc. opened new two-storey school buildings in four different areas in Luzon. First on the list was at the Carig Elementary School in Tuguegarao withinternational company UBS as partner. The second was at the Balatong Elementary School in Pulilan, followed by Bitano Elementary School in Legazpi City and the Telebastagan Elementary School in Pampanga, in partnership with Bata Children’s Program. East Central Integrated School was initially supposed to be ready last 2018, but due to the State of Calamity enforced in Dagupan, the turnover was delayed for two months. SM Foundation maintains all the schoolbuildings that it builds; doing main repairs in major damages of the structures.

Other than education, SM Foundation also renovates & builds community health Centers, military health facilities, medical missions and conducts Farmer’s Training Program nationwide.

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Building a legacy:

PLDT Gabay Guro soars higher

By MJ Blancaflor

C

ORPORATE Social Responsibility (CSR) is an integral part of the business landscape. It generates positive impact toward society and boosts company profile.

Because of the positivity and optimism that CSR brings to the corporate table, some companies have genuinely embraced it.

Among them is the PLDT-Smart Foundation. With full vigor, it launched its flagship project under the Chairman of the Board of Trustees, Manny Pangilinan.

Believing that behind every great Filipino is a great teacher, PLDT-Smart Foundation established Gabay Guro in 2007 to recognize and honor our country's educators for their role in nation-building.

PLDT Gabay Guro supports and honors teachers through its seven (7) pillars of learning; namely, scholarship grants, teachers’ training, livelihood projects, teachers’ tribute, housing, and of course, broadbanding and computerization, and the newly launched innovations pillar where the goal is to equip teachers, school leaders, school staff, and other stakeholders with an empowering innovation mindset.

To aid deserving but financially challenged students, PLDT Gabay Guro has more than 1,300 scholars from 57 state colleges and universities nationwide. Five hundred of them have already passed the Licensure Examination for

Ms. June Cheryl Cabal-Revilla, Smart CFO and PLDT SVP & Group Controller, poses with PLDT and Smart Communications CEO Manny V. Pangilinan for a photo.

Teachers. Impressively, 234 of their scholars graduated with honors.

Over the years, more than 50,000 educators have benefited from PLDT Gabay Guro’s regular training programs, which include personality development, emotional intelligence, English proficiency, information technology, leadership, creativity in teaching, environment and climate change awareness among others.

It has also donated numerous computers and broadband internet connections to over 47 partner schools as part of its seven pillars.

PLDT Gabay Guro has also built and donated over 40 classrooms nationwide, particularly in typhoon-hit areas.

To promote an innovative mindset for teachers, school leaders, and staff, PLDT Gabay Guro also links partner schools to communities and industries through a culture of innovation. This is to have an endless possibility in learning, teaching, community building, and education stakeholder development opportunities like workshops, interactive seminars, senseshops and talkshops.

The advocacy has truly built a legacy by empowering our educators.

PLDT G a b a y Guro has also teamed up with various organizations, including

Ronalyn Quinio, a teacher of Placido Escudero Elementary School, together with her husband, receiving her seven-seater Foton Gratour Mini Van.

companies within the PLDT Group, to improve the quality of life of teachers and their families by launching livelihood programs for them.

For several years now, PLDT Gabay Guro culminates its activities for the year by organizing the “Grand Gathering,” which two years ago marked its 10th year anniversary. The gathering was attended by more than 20,000 teachers from various schools nationwide.

The organization has also partnered with local government units to bring the “Grand Gathering” experience to the provinces through the “Teacherfest” celebration, which were held in the past years in Bataan, Agusan del Norte, Bulacan, Davao, Bohol (after the earthquake), Capiz and Leyte (after Yolanda). They also brought the “Teacherfest” in Hongkong, Japan and Malaysia for our OFW teachers. Soon, it will be staged in Laguna, Isabela, Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, Bicol, and Cebu, to name a few.

In 2018, PLDT Gabay Guro organized its 12th Grand Gathering to pay tribute to teachers. It was a star-studded event held at the Mall of Asia last Sept. 23 where several teachers brought home prizes including a brand new house and lot, a Foton Gratour Van, Tricycle, Motorcycles, home appliances, livelihood packages, smartphones and gadgets, cash prizes and gift certificates from other generous partners.

These grand celebrations and gatherings uplift the morale of the loco parentis because they are reminded that their hard work and efforts inside and beyond the four corners of classrooms are appreciated and recognized.

Because of its significant contribution to the education sector, PLDT Gabay Guro’s efforts have been acknowledged by various award-giving bodies such as Gawad Tanglaw, Anvil Awards, Philippine Quill Awards, ALIW Awards, and the Philippine Association of National Advertisers Awards.

These accolades serve as a testament that the joint project of PLDT and Smart is one of the leaders in fostering the country’s education system. With the best technology and innovation, PLDT Gabay Guro has truly touched lives and rebuilt communities across the country.

‘Answered prayer’ In a tête-à-tête with Ms. June Cheryl CabalRevilla, Smart CFO and PLDT SVP & Group Controller, she shared the secret to their enduring advocacy. “It has been continuing for a long time not just because of our team’s competence, but because of what the project stands for,” the humble chairperson of Gabay Guro said.

For her, Gabay Guro is a vessel of God’s grace to many. In her words: like an answered prayer.

True enough, for more than a decade, Gabay Guro has been touching the hearts and changing the lives of countless people—not just of the teachers who received help, but also the volunteers in this advocacy. This also rings true to artists and celebrities like Regine Velasquez-Alcasid, Gary Valenciano, Martin Nievera, Jaya, and Gabby Concepcion, who, like the PLDT-Smart Foundation employees, spend time and talents for free.

“Lahat kami sa trabaho, pagdating sa advocacy, pantay-pantay. Walang boss, walang subordinate,” Ma’am Chaye said.

Service knows no social status, indeed.

The kindness of the people behind Gabay Guro permeated as gifts to thousands of teachers. One of those was a kindergarten teacher from San Pablo, Laguna.

Unexpected blessing Teacher Ronalyn Quinio of Placido Escudero Elementary School nearly jumped out of her skin, when, during Gabay Guro’s Grand Gathering last year, she was declared winner of a seven-seater Foton Gratour Mini Van. There were thousands of teachers at the Mall of Asia Arena, but her name was drawn and she took home a brand new Foton mini van.

“Masaya na akong makapanood ng mga artista, hindi ko na inaasahang ako ang mananalo. Sobrang saya talaga,” the 32-year-old teacher said.

For more information about the various projects of PLDT Gabay Guro, visit gabayguro. com and for real-time updates like and follow its Facebook page: facebook.com/gabayguro.

Save the Children:

Protecting youngsters’ rights

By MJ Blancaflor

E

ight in 10 young people across the archipelago have experienced some form of violence in their lifetime. It may be in the form of physical and psychological violence, sexual violence, and bullying. Research further revealed that violence usually begins at home.

These are just few of the findings of the pioneering nationwide study on violence against children in the country.

Launched in 2016, the study also unveiled that the most common case of violence at home is corporal punishment. This is a clear violation of children’s rights—an unacceptable situation—which must be remedied urgently, no matter what the costs are.

Save the Children, an independent children’s organization, opposes all forms of violence against children.

In the country, the organization works with government, NGOs, and its corporate partners to protect children from

Long record of service Save the Children started its first program in 1982 on Guimaras Island in Western Visayas, reaching out to impoverished children and families with health, education, and livelihood projects that benefited over 3,000 children.

Later on, it expanded to new areas like Ilocos Norte and Metro Manila in partnership with government agencies and organizations like UNICEF to support children growing up in the poorest and most challenging circumstances.

From this initial start nearly 40 years ago, Save the Children has supported children throughout the Philippines—from the eruption of Mt. Pinatubo, to Bohol earthquake, and the many tropical storms and typhoons such as Ondoy and Yolanda.

In 2012, it reached over 1.9 million Filipino children, and directly impacted the lives of 560,000 children.

Save the Children also empowers indigenous children by publishing, translating, and distributing ageappropriate and culturally-sensitive books for children in various Filipino languages.

It has also documented indigenous songs, stories and games.

It envisions a world where every child attains the right to survival, protection, development and participation. However, none of these efforts will endure without support from the public.

Hopefully, these efforts will bring us closer to achieving a future that is free from violence.

To help, visit www.savethechildren.org. ph

violence and conflict. Through influencing laws and state policies, Save the Children ensures that children are free from harm. It also urges the Philippine Congress to pass a law that would protect children from physical and humiliating punishment.

It also encourages parents, caregivers, and teachers to use a positive and non-violent approach in disciplining children. In effect, the organization conducts Positive Discipline in Everyday Parenting (PDEP) and Positive Discipline in Everyday Teaching (PDET) trainings all over the country. Save the Children also improves the knowledge, skills and attitudes of service providers, schools, and NGOs to enable them to protect children in emergency and non-emergency contexts.

Save the Children also delivers programs for Filipino children which gives them better access to quality education and healthcare services. It is also on the forefront of supporting children during emergencies while also educating communities on disaster preparedness.

With its several years in humanitarian response, Save the Children has established itself as an expert in providing life-saving assistance to children and families affected by disasters such as earthquakes, typhoons, disease outbreaks, and conflict. Save the Children is especially concerned with how conflict impacts children’s mental and emotional well-being. Children exposed to such violence need care and support.

During Marawi siege in 2017, Save the Children was among many organizations which provided education, protection, hygiene, and psychosocial support for Marawi’s children. In fact, the organization distributed 3,000 back-to-school kits to displaced children and teacher learning kits to facilitate learning. To accommodate the surge of enrolled displaced children, it has set up 25 Temporary Learning Spaces in 14 host schools, which can accommodate about 45 children each. Each space is equipped with learning kits and teaching aids.

Moreover, the organization distributed 3,000 hygiene kits for school-age children.