SMC launches program to help address barriers to continuing education in communities

Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, April 24) – San Miguel Corporation (SMC) has rolled out a youth development program focusing on children of disadvantaged families near its planned development sites nationwide.

SMC President Ramon S. Ang said the SMC Educational Assistance Program will benefit some 292 elementary, junior high, senior high and college students around communities it serves in Bulacan, Quezon, Batangas, and General Santos City.

“Sustainability is a big part of not just our new projects, but all of San Miguel’s operations. For our communities, it is even more critical, that is why in the last couple of years, we have been very proactive in instituting social and environmental initiatives in our future project sites, long before any construction is done,” said Ang.

SMC’s educational assistance includes monthly allowance for internet access and values formation seminars geared at shaping beneficiaries into future leaders of the community.

The responsibilities of educational assistance beneficiaries include regular submission of academic performance, participation in various SMC programs in greening, and tutoring duties to fellow residents under the alternative learning system.

Ang said the program was piloted in Sariaya, Quezon, where SMC built a model sustainable housing relocation village.

The program is currently benefiting some 43 students in Sariaya, whose parents have also been provided by SMC with training on entrepreneurship and various skills through a partnership with the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA).

SMC has also launched a separate education assistance program for 81 beneficiaries in Bulakan, Bulacan, where it is set to build the New Manila International Airport (NMIA).

Meanwhile, a total of 129 students from elementary, junior high, senior high, and college levels are also benefiting from the program in Calatagan, Batangas.

In General Santos City, a total of 39 junior high, senior high, and college students were included in the program.

“Access to education is a basic right for the youth even with all the limitations brought on by the pandemic,” Ang emphasized.

Some program beneficiaries expressed gratitude for SMC’s efforts to help their families and their own goal to gain employment and serve others.

“Nagpapasalamat po ako sa assistance ng San Miguel. Dahil dito mas maaabot ko ‘yung opportunities na available at kung ano man, ay pangarap ko rin magkaroon ng sariling business,” said Arabella Manalo, a second-year business administration student at the Southern Luzon State University.

[Translation: I’m thanking San Miguel for the assistance. Because of this, I can now attain available opportunities, especially ones that can help fulfill my dream of having my own business.]