Security Bank Foundation, Inc. (SBFI) continues to provide quality learning environments to public school students, donating another school building equipped with a laboratory turned over last November 21, 2024. Honorato C. Perez, Sr. Memorial Science High School, formerly known as Cabanatuan City Science High School, received a two-story, eight-classroom SBFI school building which features one science laboratory and one computer laboratory supporting the school’s mission to provide hands-on and advanced learning opportunities for its students.
This latest donation marks the third school building with a laboratory that SBFI has donated and all were received by public schools in the Nueva Ecija province. The first building was donated to San Jose City National High School in San Jose City, and the second to San Isidro Integrated School in Cabanatuan City.
During the turnover ceremony, SBFI Chairman Rafael F. Simpao, Jr. encouraged everyone to work together in improving education. “Our youth are the future leaders of our country. If we want to progress as a nation and secure a better tomorrow for our country, we need to ensure our future leaders get quality education,” said Simpao.
The Department of Education Schools Division of Cabanatuan City provided the classroom and laboratory furniture/equipment while the City Government of Cabanatuan provided support for site preparation and permits.
“This building represents more than just a structure; it is a symbol of hope, a testament to the power of partnership, and an investment in the future of our students. It is here that dreams will take root, where knowledge will be cultivated, and where young minds will be nurtured to reach their fullest potential,” said School Principal Alberto Santos.
The Foundation has already donated 823 classrooms to 142 schools in 83 cities and municipalities across the Philippines.
LCF-CSRI started the year with a key component of a CSR professionals’ work: Stakeholder Analysis and Engagement.
Today marked the closing of training with an in person day long session at Zuellig Family Foundation office in Parañaque City.
“The Excel file was actually very helpful for me, especially since my project involves a lot of stakeholders… So it’s great that there’s a systematic way to organize them and establish a hierarchy. That simple tool really helps a lot when dealing with multiple stakeholders.” stated by a participant of the workshop.
Seven participants from five organizations (four LCF member-organizations and one non-member organization) took part in this year’s Workshop, as follows:
This year the main facilitator was Mr. Paulino “Paul” Buenconsejo, Executive Director of Enrique Zobel Foundation, joined by Mr. Ceazar Valerei “Levis” E. Navarro Institutional Programs Department Head of Cebuana Lhuillier Foundation, Inc.
Onward to the next CSRI offering for the year: the Learning Journey!
TANAY, Rizal – The Knowledge Channel Foundation, Inc. (KCFI), in partnership with Sikat Solar Challenge Foundation, Inc. (Sikat), donated Knowledge Channel Portable Media Libraries (KCPMLs) to three schools in the Schools Division Office (SDO) of Rizal last January 11 at Sto. Niño Integrated School in Tanay, empowering 29 teachers and 614 learners.
The KCPML is a hard drive containing over 1,500 curriculum-based video lessons, e-games, and e-session guides. Among the beneficiary schools in SDO Rizal are Sto. Niño Integrated School, Mamuyao Elementary School, and San Andres Elementary School.
Iselle Diño, Sikat Project Coordinator, shared that Sikat has provided Sto. Niño Integrated School last December with solar panels to improve their facilities, aligned with their mission to uplift Filipinos through renewable energy. She also highlights the importance of the partnership between Sikat and KCFI for the community in rural Tanay.
“Noong December 12 nandito rin po kami upang mag turnover ng solar integrated systems. Sana po hindi kayo magsawa na nandito kami palagi at na hindi natatapos sa turnover lang ng systems ang aming gawain,” Iselle said. “Ang proyektong ito ay magbibigay ng mas malawak at dagdag na kaalaman para sa ating mga guro na siya ring makakatulong sa pag angat ng antas ng edukasyon ng mga kabataan ng ating mga komunidad.”
In line with the provision of access, KCFI Vice President Edric Calma emphasized its long-standing commitment to gifting schools with resources that enhance Filipino learning outcomes. “Our goal is to provide quality, curriculum-based video resources and relevant teacher training programs to give you extra tools for more effective learning experiences,” Edric stated.
Following the turnover, KCFI conducted an on-site KCPML technical training for the attending teachers to help them maximize their new learning resources in the classroom. The partnership between Sikat and KCFI highlights their shared commitment to transformative impact, fostering community development by advocating for access to education and basic needs.
BDO Foundation, the corporate social responsibility arm of BDO Unibank, welcomed the new year with the turn over of four newly rehabilitated rural health units (RHUs) for the benefit of more than 96,000 Filipinos in several parts of Luzon and the Visayas.
Supporting the country’s capacity to deliver basic health services at the grassroots level, BDO Foundation rehabilitated two health facilities in Capiz, namely, Ivisan Rural Health Unit and Birthing Facility and Sapian Rural Health Unit and Birthing Clinic. The foundation also rehabilitated Peñarrubia Rural Health Unit in Abra and Pilar Rural Health Unit in Bohol. In total, BDO Foundation has rehabilitated 195 rural health units nationwide.
Guided by the local government units and their respective municipal health officers, BDO Foundation improved the interiors and exteriors of the facilities – making the health centers more conducive to healing and wellness. In some RHUs, the foundation added areas for senior citizens, children, and breastfeeding mothers to ensure the community’s comfort when visiting the centers for their routine check-up.
BDO Foundation believes that RHUs are critical in strengthening the delivery of primary healthcare services. They are important in the community as facilities where people go to for basic health checks, regular immunization, and other primary health needs and preventive care.
“We want primary health care to be accessible and comfortable for Filipinos. We hope that our humble contribution empowers our health workers to provide better services, and helps patients receive better care,” shared BDO Foundation president Mario Deriquito.
The RHU rehabilitation program is an ongoing initiative of BDO Foundation. The foundation continues to renovate heath centers across the country, with the help of BDO Unibank and BDO Network Bank branch officers who recommend RHUs that need support.
On January 31, 2025, LCF held the University Lecture Series-Bohol with its partner university, Holy Name University. Approximately 120 students from Holy Name University attended the session.
The University Lecture Series is intended for college students, especially those in social science and business programs. A half-day course on the fundamental ideas, tenets, and best practices of corporate social responsibility (CSR) will be covered. As part of its CSR advocacy, LCF is providing the Series at no cost in support of CHED Memo 39, the National CSR Week Celebration, and other initiatives.
LCF conducted its first CSR On The Go-Bohol session from 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on January 30, 2025, at the 925 Maxi Hotel & Events Center in Tagbilaran, Bohol City.
Ms. Marietta “Mayette” Gasatan, Vice-President for External Affairs of Bohol Chamber of Commerce, Inc., and Mr. Shem Jose Garcia, Executive Director of Vivant Foundation, Inc., and LCF Chairperson, delivered the welcome remarks. Ms. Celine Santillan, Executive Director of the League of Corporate Foundations; Ms. Maria Pamela Castro, Senior Program Manager of Pilipinas Shell Foundation, Inc.; Ms. Emma Linda Ibarra, Branch Head of BDO Bohol-Tagbilaran Branch; Ms. Noemi Sulla of BDO Network Bank Bohol-Jagna Branch; and Dr. Lloyd Lyle Ravidas, Municipal Health Officer of Dimiao Primary Care Facility spoke and presented during the session.
16 attendees representing 7 organizations attended the session.
Through CSR on the Go, LCF provides Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) education to private firms, business communities, corporate foundations, and groups outside of Metro Manila. Participants can network and form partnerships through the program, making it easier to learn and share best practices for implementing social investments. It also seeks to entice more businesses to adopt CSR practices.
The Aboitiz Future Leaders, the college scholarship program of Aboitiz Foundation, went on a learning visit to AP Renewables Inc. MakBan Geo, one of the geothermal powerplants managed by the Aboitiz Power Corporation on November 9. Organized by Aboitiz Foundation, the activity is an opportunity for the scholars to see firsthand the operations of a key player in the Philippine energy industry. The activity is also a part of the learning sessions provided by the Foundation to its scholars.
One of the scholars who joined the plant tour is Lance Esrac Matthew Calamiong, an Aboitiz Future Leader – Impact Team Intern and a graduating mechanical engineering student from the University of the Philippines, Diliman.
Lance has always been captivated by the energy sector, believing the massive influence and impact it holds over the country. “One of the sectors I am really interested in joining is the energy sector. I have always wanted to serve the Filipino people and positively influence the lives of those living here in the country. As an engineer, what better way to impact the lives of the Filipinos than to help facilitate the electricity that aids the country’s continuous development,” Calamiong said.
The chance to navigate and survey a geothermal power plant is a chance that a mechanical engineering student cannot miss. Before the tour, a mandatory briefing was conducted, which included a safety orientation and an overview of the MakBan Power Plant – its history, operation, and importance. The bulk of the plant visit was conducted via a guided bus tour, where the scholars explored the inner workings of the geothermal facility. The scholars were also able to enter the control room of one of the generators. They were able to see up close massive infrastructure and equipment that they might one day be able to operate.
“I am really happy with the tour. It was a great experience to be able to personally see the things that were taught to me in class. The equipment is a lot more massive than I thought – the cooling towers are as big as advertised but the scale of the turbines is bigger than I expected.
I felt like a kid that was finally able to see up close and understand the reality of the stories that my teachers kept telling me about,” Calamiong added.
Being an Aboitiz Future Leader, Lance is very thankful for the overwhelming support and encouragement the Aboitiz Foundation has given their scholars. He is extremely grateful for the opportunities they have continuously provided him.
“I have always appreciated the effort that the foundation has put forth in ensuring that their scholars are presented with opportunities they would not have found elsewhere. And I am truly blessed to be a part of a program where they are never reluctant to give you that window of opportunity.”
“The Aboitiz Future Leaders learning visit to the MakBan Geothermal Power Plant is more than just a tour; it’s an immersive experience that bridges academic knowledge with real-world applications. By witnessing the operations of a geothermal facility, our scholars gain invaluable insights into renewable energy and sustainability, inspiring them to think critically about their role in building a better future for the country,” said Jowelle Ann Cruz, Aboitiz Foundation’s Impact Lead for Education.
The Aboitiz Future Leaders college scholarship program is a gateway to a brighter future for young, talented individuals with exceptional leadership potential. Beyond covering tuition fees, the Aboitiz provides personal and professional development opportunities to help Aboitiz scholars become future leaders.
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About Aboitiz Foundation
Aboitiz Foundation, the CSR arm of the Aboitiz Group, is committed to shaping a brighter future for the nation. With 35+ years of empowering communities and driving sustainable development, the Foundation of the Philippines’ first techglomerate is expanding its impact to contribute to nation-building.
Committed to advancing social development, Aboitiz Foundation focuses on three key pillars:
Future Leaders: Ensuring Filipino learners of all ages have access to resources, facilities, and scholarships to prepare them for a rapidly changing world.
Jobs: Empowering Filipinos with digital tools and skills training to thrive in the global digital economy, fostering an entrepreneurship mindset.
Climate Action: Developing and implementing environmental programs to construct climate-resilient communities and foster a more sustainable future through nature-based solutions.
Since 1988, the Foundation has shifted from one-time donations to Aboitiz Foundation’s flagship programs, which empower beneficiaries to reach their full potential. By partnering with strategic partners, the foundation creates projects that are scalable, impactful, and aligned with the company’s expertise, benefiting communities throughout the Philippines.
For further queries on this Press Release, please contact:
The Philippine Council of Associations and Association Executives (PCAAE) and SustainablePH (SPH) jointly organized the Collectively Driving Sustainable Impact Summit on November 27, 2024 at the Philippine International Convention Center. The Summit fostered meaningful discussions and offered a platform for knowledge exchange. By addressing critical challenges and opportunities, it underscored the importance of collective efforts in achieving sustainable development goals. The Summit brought together leaders from associations and sustainability advocates to exchange insights, foster collaboration, and celebrate innovation.
Among the many impactful sessions, the League of Corporate Foundations (LCF) stood out with its session on “Global Citizens: Corporates that Embody both CSR and ESG”, showcasing its commitment to advancing sustainable development through collective action. The session featured the following esteemed speakers: Michelle Santos, Head of Corporate Affairs of BASF Philippines; Janet Marcellana, Application Advisor of Pilipinas Shell Corporation; and Ana Margarita “Ginggay” Hontiveros-Malvar, President and Chief Reputation and Sustainability Officer of Aboitiz Foundation Inc. The session was moderated by Celine Santillan, LCF Executive Director.
LCF’s speakers at the session reinforced its advocacy as a thought leader in the space, leaving a lasting impression on participants and affirming the value of collaboration in driving impactful change.
The Alcantara Foundation, in collaboration with Sarangani Energy Corporation (SEC) and Siguil Hydro Power Corporation (SHPC), recently hosted a meaningful “Kapehan” session with Indigenous Peoples (IP) elders from the communities of Barangay Nomoh and Kablacan. This gathering brought together 32 participants, including 23 IP elders, leaders, the esteemed Maasim Chieftain and other Indigenous Peoples Mandatory Representatives (IPMR), and representatives from the Foundation and power companies.
The Kapehan session, a casual gathering over coffee, was organized as part of the Watershed Enhancement Project (WEP) to foster open dialogue and collaboration between the IP communities and project stakeholders. By engaging with IP elders, the project aims to leverage their invaluable knowledge and practices to promote sustainable environmental practices and ensure the long-term health of the watershed.
During the session, IP elders shared their wisdom on traditional and customary agricultural practices that emphasize the importance of maintaining ecological balance, planting endemic species, and utilizing indigenous knowledge to promote sustainable land use. By basing these practices on traditional knowledge, the project aims to develop sustainable and resilient agricultural practices that meet the basic needs of families, including education, and benefit both the environment and the community.
This Kapehan session is a crucial step towards crafting a Watershed Protection Plan, a vital blueprint that will guide the stakeholders’ engagement with the community and strengthen the collaboration. This underscores the importance of honoring Indigenous wisdom and integrating it into modern conservation efforts. By working together with IP communities, the Alcantara Foundation and its partners aim to create a sustainable future for the region.
The LCF CSR Institute (CSRI) successfully concluded the 2024 Navigating the ESG Journey: Strategies for Corporate Foundations and Parent Companies Workshop. The event was held virtually on November 15, 2024, and in person from November 19, 2024, at the Makati Sports Club, and on November 21-22, 2024, at the PSFI Finance Center in BGC, Taguig City.
16 participants representing 9 organizations (7 LCF member-organizations and 2 non-member organizations) took part in this year’s Workshop, as follows:
Dr. Arnel Onesimo Uy, Professor, Department of Accountancy, RVR College of Business, De La Salle University
Mr. Paulo M. Gooco, Department Head for Environmental Management, Energy Development Corporation
Dr. Benito “Ben” L. Teehankee, Corazon C. Aquino Professor of Business and Management, Ramon V. del Rosario College of Business, De La Salle University
Ms. Ma. Victoria C. Españo, Trustee, Institute of Corporate Directors
The Navigating the ESG Workshop aims to help its participants understand the core components and importance of ESG in corporate foundations and parent companies; explore best practices in ESG frameworks, reporting standards selection, and materiality assessment; develop sustainable practices, community engagement strategies, and ethical leadership principles; design and initiate sustainability protocols within the corporation aligned with organizational goals; and learn effective strategies for engaging stakeholders, building coalitions, and addressing concerns.
To learn more about CSRI’s program offerings, contact Ms. Remy Alyssa Tubig, CSRI Program Officer at programs@lcf.org.ph, or click HERE.
League of Corporate Foundations 