TO this day, many learners and teachers remain left behind, struggling to keep pace with academic progress. Across the Philippines, countless students study without electricity and cross rivers just to attend school.
This is exactly why Brother Philippines’ Brigada Eskwela Adopt-A-School Program was born in 2012, directly supporting UN Sustainable Development Goal 4 (Quality Education) and Goal 17 (Partnerships for the Goals).
Brother Philippines has recently celebrated its 25th year anniversary of corporate operations in the country, and its mission of supporting communities continues.
Alongside this milestone, Brigada Eskwela Adopt-A-School Program also marked 13 years of meaningful partnership with Inigan Elementary School, a remote, underserved riverside institution in Rodriguez, Rizal.
Through the program, beneficiaries do not have to spend on school materials, drastically easing financial vulnerability, especially for single parents and low-income households.
Amy Lanuza, a parent-beneficiary, expressed her gratitude for the support provided by Brother Philippines: “Since they donate all the essential school supplies every single year, it means I don’t have to worry about buying them anymore. As a single parent, it means the world to me that my kids get brand-new supplies every school year.”
The program goes beyond the distribution of school supplies by encouraging a culture of volunteerism and community involvement, strengthening connections with students and their families.
In a show of support, some Brother Philippines employees personally contribute by voluntarily sponsoring selected students. Through their own funds, they provide comprehensive support packages that cover the students’ essential academic needs for the school year.
Beyond financial assistance, some employees also dedicate their time to visiting the school and engaging with students.
“What makes this initiative truly special is our employees, who voluntarily buy supplies out of their own pockets to sponsor selected students. We believe that by investing in the next generation, we are contributing to a brighter future for the Philippines. This partnership remains a source of immense pride for our entire organization,” said Glenn Hocson, president of Brother Philippines.
Sheilini Buenaflor, head teacher-in-charge at Inigan Elementary School, was a witness to all this support from Brother Philippines and employees, too.
Buenaflor says, “The impact on our community has been profound because the kids are genuinely inspired to study well. They know that — despite their difficult circumstances in life — there are good people consistently looking out for them. There is no hindrance.”