DepEd Secretary Sonny Angara Applauds Aboitiz Foundation for Transformative Efforts in Philippine Education

Unite for Transformative Education. Aboitiz Group leaders and education advocates stand alongside DepEd Secretary Sonny Angara to champion innovative and impactful education initiatives. From left: CitySavings External Relations Head Atty. Roel Eric “Rookie” Garcia, CitySavings CSR and Sustainability Head Paula Ruelan, DepEd Secretary Sonny Angara, Aboitiz Foundation COO Mardi Mapa-Suplido, and Aboitiz Foundation President Ginggay Hontiveros-Malvar. (File Photo)

As 2024 comes to a close, Department of Education (DepEd) Secretary Sonny Angara commended the Aboitiz Foundation for its continued dedication to improving Philippine education. Through programs like AuroraPH and Aboitiz Future Leaders, the Foundation has created lasting solutions to benefit students and teachers, especially in remote and underserved areas.

“Aboitiz Foundation has demonstrated unwavering dedication to providing quality education for the Filipino youth, particularly in underserved and remote communities,” said Secretary Angara.  “Public-private partnerships accelerate our impact on learners and teachers. By working together, we can create enduring solutions that ensure a brighter future for Filipino children.”

The AuroraPH program has exceeded its 2024 goal by energizing and connecting 11 last-mile schools to the internet through solar power, surpassing the original target of 10 schools. These solar panels provide a sustainable solution to energy and connectivity issues in remote areas. In 2025, the Foundation plans to expand AuroraPH to reach 100 more schools nationwide, helping even more students access quality education.

Meanwhile, the Aboitiz Future Leaders program continues to empower the youth, currently supporting 50 college scholars in various universities across the country. For 2025, the program aims to onboard 100 more scholars, giving them access to education and brighter career opportunities.

“Our partnership with DepEd drives us to create transformative programs that open pathways for Filipino youth,” said Aboitiz Foundation President Ginggay Hontiveros-Malvar. “Through AuroraPH and Aboitiz Future Leaders, we’re turning challenges into opportunities for success.”

In addition to education, the Aboitiz Foundation focuses on two other pillars: Jobs and Climate Action. The flagship program under the Jobs pillar, Elevate AIDA, equips women with skills in artificial intelligence and data annotation, paving the way for meaningful job placements and income generation. Meanwhile, the Climate Action pillar highlights programs such as CarbonPH and the Wasteless Campaign, both of which emphasize environmental sustainability and resilience. CarbonPH focuses on reforestation and watershed recovery, while the Wasteless Campaign promotes recycling and sustainable practices in partnership with communities and stakeholders.

The Aboitiz Foundation’s multi-pronged approach to nation-building reflects its mission to create a better and more sustainable Philippines. By supporting education, fostering job creation, and championing climate action, the Foundation aligns with national development goals and inspires collaboration across sectors.

“Programs like AuroraPH and Aboitiz Future Leaders show how partnerships can drive inclusive growth and sustainable development,” added Hontiveros-Malvar. “We thank the Department of Education for its invaluable guidance and support.”

The DepEd also recognized other Aboitiz Group initiatives from City Savings Bank, AboitizPower’s Therma South Inc., and Visayan Electric, for advancing education and uplifting communities across the Philippines. (PR)

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.