In a philanthropic feat that underscores corporate social responsibility at its finest, San Miguel Corp. (SMC), led by its president Ramon S. Ang, has committed $10.5 million (approximately P500 million) towards the expansion of educational infrastructure in the heart of Manila.
This landmark contribution was announced during the grand opening of SMC’s largest community center, heralding a new era of development for the capital city’s underserved communities.
Ang, a native of Tondo himself, delivered this monumental pledge to Manila Mayor Honey Lacuna, reaffirming his commitment to the betterment of his hometown.
Located near the former Smokey Mountain landfill, SMC’s 3,700-square meter state-of-the-art facility marks the latest addition to its Better World Community Centers initiative.
The newly inaugurated facility, aptly named Better World Smokey Mountain, will serve as a hub for learning and skills development, catering to approximately 2,500 families, or roughly 12,500 individuals, hailing from underserved communities in Tondo.
With 39 modern classrooms distributed across four levels, this center promises to be a catalyst for positive change.
“Our goal is to equip our Tondo beneficiaries with essential skills, instill in them a growth mindset, and a vision of a brighter future. By providing these families the opportunity to upskill, we hope to ultimately boost their income levels, decrease unemployment, elevate overall living standards, and help them realize inter-generational change,” Ang said.
SMC has partnered with AHA Learning Center, Upskills+ Foundations Inc., Project Pearls, Sandiwaan Center for Learning Inc., and Tulay sa Pag-Unlad Inc. to meet the diverse needs of families in the community.
“As we celebrate San Miguel’s 133rd anniversary, our commitment to nation-building and in helping uplift the lives of more Filipinos, is as strong as ever. And today, a critical challenge in our country is the widening skills gap in our disadvantaged communities, which hinders the progress of many of our kababayans,” Ang said.
