Tuesday, July 15, 2025

Lighting Up Classrooms, Shaping Leaders: Aboitiz Champions the Dreams of Young Filipinos

Aboitiz Foundation, of the Aboitiz Group, the Philippines’ first techglomerate, is ramping up efforts to bring electricity and internet connectivity to last-mile schools nationwide in support of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s directive to prioritize power and internet access in public education.

AuroraPH is one of Aboitiz Foundation’s pioneering initiatives designed to bridge the digital and energy divide in the Philippines’ most underserved public schools. It addresses a critical gap in the Philippine educational landscape: over 1,500 public schools remain without electricity, and more than 9,000 last-mile schools lack access to vital digital infrastructure.

In partnership with the Department of Education (DepEd), AuroraPH delivers solar power, high-speed internet connectivity, and digital tools to remote learning environments— turning classrooms at the edge of the country into hubs of opportunity.

LIGHTING UP THE FUTURE, ONE SCHOOL AT A TIME: AuroraPH brings solar power, connectivity, and digital learning tools to the most remote corners of the country

Following a successful pilot implementation in 2024, AuroraPH has powered up eight remote schools, with two more set for turnover and eight currently undergoing solarizatiobtion. These initiatives have directly benefited over 2,500 students and educators.

An additional 31 schools are in the pipeline as Aboitiz Foundation accelerates toward its 2025 goal of energizing 100 last-mile schools.

“AuroraPH represents our commitment to a future where no learner is left in the dark,” said Ginggay Hontiveros Malvar, President of Aboitiz Foundation. “By bringing electricity and internet to last-mile schools, we can unlock a world of possibilities for the next generation.”

The program directly advances United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 4 on quality education and supports the broader vision of nation building through expanded digital inclusion. Strengthened by strategic partnerships with both corporate and government stakeholders, AuroraPH goes beyond bridging infrastructure gaps by serving as a catalyst for sustainable, inclusive transformation in the education sector.

Together with DepEd, Aboitiz Foundation is also supporting the Department of Information and Communications Technology in enabling internet connectivity in last-mile schools, ensuring that digital access accompanies electrification efforts.

As the country moves toward more equitable and future-ready education, initiatives like AuroraPH play a vital role in breaking barriers to learning by providing access to essential technologies and learning tools to teachers and learners.

Through its continued investment in inclusive education, the Aboitiz Foundation reaffirms its commitment to uplifting communities, empowering the next generation, and lighting the way to a more connected, equitable, and resilient Philippines.

INSPIRING IMPACT for Future Leaders

Complementing AuroraPH is the Aboitiz Future Leaders program, a college scholarship program which aims to develop the next generation of socially responsible and globally competitive Filipino leaders. Since its inception 15 years ago, more than 500 college students have benefited from full scholarships, learning sessions and holistic support for their academic and leadership journey.

Aboitiz Future Leaders scholars represent the next generation of changemakers with the vision and heart to lead

More than financial aid, scholars receive mentorship from Aboitiz executives, participate in immersive bootcamps, engage in corporate social responsibility activities, and gain access to potential career paths within the Aboitiz Group. The program incentivizes academic excellence and provides subsidies for board exam review, bolstering the scholars’ chances of success.

In 2024, 50 new scholars joined the roster of Aboitiz Future Leaders, many of them pursuing degrees in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) at leading universities including Ateneo de Manila, De La Salle University, University of the Philippines Diliman, University of Santo Tomas, and Mapúa University. This year, the Foundation aims to double the number of scholars to 100, underscoring its belief in the Filipino youth as vital catalysts of progress and community development.

Most recently, the Aboitiz Foundation forged a strategic partnership with Fulbright Philippines to cultivate the next generation of globally competitive Filipino leaders, particularly within the critical STEM fields. This collaboration opens new avenues for Filipino students to pursue advanced education, specialized training, and research opportunities in the United States.

At the core of this partnership is the shared belief that education is the most potent catalyst for meaningful and sustainable change. Working together with Fulbright reinforces Aboitiz Foundation’s commitment to developing world-class Filipino leaders who can drive change in their communities and contribute to the country’s growth. 

“Education is where inclusive nation-building begins,” Hontiveros Malvar added. “Through strategic partnerships and initiatives such as AuroraPH and the Aboitiz Future Leaders Program, we are actively shaping a future where every Filipino has the opportunity to thrive and contribute meaningfully to national development.”

Recognizing the vital role of young Filipinos in shaping the nation’s future, Aboitiz Foundation remains focused on delivering transformative solutions and forging meaningful partnerships in education. Each connected school and empowered student brings the country closer to a more equitable, resilient and inclusive society. This commitment to uplifting lives and advancing nation-building endures—one learner, one community at a time.

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