Aboitiz Foundation-DepEd-PBEd partnership make students’ work immersion easily accessible
Senior high school (SHS) students, specifically Grades 11 and 12, will now have an opportunity to have a glimpse of the workforce life through a work immersion program by the Aboitiz Foundation in collaboration with the Department of Education (DepEd) and Philippine Business for Education (PBEd).
Aboitiz Foundation First Vice President and Chief Operating Officer Maribeth L. Marasigan signed a memorandum of agreement to roll-out the program with DepEd Undersecretary Tonisito Umali and PBEd Director for Workforce Development Justine Raagas last September 16, 2019 in Taguig City.
Under the Aboitiz Senior High School Work Immersion Program, various Aboitiz business units will accommodate qualified SHS students to be “immersed” in industries relevant to their chosen education track for a period of 80 hours or 10 working days.
DepEd asserted that support from private companies and institutions enable efficient implementation of such programs that pave the way for quality education in the country.
“Ano po ang mangyayari kung wala po ang ating mga partners katulad ng Aboitiz Foundation? Nagpapasalamat po kami sa inyo dahil wala po talaga kaming pondo para mabigyan sila (SHS students) ng pagkakataon para makapagtrabaho. Sa iba po, nagbabayad pa yan, pero dito po (Aboitiz Foundation) sila pa ang magbibigay ng allowance or stipendas they do their work immersion(How can we succeed without partners such as the Aboitiz Foundation? We are truly grateful as we are challenged to fund work opportunities for SHS students. With others, students even pay, but here with the Aboitiz Foundation, a work immersion allowance or stipend is even provided.)” said Umali.
The Senior High School Work Immersion is a DepEd-mandated program that aims to holistically develop Grades 11 and 12 students’ academic learning via hands-on experience in an industry. It aims to strengthen knowledge through practical application, supplementing classroom learning.
“Today, as we, the Aboitiz Foundation, DepEd, and PBEd, partner for the Senior High School Work Immersion Program, our chosen young nation-builders will gain the experience to work with our passionate team members towards becoming more motivated to reach their fullest potential,” said Marasigan.
She also recognized participating Aboitiz business units Hedcor, Davao Light, Subic EnerZone, and Pilmico for being instrumental in the program’s successful pilot roll-out this school year.
“We also thank DepEd and PBed for choosing the Aboitiz Group to be one of your partners in providing high-quality education to all the Filipino students. This is a privilege that we are always proud of. Rest assured that we will do our best to stay worthy of your trust,” Marasigan added.
First Future Project
The Aboitiz group is also participating in First Future Project, an initiative by PBEd and Citi Foundation which supports youth employability by engaging members of the business sector in the training and affirmative hiring of K to 12 students and graduates.
This SY 2019-2020, 30 qualified senior high school students will again “immerse” for 80 hours (10 days) in six Aboitiz BUs (Aboitiz Foundation, Hedcor Benguet, Hedcor Davao, Davao Light, Pilmico, and Subic Enerzone). They will be equipped with knowledge and skills in different industries and receive a stipend and transportation allowance.
