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.
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.
“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.
