14 May 2009
iRemit, Incorporated (iRemit), the country’s largest non-bank, Filipino owned remittance company is strengthening its campaign to raise social awareness, generate public support and mobilize resources for children’s education in the Philippines despite current difficulties due to the global economic crunch.
Having an alliance with Synergeia Foundation for its drive, iRemit raised funds totaling to P 516,540, through its corporate social responsibility campaign, for P. Guevara Elementary School in Tondo, Manila. The fund-raising activity aims to support the reading proficiency program for grade one students.
"Amidst the reported financial downturn globally, the company still recognizes the value of supporting society especially in the field of education. This never stopped us from fulfilling our commitment with P. Guevarra Elementary School, which we started last year" said Harris Jacildo, president and COO.
The fund will be used to assist 1,414 children to read, write and speak basic English well. This is a follow-up to a recent initiative by iRemit and Synergeia to provide the school with basic classroom materials. According to Jacildo, the company prides itself on being a great advocate in social responsibility. "This undertaking does not only express a well-intentioned effort of corporate do-good but as a positive strategy, able to add value to long-term corporate goals of being a safe, secure and reliable remittance provider and a company that is deeply involved in social programs for the community". Jacildo further states that the global financial crisis provides an opportunity for companies to move towards responsible investment for the country, where there is an incentive for a long-term vision rather than short term gains.
iRemit thus reinforces its community campaign, with emphasis
on the current issues of the shortage of classrooms and the increasing
numbers of out-of-school youths brought by the nation’s poverty.
Jacildo explains that the company aims to make a real contribution to
the learning and development of young people, “students, particularly
the families and relatives of OFWs, from the classroom to the workplace,”
making it a rewarding endeavor for the future, and will ensure the company
a leading role in sustainable development.
iRemit’s Corporate Social Responsibility arm, iCare embodies the company’s aim of involvement in social programs for the community that focuses on two of the greatest concerns of OFWs: education and livelihood. iCare’s “Learning for Life” campaign recognizes that everyone should play a role in the continuous improvement of tomorrow's work force. The company aims to make a real contribution to the learning and development of young people, particularly the families and relatives of OFWs, from the classroom to the workplace.
Synergeia and its partners implement systemic programs to improve the provision of basic education to nearly 1.3 million schoolchildren 250 municipalities in the country. By engaging local governments, socio-civic groups, schools, teachers, parents and students, Synergeia’s programs serve as catalysts in mobilizing communities to recognize their collective responsibility in improving basic education.
Media Contact
JUSTINE P. CASTELLON
[email address dedicated to press room iremitpress@iremit-inc.com]
