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A student’s cognitive growth depends greatly on the school environment, which is more than just a place where students congregate for classes. According to research, when learning environments are supportive, kids are more attentive and motivated to use higher-order critical thinking skills.

The SM Foundation (SMFI), the corporate social responsibility arm of the SM group, established its cooperation with the Department of Education (DepED) in 2002 through DepEd’s Adopt-A-School Program in an effort to give kids places where they can fully perfect their talents and knowledge.

Through this, SMFI constructs basic furniture and equipment-equipped SM school facilities in local communities. Additionally, SMFI incorporates specialized elements into each SM school structure to cater to the particular needs of the recipients of its funding; some of these amenities include rooms designated as guidance offices, clinics, mini-libraries, and even water tanks and handwashing stations.

To date, SMFI has turned over more than 100 SM school buildings nationwide with the help of its partners, which share the same aspirations for the Filipino learners and teachers. One of which is the SM Prime Holdings (SMPH) – one of the largest integrated property developers in Southeast Asia. Since the project’s inception, over 90 SM school buildings out of the more than 100 were built through the social good collaboration with SM Prime.

Infrastructure for calamity prone areas

SMFI and SMPH ensure that the SM school buildings incorporate a disaster resilient design to guarantee the safety of the students, teachers, and other school personnel. Emergency lights at both staircases, and fire and earthquake alarm bells are also installed.

Principal Joji Buelvo, school principal of Basud Elementary School (BES) in Sorsogon City, shared the state of their school community before they accepted the fully furnished SM school building from SMFI and SM Prime in 2021: “Ang aming paaralan ay saksi sa maraming kalamidad. Kaya karamihan ng mga classrooms ay may kalumaan na, ang mga kisame ay malapit na bumagsak—talagang hindi na conducive for learning.”

“But through your [SMFI and SM Prime] donation, our BES learners now have a haven where we can nurture their young minds to be academically-ready and well-rounded members of the community,” Buelvo further expressed.

Addressing classroom shortage

The continuous rapid growth of the country’s population is taking a toll on schools—leaving the students, even the teachers, with overcrowded classrooms which affect learners’ academic performance.

In 2012, the Banisil National High School (BNHS) in General Santos City received its first SM school building. But being the only secondary school in Barangay Tambler, BNHS records a significant increase in their enrollment per year. With this challenge, SM Foundation decided to provide another edifice of hope for the sub-urban Muslim community in 2021, addressing the growing needs of BNHS learners and teachers.

BNHS then principal Shiela Balbon said, “Yung patuloy na paglobo ng population every year ay talagang naging suliranin namin.”

“Pagpasok ng 2020, nagkaroon ng COVID. So naisip ko baka hindi na matuloy. Pero itong SM Foundation, walang pande-pandemya sa kanila. Talagang desidido silang matugunan yung pangangailangan sa classroom ng mga estudyante,” she added.

“Our salute to our longtime partner, SM Foundation and SM Prime, for being so generous and proactive in providing us with school buildings that are conducive to learning. We are so grateful for your extended support to our school amidst the pandemic,” Balbon concluded.

Through its School Building Program, the SM Foundation actively participates in DepEd’s Adopt-a-School initiative. By constructing classrooms across the country, this social good program seeks to promote high-quality public education.

Motivated to accomplish more and venture beyond funding for schooling

Four years after beginning its mission to close the education gap in the nation, Bukas achieves a historic first by paying more than P500 million in tuition for Filipino students in the pursuit of a better future.

Funding The Future

The idea of ErudiFi’s parent firm Bukas, a tech-enabled school finance platform, was to give Filipino youth a better tomorrow by starting with accessible student loans. The student-first brand has assisted more than 15,000 students across 90 partner schools throughout its time of operation, demonstrating its constant year-over-year growth.

Having onboarded more partners this year including expansions in Bacolod and Zamboanga, Bukas broadens its reach to help more Filipino students. Partners in Metro Manila include De La Salle University, Centro Escolar University, Technological Institute of the Philippines, Adamson University, Mapua University, National Teachers College, Our Lady of Fatima University, Far Eastern University and FEU Tech among others. In line with the vision of delivering inclusive and accessible education, Bukas is also partnered with schools outside the metro including Saint Louis University, Cebu Institute of Technology-University, PHINMA Education, and University of the Visayas, and is looking forward to growing this list soon.

The company’s growth also attests to the real demand for accessible education financing in the country. “Despite the pandemic the past 2 years, we’ve managed to continuously grow our portfolio. We’re confident that we can scale the business to help even more students continue their studies for a better tomorrow,” says Jon Robert Emlano, President of Bukas.

Angel Aquino, a nursing graduate of Universidad de Dagupan, expresses her thanks for Bukas’ help, “My school recommended Bukas to me. Thank you very much, Bukas, for the opportunity na binigay niyo sa isang tulad kong estudyanteng ina para po makapagtapos o mairaos ko ang aking pag-aaral. Dahil po sa inyo ay naipagpatuloy ko po nang maayos yung pag-aaral ko.”

Kasama Ka Bukas

A student’s journey can be quite a rollercoaster ride– gruelling projects, suspenseful grade reveals, nerve wracking presentations, and on top of it all is the pressure to do well. Surviving the student life requires a strong support system, and Bukas is determined to be part of that for many young Filipinos.

Going beyond providing tuition loans, Bukas launched its “Kasama Ka Bukas” campaign (bukas.ph/kasama-ka-bukas) where students may expect help for their studies in more ways than one.

● Content. The Bukas Blog(bukas.ph/blog) offers a wide array of content from course, career, and financial literacy that can help students navigate through their journey.

● Advice. Tomaximize each student’s learning, Bukas works together with partner schools to mount online and offline events that will help students discover more about their passions, seek advice to guide them on their path, and discover new opportunities to help enrich their lives.

● Community. Joined by the same vision of achieving a brighter tomorrow through education, Bukas reinforces the importance of one’s support system. Uplifted by inspiring stories and shared experiences, students, through an exclusive community, can come together to create valuable connections.

With Bukas showing no signs of slowing down, the team is committed to improving the quality of education in the nation through education financing and other means while also making a bigger difference in the lives of its students and partner schools.

“Our goal next year is to be aggressive in covering more schools outside Metro Manila, providing better access to affordable financing across the country. We are also working on expanding our products and services to cater to more students and improve the user experience for the school admin and the students,” shares Emlano.

The Department of Education (DepEd) has recognized schools and divisions from all around the nation for their excellent endeavor to maintain adequate sanitation through its partnership with Unilever Philippines and germ-killing specialist Domex.

Two school divisions and five schools were honored with Eskwelang Unstoppable Awards during a ceremony held on November 15 at the DepEd Central Office in Pasig City.

Based on the data obtained from the DepEd’s Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) in Schools (WinS) monitoring report for school year 2021-2022. the City of Navotas won as Best School Division, garnering the highest score on select sanitation indicators in DepEd’s WinS monitoring. Bislig City of CARAGA Region won as Most Improved School Division, showing the highest change in the total score for the same sanitation indicators across 2 school years. Bangkulasi Elementary School, Dagat-Dagatan Elementary School, Navotas Elementary School, Filemon T. Lizan Senior High School and Bangkulasi Senior High School were awarded from the winning Best School Division as Best SDO-Model Schools as they showed exemplary practice in keeping their schools clean and germ-free.  

“This is an important partnership for Unilever and we’re very much honored because this initiative has helped our schools become a safer and better avenue for the youth to develop a clean school environment,” says Unilever Communications and Corporate Affairs Head Ed Sunico says in a statement. “We hope to get everyone’s help throughout the year and in more to come so that we can maintain this standard across all schools nationwide.”  

DepEd Undersecretary for Legislative Affairs and Partnerships Gerard Chan highlighted the challenges faced by the public throughout the ongoing school year, and how key partners like Unilever and Domex have helped the government implement the Comprehensive WinS Program. The program aims to provide clean water, usable and clean toilets, and proper hygiene practice in schools which are essential to achieving learning outcomes and are integral to keeping learners safe and healthy. 

“We at the Department of Education recognize everyone’s concern over the health and safety of our learners within and beyond the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. As learning shifted from classrooms to homes in the last 2 years, we have witnessed the entire school community, including all partners and stakeholders, come together to support our learners as they continue engaging in distance learning. And now, as we transition to 100% in-person learning, we are fortunate to have the unwavering support of our partners amidst this unprecedented time,” shares the Undersecretary.  

Immanuel Gebhardt, Country Director for the Philippines for the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ), the German government’s development agency that oversees international development cooperation for sustainable development, attended the event as well. He expressed the organization’s commitment to assist in providing local schools with supportive tools for proper sanitation with a focus on the operation and maintenance of sanitation facilities.

Unilever and Domex Brand Manager Regina Ocampo closed the event and expressed gratitude for the partnership between Unilever, Domex, DepEd, and GIZ. “We are whole-heartedly grateful that despite current challenges, we are still able to make this partnership thrive and continue to serve Filipino schools nationwide so that every student will have access to a clean school, especially usable and clean toilets, to help them become the future of this country,” says Ocampo. 

The Eskwelang Unstoppable Awards was done ahead of World Toilet Day on November 19, which aims to raise awareness for the 3.6 billion people around the globe who do not have access to safely managed sanitation. 

The Henry Sy Foundation, Inc. (HSFI) recently signed a collaboration agreement with the University of Sto. Tomas in order to further its mission of promoting youth and a culture of excellence through education in the Philippines. A building to advance health education in the nation will be built by the Tomas (UST) Research and Endowment Foundation.

The Henry Sy, Sr. Hotel is named in memory of the late founder of SM. On the main campus in Manila, the Hall of UST will be built to meet the demands of digital medical education.

The Hall will feature technologically advanced facilities and equipment that complement UST’s teaching, learning, and research practices. Focused on interdisciplinary collaboration in medical studies, it will also house the simulation and research facility of the UST Faculty of Medicine and Surgery (UST-FMS). 

Paragons with passion

Fr. Richard Gaw Ang, OP, Rector of UST, thanked the Sy family as they work together to provide the best education to future physicians and increase UST’s research productivity to fill the gaps where communities are disadvantaged.

“Your family consists of industry leaders who have visions for the Filipino community. Your choice to support this endeavor of the UST Faculty of Medicine and Surgery is a significant stamp of approval to the work and tradition of this medical institution,” Fr. Ang said in a letter to the Sy family.

“Your family’s Patriarch, Henry Sy, Sr., had principles in life that we, as an institution, give our best to also follow. We aim to lead as paragons with passion, integrity, far-reaching and optimistic vision, sensible priorities, and discipline. At the core of this is a deep sense of charity for God, the church, and the nation,” Fr. Ang added

The facility, which is emerging as a center of knowledge for aspiring doctors, contains a floor specifically designated for the Graduate Programs and Ethics Review Board in Medicine and Surgery as well as the Faculty of Medicine and Surgery Research Center. Here, research on medical education will be examined, as well as research on other medical specialties.

UST’s future Henry Sy, Sr. Hall

The facility, which is emerging as a center of knowledge for aspiring doctors, contains a floor specifically designated for the Graduate Programs and Ethics Review Board in Medicine and Surgery as well as the Faculty of Medicine and Surgery Research Center. Here, research on medical education will be examined, as well as research on other medical specialties.

The structure will include specialist facilities such an otorhinolaryngology laboratory, medical simulation centers, and care ultrasound institute. These will be outfitted with state-of-the-art equipment and technology to hone the skills of medical students in a variety of simulated healthcare environments spanning the lifespan.

The HSFI is a non-stock, non-profit organization inspired by SM founder Henry Sy, Sr.’s desire to aid educational institutions to drive Philippine social development. Its projects are undertaken in partnership with the SM group and its foundations to honor the SM founder by supporting educational institutions in promoting academic excellence as a key to a brighter future for the youth. Through the years, the foundation established and supported several academic infrastructures, such as the Henry Sy Sr. Primary School Building in Xavier School, Nuvali Laguna; Henry Sy Sr. Innovation Center in Miriam College, Quezon City; NU Sports Academy in Calamba, Laguna; NU Nazareth School in Manila; and a Henry Sy Sr. Hall each at Immaculate Conception Academy, San Juan City, and Assumption College. 

The United Iloilo Convention (UNICON 2022), which will take place in Western Visayas from October 29 to 30, 2022 at the SM City Iloilo Cyberzone, will bring together fans of video games, toys, and cosplay. Home Credit Philippines (HCPH), the nation’s top consumer finance company, collaborated with ILO Esports, the only government-backed esports organization in the Philippines, to put the convention together.

A toy convention, cosplay exhibition, and e-games competition were among the many events at UNICON 2022. Home Credit also set up an immersive and experiential event where Ilonggos could test out cutting-edge technology, play electronic games with a live stream of the action displayed on a huge LED screen, and use an augmented reality Instagram filters.

Anchored on its #PlayLikeAPro campaign, Home Credit was able to showcase the best gaming smartphones, computers, and laptops, which can be purchased through its partner merchants in Iloilo City, such as Gadget Headz and Concept Computer Store.

“We at Home Credit wanted to bring home the power to Ilonggos for UNICON 2022 as part of our thrust to grow and nurture our communities across the Philippines. Esports has become a big community, and a big chunk of our customers get their smartphones and laptops through Home Credit, not only for online schooling or work but likewise for gaming,” shared Home Credit Philippines’ PR Manager, Russel Patina. 

The UNICON 2022 was a weekend-long event that brought together the esports fever, with activities such as art and magic exhibits and video game duels like Tekken. A Yu-Gi-Oh! event, a cosplay parade, and a tournament took place during the second day of the event.

“I would like to thank Home Credit for helping us organize this year’s UNICON. We wish and we aim that through this event, we’re able to unite the Ilonggos through games, cosplay, and collections,” shared ILO Esports’ Found and CEO, Jamar Montehermoso.

With its growing popularity, esports has become one of the most talked-about topics in the country. What was once a niche hobby has now evolved into a major sporting event, with pro teams being organized and sent out to represent the country in international competitions.  

Angel Danica Lozada, aka Angelailaila, a League of Legends: Wild Rift player and former SEA Games representative, expressed her appreciation to Home Credit for holding the event and paving the way for gaming athletes and enthusiasts, as well as for promoting esports to the Ilonggo community.

“Through Home Credit and ILO Esports, I hope that more and more Filipino youth and Ilonggos will be encouraged to play and build an empowering esports community with us here in the Philippines. Like Home Credit, let’s bring the power and play like a pro,” shared Lozada.

Your gaming essentials at 0% Interest this holiday season!

As a holiday treat for Filipino customers, Home Credit launches The Great 0% Interest Festival with over 50,000 products offered at 0% interest rates at almost 10,000 partner storesnationwide.

Grab the latest gaming computers, laptops, and mobile phones at 0% installments and bring home the power with Home Credit Philippines #HCGreatZeroFestival this holiday season! 

Why are you holding out? Visit the nearby retail stores and partner brands through the My Home Credit app to start shopping right away. Shoppers may currently take advantage of The Great 0% Interest Festival and get the best deals through January 31!

The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP). have properly licensed and overseen the financing firm Home Credit Philippines (BSP). Visit the Home Credit Philippines website at www.homecredit.ph to find out more about the most recent news. You may also follow the company’s official profiles on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok. Customers are advised to download the My Home Credit app from Google Play in order to learn more about the most recent promotions and discover what has recently appeared in the market.

More information on HCPH is available at www.homecredit.ph.  

Greenfield Development Corp. (GDC) will host a “Car Boot Sale” with celebrities and influencers from November 18 to November 20 in the Mayflower Parking Area of Greenfield District in honor of the approaching Christmas season.

Atty. According to GDC Executive Vice President Duane A.X. Santos, the occasion marks the first anniversary of the Food Truck Fest. It is Metro Manila’s largest collection of food trucks that are consistently located in one location.

“We added the Car Boot Sale to complement the Food Truck Fest, which offers a unique and safe al fresco dining experience to the public with 18 food trucks set up at the heart of Mandaluyong’s Greenfield District,” he said, adding strict health protocols are in place to ensure the safety of the public. 

This year, Santos said GDC invited celebrities and influencers, including Maxine Medina, Kim Baranda, Jome Silayan, Louise delos Reyes, Chris Tan, Karel Marquez and Kevin Ty, to sell pre-loved items, plants, food, and other products. 

“We wanted to have a shopping component that would go well with the Food Truck Fest, especially during the ‘Ber months’ so we came up with the concept where vehicles will serve as merchants’ stores,” he explained.

Santos also encouraged entrepreneurs, including startups, to sell their products and test the market.

He said the event also aims to raise awareness among the public on supporting local sellers and protecting the environment by using reusable bags. 

“Soon, we intend to come up with more interesting and fun activities and offer a possible venue for outdoor corporate events like product launches, especially since it already has a captured market,” Santos added.

The Car Boot Sale: Celebrity Edition will operate from 4 pm until 12 midnight, while the Food Truck Fest runs daily from Monday to Thursday, 12 noon until 10 pm, and Friday to Sunday, from 12 noon until 12 midnight.

Greenfield District is a cutting-edge development that redefines the future of Mandaluyong. Its green spaces and pedestrian-friendly neighborhoods are just some features worth mentioning about this innovative cityscape.

A growing location in Metro Manila for outdoor activities that support holistic wellness is the 15-hectare urban development of GDC. Twin Oaks Place and Zitan, two futuristic condominiums that are located there, demonstrate GDC’s dedication to offering top-notch living quarters while encouraging wellness among its residents.

Condominium dwellers in Greenfield District may now have a great time with their friends and family thanks to the food park at GDC. The Food Truck Fest is conveniently located close by, and this region is reachable from the main business centers in Metro Manila.

Visit www.greenfield.com.ph, www.facebook.com/greenfielddistrict, and www.instagram.com/greenfielddistrictretail for additional information.