By spreading the love for animals in need, Lalamove users in Asia and Latin America are being urged to “Make a Pawfect Move” by the top on-demand delivery company. Lalamove collaborates with the nonprofit Pawssion Project in the Philippines to rescue injured and abandoned animals, care for them while in foster care, and find them new homes so they can have a second chance at a better life.
Through the “Make a Pawfect Move” campaign, an expansion of Lalamove’s Deliver Care program, the company seeks to improve the lives of abandoned dogs and cats at Pawssion Project by providing financial support, as well as assisting their shelter ‘paw-rents’ who give their all to keep the organization running.
By signing up for Lalamove Rewards and accruing LalaPoints with each successful order, users can show their support for the Pawssion Project’s animal friends in need. Users can donate Php 20 with a minimum of 480 LalaPoints or swap 1,230 LalaPoints for a Php 50 donation. The Pawssion Project will receive 100% of the money.
With hundreds of rescued pets, especially at their Bulacan shelter, Lalamove has extended free delivery services for Pawssion Project, as well as providing those willing to donate with a discounted delivery rate using the promo code LALAPAWSSION.
Apart from these, Lalamove employees have also taken the initiative to go to the Pawssion Project Bulacan shelter to make the rescued pets’ days brighter with donated food and other necessities, and by feeding them, bathing them, and cleaning their homes.
“Many Filipinos are naturally animal lovers, and we have seen this in local communities where the culture of feeding and taking care of strays is a usual occurrence. In Lalamove, we bring this culture of malasakit toward our community and our furry friends. Through this campaign, we get to connect our Lalamove users to make a positive impact for all animals who need help, while empowering the growing petconomy in the country by helping them reach these untapped communities,” remarked Djon Nacario, Managing Director of Lalamove Philippines.
For Malou Perez, Founder of Pawssion Project, this Lalamove campaign was a beautiful blessing. “We partnered with Lalamove earlier this year because we had one common goal: to be a voice for the voiceless. Pawssion Project is more than grateful for Lalamove’s support, since we held the Pawchella fundraising concert in April to free and discounted deliveries to this day. With Lalamove’s support, we will be more capable of providing the daily essentials and supplies that rescue animals need while waiting to be adopted at our shelter,” she shared.
Calling all animal lovers! Lalamove invites everyone to get involved and spread the word to paws-itively contribute their LalaPoints to make the world a better place for our four-legged friends.
Users only need to complete these four easy steps to join the Rewards program and donate LalaPoints to Pawssion Project’s pet buddies.
Leading on-demand delivery platform Lalamove Philippines introduces BiyahEdukasyon, which will grant a total of PHP 20,000 in provides for the upcoming second semester of the academic year 2023 to 2024 to 100 partner drivers’ children and/or siblings from Luzon, Metro Manila, and Cebu. They are given the opportunity to pursue their academic objectives and have access to a high-quality education.
The initiative, which falls under the Deliver Care brand, embodies Lalamove Philippines’ commitment to helping partner drivers and their families realize their dreams, particularly those related to education, in addition to providing them with employment opportunities and a means of subsistence.
“At the heart of BiyahEdukasyon is our desire to uplift the lives of our partner drivers and their loved ones. Nakikita namin ang dedikasyon ninyo sa araw-araw na makatulong sa mga deliveries ng libu-libong tao, kaya ngayon, hayaan niyo naman pong ihatid namin ang pasasalamat sa aming programa (We see your dedication every day to help move things that matter through deliveries for thousands of people, so this time, allow us to show our gratitude through our program). In every student, we see boundless potential, dreams that can transform lives. We want Lalamove to play a part in turning those dreams into reality,” Djon Nacario, Lalamove Philippines’ Managing Director emphasized.
How to apply?
Lalamove’s BiyahEdukasyon program is open to Lalamove partner drivers – from the serviceable and covered areas of Lalamove in Luzon, Greater Metro Manila, and Cebu – for their children and/or siblings, currently enrolled in senior high school or college, and pursuing any field of study who exemplify a strong desire to continue higher education.
Partner driver applicants can choose one beneficiary – whether their kid or their sibling – then fill up the application form, submit the required documents, and tell their inspiring story. There are no grade requirements to qualify for this program.
Empowering dreams, transforming lives
Beyond providing financial support, Lalamove’s BiyahEdukasyon program unites partner drivers and their families as they work toward shared objectives.
According to Nacario, Lalamove Philippines thinks that partner drivers ought to allow their family members the freedom to follow their aspirations without being constrained by financial obligations. This is where Lalamove comes in.
“BiyahEdukasyon is only the beginning of our major steps toward the fulfillment of our long-term commitment to empowering our partner drivers and their families. It aims to underscore Lalamove’s steadfast, long-term commitment to enable the economic well-being of our partner drivers, ” Nacario said.
Revolutionizing Auto Service in Pasig City: [Seated] Mr. Normann Chiu, President of ValuePlus, and Dr. Mary Sarah Padron finalize their groundbreaking agreement. [Standing, 2nd from Right] John Kenneth Lumalang, alongside ValuePlus executives [Standing] Rem Agustin, Admin Manager, Mark Saberola, General Manager, and Darlyn Valenzona, Repsol Marketing Manager, witness this pivotal moment for VPX Auto Service Franchising.
Dr. Mary Sarah Padron and her husband John Kenneth Lumalang have joined ValuePlus Auto Service Philippines Inc.’s pioneering brand VPX Auto Service Franchising as its newest franchisees. The youthful pair, who reside in the busy city of Pasig, injects a new wave of vitality and innovation into the network.
Dr. Sarah is a practicing physician, and Kenneth has experience working in the food and beverage division of the cruise business. They are both overseas Filipino professionals. The couple balances the joys and difficulties of parenting a family while starting this new chapter with the challenging effort of creating their franchise.
“I’ve always been fascinated by cars and the complexities of auto maintenance.” Channeling this enthusiasm into a VPX franchise is a dream come true. “We strive to deliver exceptional service by combining medical precision with culinary flair,” adds Dr. Sarah.
Kenneth, her husband, adds, “We are thrilled to be a part of a brand that resonates with our values.” VPX is innovative and customer-focused, qualities we want to instill in our own franchise.”
“We’re absolutely thrilled to welcome Dr. Sarah and Kenneth into our VPX family,” says ValuePlus President Normann Chiu. Their particular skill set and enthusiasm for the business make them great franchisees.”
Mr. Mark Saberola, GM of ValuePlus, is equally upbeat, saying, “Dr. Sarah and Kenneth embody the spirit of what VPX aspires to be—versatile, committed, and focused on delivering top-notch service.” Their various backgrounds promise an intriguing dynamic that we can’t wait to experience.
A Journey Fueled by Aspirations and Icing: Dr. Mary Sarah Padron and John Kenneth Lumalang with their one-of-a-kind ‘Opening Soon’ cake, a heartfelt gift from VPX, capturing the promise and excitement of their forthcoming auto service venture in Pasig City.
Dr. Sarah and Kenneth defy the notion that a doctor and a F&B expert entering the vehicle care industry is a reach. Their wide-ranging skill set not only enhances the VPX brand but also disproves the widespread belief that technicians and engineers should only do auto servicing.
The location of the Pasig City branch in Brgy. With the impending opening of Ugong, VPX Auto Service Franchising will have reached another significant milestone in its mission to transform auto care in the Philippines. The inclusion of this brilliant duo on the VPX roster demonstrates the company’s inclusive and progressive philosophy.
Please get in touch with Mark at[email protected]or 0917-637-2085 for VPX Auto Service franchise queries.
Allianz PNB Life Chief HR Officer, Kathy Oliva, and Chief Marketing and Sustainability Officer, Gino Riola (7th and 8th persons from the left), proudly accept two awards at the 2023 HR Excellence Awards ceremony, joined by their colleagues from Human Resources, Protection and Resilience, and Market Management.
The success of an organization depends on its workplace culture, which supports employee engagement, productivity, and performance. Everyone is inspired to work their hardest when there is a strong, supportive culture that upholds the company’s ideals.
Allianz PNB Life (AZPNBL) has been able to focus on giving its clients the finest financial journey experience possible, which supports its purpose to ensure the future of the Filipino people. This has contributed to its strong year-over-year success. The company’s great performance is visible in both its human resources and financial results.
Making Work-Life Balance Possible
As a testament to its commitment to promote an engaging and positive workplace culture, Allianz PNB Life was recently recognized in several categories of the HR Excellence Awards, which honors the best-in-class HR teams and individuals, for their ground-breaking and impactful work executed across the entire HR function to champion the way forward.
AZPNBL won two Gold Awards at the HR Excellence Awards – Excellence in Workforce Flexibility and Excellence in Workforce Mobility – a recognition of the company’s effective response to harness digital tools and offer streamlined and timely services to its clients and employees. As it is cognizant that work culture and attitude are ever-evolving and that workers’ attitudes and behaviour toward work must be taken into consideration to bring out the best in them, the company was able to match their passions with their responsibilities, to show respect to their right to dignity of work, while maintaining a proper balance of achieving organizational goals and targets through proper and responsible work.
As such, AZPNBL laid the groundwork for its employees to have the choice and be flexible in the manner in which they can do their work. With proper guidance in adhering to pre-pandemic principles from HR and their line managers, employees can choose when, where, and how they can do their work, while maintaining a high quality of output and a results-based measurement system that assures that goals are met.
Allianz RideSafe-Kaagapay Participants joyfully and proudly display their certificates following training with Tambay Cycling Hub, SOS Children’s Village, and Allianz PNB Life.
Enabling empowerment through crisis management
As AZPNBL shifted to hybrid ways of working, it is also important to mitigate and handle risks both in real life and online. The company won a Bronze Award for Excellence in Crisis Management Planning through its Allianz PNB Life Protection and Resilience program, which focuses on building safety and protection of the company’s “software” and “peopleware”.
Communication materials promoted cyber-safety, with regular training and seminars on disaster preparedness for employees and Life Changers. These utilized creative and practical ways of building capacities of AZPNBL employees so that they will be up-to-date on cybersecurity issues, and be equipped with basic knowledge on handling emergency situations during natural disasters.
Building a CSR culture
As the company continues its robust growth in the industry, it also reaches out to communities to promote inclusivity and sustainability with several impactful campaigns through its Corporate Social Responsibility programs. The Ride Safe initiative, which promotes cycling as a mode of transportation in four major cities within Metro Manila, won a Silver recognition from the HR Excellence Awards and Most impactful CSR Initiative at the Insurance Asia Awards 2023.
Aside from helping clients achieve their financial goals, AZPNBL encourages them to build a better tomorrow and secure their future through various sustainability initiatives that are geared not just for its clients, but also its communities.
AZPNBL partnered with public and private organizations to promote biking as a healthy and sustainable form of transport, and to supply biking infrastructure and education. Aside from projects that included installing artful bike racks, a solar-powered cyclist pit stop, and a bike lane along a major thoroughfare, it has expanded to include a livelihood component by offering bike maintenance repair training for SOS Children’s Village Kaagapay program participants from Iloilo, Cebu, and Tacloban.
The Seeds of Tomorrow project, which also won an award at the Insurance Asia Awards 2023 for Most Creative Campaign focused on sustainability and food security. Through this project, Allianz Protect policyholders were given the opportunity to contribute a percentage to the World Wide Fund for Nature Philippines’ (WWF-PH) Food Shed Farming Enterprise Project.
Along with its strong performance in the industry, these CSR activities have helped create awareness and build credibility and trust for AZPNBL among Filipinos. Allianz PNB Life Chief Marketing Officer Gino Riola says, “Our vision is to Secure the Future of Filipinos not only through our innovative products and services that are designed to meet lifetime financial planning and wealth accumulation, but also through extending our support for Filipino communities through programs that will reach even future generations. This is in keeping with the Allianz Global initiatives to create positive social impact through the way we run our organization and by using our expertise as an insurer, investor, and asset manager.”
As a Great Place to Work from July 2023 to July 2024, the Global Authority on Workplace Culture also recognized AZPNBL. In addition, Insurance Asia News named AZPNBL Life Insurer of the Year among Asian Insurers, and International Business Magazine named AZPNBL Most Outstanding Life Insurance Company-Philippines in 2022.
The accolades, according to Allianz PNB Life President and CEO Joseph Gross, encourage the business to keep providing top-notch goods, services, and solutions as part of its dedication to helping Filipinos. “We are anticipating strengthening our market leadership with our ongoing, pertinent innovation, which includes the digitalization of our insurance policies, along with the know-how, commitment, and Filipino brand of caring from our Life Changers.”
Following comments made by Housing Minister Sean Fraser that capping the number of international student visas is “one of the options” they “ought to consider” in order to address the housing problem in Canada, the Canadian government recently made news.
Kaede Kikumoto, a Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC), stated that he is aware of this persistent problem.
“I must admit na tumaas talaga significantly ang cost ng pagbili at pag-rent ng bahay sa lahat ng parts ng Canada. Madami na rin ang nagiging homeless; humihingi ng tulong sa government at mga non-profit organizations for housing; hindi maka-afford bumili ng bahay dahil sa tuluy-tuloy na pagtaas ng presyo kaya nananatiling nangungupahan,” he said.
Late last year, he had dinner with the consul general of Vancouver and the ambassador of the Philippines to Canada, and they talked about possible causes of the issue. Kaede drew attention to the flaws in the visa processing system by noting a twofold increase in the number of Filipino international students studying in Canada. “Dahil ‘pag nabibigyan ng mga false promises at na-experience na ang realidad sa Canada, sa Consul General at Filipino non-profit organizations na ang lapit, sila din nahihirapan. “Minsan, nasisisi pa if you’re planning to allow ghost consultants or unauthorized representatives in the Philippines,” he remarked.
As Kaede stated, these misleading promises include the ability to become a permanent resident of Canada in a short amount of time and to take their family with them when they move abroad.
Eventually, our kababayans will realize that these things don’t come easy. This is when things start to complicate. He said, “Dito na papasok ‘yung ayaw nilang umuwi kasi nakapangutang na sila o nagbenta o nagsanla para panggastos papunta sa Canada. Ang ending, mag-o-overstay ng walang legal status o mag-cash jobs, which is illegal. ‘Yung iba ay nakikitira sa mga kamag-anak o kaibigan, pero may mga ilan na nagiging homeless o nagkakabaon-baon sa utang.”
Committed to helping our kababayans experience a hassle-free trip, Kaede’s Kikumoto Immigration Firm offers free consultations to guide them on their journey and to avoid getting scammed.
“Tumutulong ang Kikumoto Immigration Firm sa mga kababayan natin na magbigay ng mga tamang impormasyon at walang false promises. Ine-educate namin silang mabuti sa kung anong pwede nilang kaharapin sa Canada,” he said.
Guiding their clients in every step of the way, Kaede also warned people of engaging with illegal representatives.
“Inaalalayan ng Kikumoto Immigration Firm ang mga clients bago sila mag-apply for a visa, bago umalis, pagdating sa Canada at maging sa kanilang pananatili doon. Hindi namin sila iiwan sa ere, hindi gaya ng mga unauthorized representatives na hindi naman talaga legally authorized to represent clients. Hindi nila inaral ang immigration laws ng Canada unlike Kikumoto Immigration Firm na ran and owned by an RCIC,” he added.
“Sa Kikumoto Immigration Firm, may malasakit sa clients. Kaya naman tuwang tuwa ang mga clients namin dahil kami pa mismo ang nagreremind sa kanila kung pwede na mag-apply ng post graduate work permit, permanent residency o citizenship. Inaalagaan namin ng mabuti ang immigration status nila sa Canada para hindi sila maligaw ng landas,” Kaede concluded.
About Kaede Kikumoto
Kaede Kikumoto, RCIC, MBA, PMP is a regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant and BC Commissioner for Taking Affidavits. Hailing from the city of Vancouver, Canada, Kaede is the Chief Executive Officer of Kikumoto Immigration Firm that has successfully processed over a hundred clients in less than a year.
About Kikumoto Immigration Firm
Established in 2021, Kikumoto Immigration Firm is a Vancouver-based company run by licensed Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC) and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Kaede Kikumoto.
Kikumoto Immigration Firm commits to offer professional immigration, education, recruitment & employment, business, and legal services to help provide fellow Filipinos the best opportunities and a better life in Canada.
Every region of the world has been affected by the water problem. Around 1.1 billion people globally lack access to water, and a total of 2.7 billion experience water scarcity for at least one month of the year, according to the World Wildlife Fund. Worse, by 2025, two-thirds of the world’s population could experience water shortages, and ecosystems would suffer.
A number of nations have made considerable advancements toward securing a more sustainable future for the planet as the seriousness of these problems becomes more and more clear. Singapore’s water management strategy and the sophisticated conservation measures used in The Netherlands are two notable examples.
In the Philippines, a multifaceted approach has also been embraced by the public and private sectors in safeguarding and managing water resources. SM Supermalls are at the forefront of the conservation and management of water resources in its mall facilities. Its endeavors form the foundation of a more sustainable and water-secure future that the company has long been advocating.
SM’s Vision: Greening the Future
SM has been recycling water since the 1990s, treating an average of 1 billion gallons of water annually in recent years, equivalent to 1,600 Olympic-sized swimming pools. In line with the SM Green Movement, SM has been continuously working towards responsible consumption and water conservation in its properties.
To illustrate, the SM Supermalls’ comfort rooms have smart fixtures to manage water flow. There are also signages in the mall that advocate wise water use. Wastewater is channeled to the malls’ sewage treatment plants that recycle an estimated total of 4 million cubic meters of water, lessening their dependence on freshwater sources for non-potable uses. SM did this even before the measure was required by way of the Clean Water Act in 2004.
SM Mall of Asia has been involved in various sustainability and environmental initiatives, including water recycling among others.
SM Supermalls utilizes recycled wastewater from the mall for irrigating its gardens.
SM Malls have “Save Water” signages that typically aim to create awareness about water conservation and inspire people to take simple actions to reduce their water consumption
Recently, SM took a step further in resource management by launching the first-ever water filtration system at SM City Baguio. This facility can turn collected rainwater into potable water for mall tenant use such as washing and cooking as well as dishwashing and handwashing, allowing the mall to further lessen its dependence on the freshwater supply of the Baguio community.
SM took a step further in resource management by launching the first-ever water filtration system at SM City Baguio.
The Rainwater Treatment Facility at SM City Baguio, Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong (right) samples the potable water from the SM Baguio rainwater treatment facility with SM SVP for Marketing Joaquin San Agustin (left) and SM VP for Corporate Compliance Engr. Liza Silerio (center).
The commitment of SM is consistent with global environmental sustainability and climate action objectives. This dedication is further demonstrated by rainwater collecting basins in flood-prone areas and the rainwater filtration system at SM Baguio. These noteworthy initiatives highlight the continued requirement for sustainable practices and legislation.
A Future with More Hope
The path to sustainable water management is still being traveled. Through its activities, SM Supermalls paves the road for a more secure and environmentally friendly future.
IN PHOTO (Left to right): SM Supermalls Vice President Liza Silerio, SM Prime Chairman of the Executive Committee Hans T. Sy, GUUN Chief Executive Officer Shinji Fujieda, GUUN Philippine Branch Senior Managing Director and General Manager Takeshi Konishi
Leading real estate developer in Southeast Asia, SM Prime Holdings, Inc. (SM Prime) recently signed a memorandum of understanding with Japan’s GUUN Co. Ltd. to explore a potential partnership to implement waste management solutions by recycling waste paper and plastics as an alternative source of energy called ‘fluff fuel’.
One kind of RDF (Refuse Derived Fuel) made from compressed and shred plastics, paper, and fibers is called fluffy fuel. These are utilized as fuels in Japanese power plants, paper mills, and cement producing facilities.
Hans T. Sy, Chairman of the Executive Committee of SM Prime, is confident that a collaboration with GUUN will advance the nation’s waste reduction goals. He claimed that Japan has some of the most cutting-edge waste management and recycling systems in the world right now. There is no better partner for SM because we don’t just say we’re huge, we make sure we are; we don’t just say we’re environmentally friendly, we actually take big steps to protect the environment. I’m excited to advance with GUUN as one of the pioneers in the Philippines’ fight against environmental problems.
The Yokohama City, Japan-based GUUN Co., Ltd., which was established in March 2001, recently opened its P200 million, 2,400 square meter waste recycling facility in Tayud, Consolacion, Cebu. In 2014, the company experimented the manufacturing of fluff fuel from plastic trash in Inayawan, Cebu.
Since then, Japan’s Ministry of the Environment has adopted GUUN’s waste-to-fuel technology as a model for advanced low-carbon technology innovation for further deployment in developing countries.
“This will be a milestone partnership for us,” GUNN Chief Executive Officer Shinji Fujieda said after the signing ceremony. “I understand very much how important waste management is for SM and for the Philippines and we look forward to more projects we can do with the properties of SM Prime.”
SM Prime’s initiatives for waste management include waste reduction and effective waste collection and segregation. Over the years, it has implemented programs such as Trash to Cash, Plastic Waste Collection, and E-Waste Collection that have contributed to reducing the total solid waste generation across its real estate portfolio.
Through its pioneering Trash to Cash recycling market, SM Prime has collected and recycled 1.4M kg of plastics, paper, metals, and others in 2022. “We have saved 16,766 trees from the 986,222 kg of paper recycled,” SM Prime disclosed in its 2022 Integrated Report to shareholders.
In the meantime, 42,541kg of plastic garbage from 14 mall locations have been collected by SM’s Plastic garbage Collection program, a cooperation with the Plastic Credit Exchange that was established in February 2021. The E-Waste Collection program for the responsible disposal of WEEE (Waste from Electrical and Electronic Equipment) is also available in all 83 SM Supermalls. The amount of e-waste processed thanks to this initiative was about 7,000 kilos.
Together with other private sector volunteers, PCPPI supports GMA Kapuso Foundation’s Kapuso 20/20 Eye Project last August 2023 (Sight Saving Month). Optometrists performed free eye check-ups among beneficiaries of the two medical missions held in Sampaloc Elementary School in Quezon Province and at the GMA Network Studio in Quezon City, Metro Manila. Volunteers and beneficiaries received Premier Purified Water as complimentary beverages during the event. Through this initiative, more Filipinos had better access to proper eye care and treatment. Pepsi-Cola Products Philippines, Inc. (PCPPI) recently partnered with GMA Kapuso Foundation (GMA KF) for the Kapuso 20/20 Eye Project last August to mark Sight Saving Month.
PCPPI donated 2,000 bottles Premier Purified Water, which were distributed during the two medical missions held at the Sampaloc Elementary School in Quezon Province and GMA Network Studio in Quezon City. The medical missions included free eye check-up and a short seminar, which benefited more than 200 participants. There were also 48 students from Sampaloc Elementary School who received prescription glasses during the event.
The program aims at promoting eye health and care, in light of increased gadget and technology use, which affects one’s vision. Gracing the events were GMA KF Ambassador and Special Adviser Mel Tiangco and GMA KF Executive Vice President/Chief Operating Officer Ms. Rikki Escudero-Catibog.
Premier Purified Water is PCPPI’s trusted water brand. With its clean taste and standard quality, it is a good drink for hydrating the body especially when engaged in several activities. It is available in 350 ml, 500 ml, and 1L (PET) in stores nationwide.
New SM scholars recently joined the contract signing event in Pasay.
“I desire to become an educator not just to fulfill a dream but also to be a blessing to the next generation.”
Princess Eunice Motel, 18, an SM scholar who is currently continuing her education at the Philippine Normal University, offers these motivational comments. She is one of the two kids born to Richard, a set man from Caloocan City, and Hildajane, an on-call factory re-packer.
Princess has had a lifelong goal to become a teacher, one that has been ingrained in her heart and mind since she was a young girl. The more she embraced her Christian religion, the clearer this calling became.
SM Scholar and aspiring educator Princess Eunice Motel
“My unwavering commitment to becoming a teacher is directly inspired by the Kidz Life Ministry, a cherished initiative of our church dedicated to teaching children about God’s word. I aspire to be a vessel for sharing knowledge, instilling hope, and nurturing a brighter future for the next generation,” she said.
To pursue her dreams, Princess has chosen to pursue a Bachelor’s degree in Secondary Education at the Philippine Normal University, her dream institution. “PNU is renowned for its ability to nurture exceptional teachers,” she remarked. “As I aspire to become an educator, I also strive for greatness and excellence, and there’s no better place to achieve that than at PNU.”
Following in her mother’s footsteps, Jhona Bolinas is pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Education with English as her major. Born in Baliuag, Bulacan, she passed entrance exams at other universities but opted to enroll at the Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Valenzuela due to its proximity to her family.
Despite considering other career paths, Jhona opted education, drawing inspiration from her mother, who is also an educator. “Watching, observing, and listening to her, I learned the basics,” she shared. Driven by her love for reading and writing, she also chose to specialize in English.
When asked if she plans to work abroad after graduation, Jhona keeps her options open, recognizing it as a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. “But right now, I want to ensure that my mother enjoys a good life before making such a significant decision,” she explained.
Another aspiring educator is Krissa May Oquindo. Her father, a cable technician, is the family’s sole breadwinner while her mother dedicates her time to caring for the family. Krissa completed her senior high school education at the Universidad de Manila. She applied to four State universities and ultimately chose to enroll at the Polytechnic University of the Philippines (PUP), known for producing graduates highly sought after by employers, as per a recent survey.
SM scholar Krissa May Oquindo (right) aspires to be a teacher for her family and community.
When asked about her motivation to become a teacher, Krissa responded, “Being an educator has always been my passion. From the moment I set foot on a school campus, the idea of standing in front of students and sharing knowledge excites me.” She has selected Science as her major to deepen her understanding of the subject and to enlighten others about it.
Krissa has no plans to teach abroad. She believes that while there is demand for teachers overseas, the same holds true in the Philippines: “My passion for teaching is rooted in caring for the next generation, especially for the youth of our country.”
The SM college scholarship program has helped 3,791 graduates enroll in more than 120 partner schools and institutions around the country over the years. These scholars benefit from complete tuition reimbursement, monthly stipends, seasonal part-time employment options, job offers from the SM Group after graduation, and stimulating extracurricular activities.
SM’s tech-voc scholarship program has also graduated 4,669 students, which has helped to enhance the development of qualified professionals in a variety of sectors
SM scholars from Roxas City volunteer to clean the new school building ahead of its turnover.
The President Manuel Roxas Memorial Integrated School-South in Roxas City, Western Visayas, received a fully equipped two-story building from SM Prime through the SM Foundation in time for the start of the school year.
The collaboration’s 104th school building is constructed in accordance with guidelines established by the Department of Education (DepEd). It has four classrooms, each equipped with desks, chairs for left-handed students, and restrooms, one of which is designated for people with disabilities (PWDs) on the ground floor.
Concave blackboards, electric fans, and LED lighting are also included. To be prepared for emergencies, emergency lights were installed in the stairways.
Supporting DepEd’s commitment to ensure that learners have access to water for hygiene and sanitation, SM Foundation installed a handwashing facility along with liquid soap for the community’s use.
To further assist, the SM group will help with the maintenance and upkeep of the said school.
Social Good
SMFI School Building head, Juris Soliman (center) leads the preparation if the school building turnover.
DepEd previously reported that around 21 million students would be enrolled for the 2023–2024 academic year. Only 100,000 out of the more over 300,000 school buildings are in good condition, according to the agency, despite this.
Since 2002, the SM Foundation has participated actively in DepEd’s Adopt-a-School Program, handing over more than 100 school buildings to grassroots communities around the country. This is because the organization believes in the transformative power of education. The aforementioned program aims to reduce classroom overcrowding and create a supportive environment for learning.
