Special Issue 2008

Petron Foundation, Inc. Petron MegaPlaza 358 Sen. Gil J. Puyat Avenue 1200 Makati City, Philippines Tel. No.: (632) 886-3888 Fax No.: (632) 886-3044 www.petron.com

Helping Filipino Children and Youth Overcome Poverty through Education

Fuel HOPE

THE CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY MAGAZINE OF PETRON

Special Issue, 2008

Petron Parents: Proud and Strong Report Card Scrapbook of Memories It Takes A Village All Together Now How They Measure Up Turning The Tables

Graduate Na Po Kami! Tulong Aral ng Petron scholars celebrate the beginning of a lifelong journey.

Inside Fuel HOPE CSR Magazine

Special Issue, 2008

We’ve Done It!

A

Editor’s Note

fter six challenging and fulfilling years, we come to this wonderful occasion: the graduation of the first batch of scholars under Tulong Aral ng Petron. This special Petron publication is a celebration piece. We congratulate each one of you and your parents, as well as your teachers and school principals, and all of our Petron employees and partners who lighted our path throughout this six-year journey. Graduate na po tayong lahat! More than the honor itself, what makes us most proud is the journey we had to take to get here. As Ralph Waldo Emerson said, “The reward of a thing well done is to have done it.” Scholarship is more than just getting straight A’s or a line of nine. It is a lifelong love of learning. In the end, it is a sum of small

choices -- from the day every parent decides to fight poverty by arming their children with the needed education, to every waking day a child struggles to take the long walk to school despite an empty stomach to fulfill the dream. Every day is a choice between surrender and hope. Every day we ask and pinch ourselves if the dream of graduating is real and not just a pipe dream. But we continue to persevere to get our own straight A’s in life. This honor is meant to recognize and celebrate the choices -- even the sacrifices -we have made throughout this journey. As every child and parent would attest, getting into Tulong Aral ng Petron is like signing a pact or a covenant to never lose hope. It is a hope that should continue to burn in our hearts long after this graduation day. May this graduation be a celebration of hope. And may this hope continue to flourish within your hearts and enable you to create and enjoy a brighter future.

MARILOU G. ERNI Executive Director Petron Foundation, Inc.

1

Q&A: Beyond the Numbers with



Petron Corporation Chairman and



CEO Nicasio I. Alcantara

3 5 6 12 14 16 18 20 21 22

Graduate Na Po Kami!



Everywhere.

24 25

Pangarap

Together, hand in hand, mother and child walked a kilometer each day for six years to go to school. On graduation day, they would walk on a different path: up the stage, into the limelight, and towards the fulfillment of a dream to get out of poverty. The first batch of Tulong Aral ng Petron scholars, numbering 1,137 out of 6,050 scholars, will finally graduate this March. Six years ago, they took a journey – along with their parents, teachers, principals, and several Tulong Aral partners – that led them to many less-traveled roads. These roads lead up to this day. Theirs are the sweet stories of hoping, believing, and making dreams come true.

Report Card The Graduates Scrapbook of Memories Petron Parents: Proud and Strong It Takes a Village All Together Now How They Measure Up Turning The Tables Doing Good. Doing It Well.

Buhay Iskolar

Staff Box

Contents

About the Cover

Editor-In-Chief: Marilou G. Erni Editorial Content: Writers Edge, Inc. Design & Layout: OP Communications, Inc. Contributors: Dani Bayani, Kelly Cedeño, Maeyet Lapeña, Badette Pabustan, Mattie Uylangco, Allan Victorino, Sherly Viñas, Danny Pagaduan Photos: Dojo Palines, Sandy Palomo Fuel HOPE CSR Magazine is a special publication of Petron Foundation, Inc. We welcome your comments and feedback. Please send them to: The Executive Director, Petron Foundation, Inc., 358 Sen. Gil J. Puyat Avenue 1200 Makati City. Or email us at [email protected].

Q&A:

Beyond the Numbers

with Petron Corporation Chairman and CEO Nicasio I. Alcantara

“The greatest measures of success are those that are not shown in figures.”

A

t Petron, the life and the promise of a better future for every Filipino student is talked about right in the boardroom. This is because corporate social responsibility (CSR) is at the heart of Petron – its values as a brand and its mission as a company that fuels hope. In this interview, Petron Chairman and CEO Nicasio I. Alcantara (NIA) talks about Tulong Aral ng Petron and what the company’s flagship CSR program brings to Petron. Excerpts follow:   

What inspired Petron to go beyond giving out college scholarships and deal with problems in basic education? NIA: We realized that an education program that helps students get a college education is important. But we decided there is a better way to use our resources to make education more meaningful to Filipino children. When we met with officials from the Department of Education (DepED), we learned that only four out of ten children who enter grade school would be able to

finish high school because they were poor. Many of these children would even go to school hungry, without shoes and school bags. Some would feel ashamed and drop out of school. So we felt we could have a more positive effect by helping in the area of basic education. From this, Petron Foundation worked with DepED and the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) for a program that will bring these children to school, keep them there, and make sure they learn. In 2002, we launched Tulong Aral ng Petron. With Tulong Aral, we hope to give the children the chance to go to school and complete their elementary education instead of becoming street children. We also wanted to help improve the lives of the parents so they can better help their children do well in school. Tulong Aral is all about giving hope. We want to tell them they can have the gift of education and this gift is their way out of poverty. An educated child has more opportunities in life, and has more chances to find work or start a business.

After six years, would you say that Tulong Aral is a success? How does Petron measure this success? NIA: Yes, we look at Tulong Aral as a success. When we started out in 2002, we wanted to help solve the problems of poverty, high dropout rates, and poor academic achievement in elementary school. After six years of running the program, we have been able to send more than 6,000 children to school. More than just giving uniforms and school supplies, we help them do better in their studies. The scholars’ response to Tulong Aral has been very heartwarming. They are choosing to stay in school so the dropout rate is smaller at just under 3% compared with the national average of about 6.3%. They are also performing very well in their academics. We have 1,520 outstanding students at the end of the school year 2007-2008 and 198 of them are first honor students. They are showing their appreciation to the gift of education by excelling in their studies. One very encouraging story is that of PAREF Southridge School in Alabang. This exclusive school for boys offered its Afternoon School program to our Tulong Aral scholars, and seven have a good chance of getting high school scholarships. CSR MAGAZINE • 

Q&A: Beyond the Numbers

Aside from the children, Tulong Aral has also benefited more than 300 teachers and principals under the PetronSa Aklat Sisikat Reading Program and Bright Minds Read Program. These training programs enhance the skills and knowledge of the educators. We also have 48 Petron Parents Associations organized. These groups show the commitment of the parents to support their children. But perhaps the greatest measures of success are those that are not shown in figures: the smiles on the faces of the scholars and their parents, their tears of joy when they receive their new uniforms and school supplies or Christmas gift packs, the pride of being called a Tulong Aral scholar. Success is seen in the glowing letters they write to their parents and Petron sponsors, thanking them for giving hope, and promising to make them proud when they graduate. We also measure success by the positive response of Petron employees, many of whom have donated part of their salaries to Tulong Aral. They also join the school supplies distribution and story telling sessions during summer and our regular Project Joy in December to meet the scholars and spend time with them. Some of our employees have been donating funds to the program every year and there are those who have pledged to support Tulong Aral throughout the life of the program. Success is measured as well by the many partnerships we have forged with Tulong Aral. Our major stakeholders in the program include the DSWD, DepED, World Vision Development Foundation, Philippine Psychology Research and Training House (PPRTH), and SM. We feel good when DepED NCR Regional Director Teresita Domalanta calls Petron “a company of hope, not just for its young beneficiaries, but for the whole nation” or when DSWD Undersecretary Alice Bala says she looks forward to the graduation of the scholars and “seeing their faces glowing with pride, knowing they will no longer look at the world with sad, hopeless eyes and knowing that with Tulong Aral, there will be more of them.”

To what would you attribute Tulong Aral’s success? NIA: First is partnering relationships. The active participation of principals, teachers, and social workers in the program is because of the strong partnerships we have with the DSWD and DepED. We were also blessed to have the World Vision Development Foundation join us to help implement the program. They have been instrumental in making sure that the distribution of school supplies were complete and orderly, the scholars were staying in school and doing well in their classes, the parents were focusing on the studies of their children, among others. Other partners that are making a big contribution are Sa Aklat Sisikat Foundation and McDonald’s House Charities, that have been helping us with the reading programs for our grades 1, 3 and 4. Mirant Philippines Foundation (now known as TeaM Energy Foundation) and Credit Suisse are two institutions sending scholars under the Tulong Aral program. With SM as a new partner, it will now be very easy for us to manage the distribution of uniforms and school supplies to our scholars. Second is the commitment of the parents of our scholars to the program. They have realized that Petron is serious  • PETRON FUELS HOPE

Tulong Aral scholars show their appreciation to Petron with a gift for Mr. Alcantara

about Tulong Aral in sending their children to school from grade 1 to 6. Because of this, they are making a lot of effort to guide their children, inspire them to take their studies seriously and make the most of their gift of education. We are also very proud of the Petron employees who have been very supportive of Tulong Aral since the start of the program.

What lessons have you learned from the experience of running Tulong Aral? What were the bright spots, as well as the dark clouds?   NIA: Logistics is always a problem, but we have learned how to manage it, even with 1,000 additional scholars adding each year. Again, we are blessed to have partners that help us. Beyond that, the only “dark cloud” is knowing that we are only able to help a small percentage of the half a million outof-school children in Metro Manila alone. But we can only do so much. Our goal really is to be a catalyst of change, to be able to encourage other companies or institutions to join us in this effort. Tulong Aral really is a collection of many stories of success. With the program, we have been touching the lives of thousands of children and their families. We have been able to inspire others to share this work with us. In turn, our lives have been touched, and made better by children who see the chance to overcome poverty and have a better future because of Tulong Aral.

What awaits the first batch of Tulong Aral graduates? How will Petron continue to fuel hopes and ensure the momentum? NIA: When we started Tulong Aral, we simply wanted to give poor children the chance to have basic elementary education. With the success of Tulong Aral, we would like to extend this chance. From the graduates, we will select the best ones and send them to high school. We are happy that Land Bank of the Philippines and DSWD are helping us with this program. At the same time, we will continue to improve on the implementation of Tulong Aral. One goal is to help them raise their scores in the National Achievement Test. Looking ahead, we hope that others will follow what we have started with Tulong Aral. We hope to have more partners in the program, and have even more employees contributing in every way they can so that we can continue to give hope to these children.

e t a u d Gra o Kami! P a N ate r b e l e c lars o h c s n tro ey. e n r P u g o j n l g ra on Tulong A ning of a lifel knew n i g e already a b i r o e L new th rian Jay lready k

B a da and e, they n g o a d r e r e a d ten Peñ , at this emimah y J l t , t n a h t g r i o Brian At e ah and ore imp M m i . t m n e n’s J u co lies of n. n Heave h and i o o m how to d d a e f n t u e n o h ima nd p os, t be cou h day a f Filipin sets Jem nings, c how to o a t e a y t h i e l r W b o j a pen. begin Like ma t food on the t s to hap d just humble e l c a u r p i to re cm struggle er for economi ies are conside ation r d ar sto ir gradu r e i h e t h t n i doors h t a nts ching art is th backs. r stude ust mar j o n t o o h Brian ap life’s early set n e e n ar th ar t of and Bria ong dream. Bo nt at Tenemen h a instead m i m l e e e d f J i at u l , ’ In fact a top st tatorian parents h u l r a i a s e m i h g s t s m lling s – Je n a cla re amon a a i r o B w d t and fulfi pective classe n e ity a . Th res ction Taguig C ol in Pandacan n i l in their c distin o i o m h o e c h S d c a S y tar tary ith ac Elemen Elemen ating w a u r d o a r m g a Z lars Jacinto ral scho A g n o l u the 54 T r. this yea CSR MAGAZINE • 

ble tron is a e P ( n i nam us). kagaya lies like lated a i n m a p f a r r i f poo gy-re mahih ildren o up a technolo nce. I want h c p l e scie to h take mputer m is to o a c e r e d k i l y M er. ge, in colle se the comput course u how to to learn

social porate r o n c ip h ags rporatio is the fl tron Co l e P a r f A o ip g il F ino ram Tulon Helping R) prog r S o C f ( y m y it n ibil an acro hrough respons t HOPE, overty t c P sic e e j o m r o P erc year ba under o a sixouth Ov t an y az s d r n la a o el O. Di School, Pandac sto kong s sch o d N n children e x s e E R r . Gu ntary n. HOP h of a nurse heal people fo a Eleme Educatio rst batc tion. t e a fi a c m e s . u o B 8 it d c 0 e e 0 e t to ob tary March 2 l gradua elemen I want t g libre (I want l. e 6 this ram wil a d g r a o A r r p G g – n n e 7 lo 13 Th mot nder Tu aling 1, mangga ng Aral holars u ries tot c lo s ia u c 0 T fi 5 f e 0 o , n be ntly 6 journey veled free.) re curre less-tra ars, the e y y n a a ix There a s m -old s to e past aredond l, Pandacan ñ one age e partner o P s t Over th . it p D d u n ah chool. I S u choo lead m o S ron a i h y ll t y g a e n m r i P e e a r, H J t h n e n e v e ence leme e true w has tak ds, how guig Sci lp my family. ement E a n s do com ese roa T e h m T o T a t e . r s o d d he og roa mise: ,” says I plan t me a nurse to ney pro ot come n l o il Walt Dis c w be tian of this day . want to on Chris hought believe s t o t t e s c e it n o ld e r n whose e not mak “I neve Pandaca Loria y ost did . nd , oso, 36, l a P lm la o b a y n s o l e a u h o J h D c o Someda ian ry S r. r r her a y Sch o t e B r t y t n a f o c Teresita t e a b o n r m y e d la m ra Ele me a nt Elem rt that ral scho es, J. Zamo am is to beco Teneme my hea ulong A T in s a objectiv ron e r p l a o a e e h n y r e o l d v s a a r y n h M Pet y pe his fi always hieve m a naitulong ng ron). job. “I c a I n e t g lost his ve wh o ang m stance from Pe on who ha k duate.” e a s n r o g a h i l t l il k w assi Petr susu PE from pay the will donate to on. es of HO ng Aral: e ic r lo o l u v l T i e w h m o (I et cati p, I ation fr Here ar I grow u r scholar’s edu so that I of educ n t e if h g W e h dt hard othe receive nts. fund an dy very

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both d I are n a , l n e e o N lem are five e er, Rex Beata E W h t . o s r r b a l My twin raduating scho d I are the g l a x r e an Tulong A e family and R o ang Petron sa th gp boys in katulon a k a N . t younges

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tu are and , I will s hem and my p e l i h w n Mea int t disappo t o n l l i w

Petron employees serving as mentors on business and entrepreneurship.

Sa Aklat Sisikat (SAS) leads the Petron Programang Kaakbay Teachers’ Training.

Petron School in Iligan City.

REPORT CARD Beneficiaries of Fuel HOPE Programs 6,050 Total number of Tulong Aral ng Petron scholars

1,137 Number of graduating scholars in the first batch of Tulong Aral

1,520 Number of outstanding students from Grades 1 to 6

198 Number of first honor Tulong Aral scholars

981* Number of teachers trained in

931* Number of Parent-Teacher-Community Association members trained in capability building and school management

13,694* Parents of Tulong Aral scholars trained in various livelihood programs

257 Number of on-job-trainees from

Muntinlupa Business High School (MBHS)

887* Number of MBHS students

promoting the love and habit of reading

who benefited from mentoring on entrepreneurship

72,383 Number of books/English

249 Number of schools (primary/secondary/

81 Number of classrooms built, mostly in

80% Percentage of employees who

workbooks distributed the Mindanao region

21 Number of Petron schools built, mostly in the Mindanao region

tertiary) that benefited from Petron’s education programs volunteered in Fuel HOPE programs

51 Number of employee mentors in Junior

13,250*

Number of children who directly benefitted from the Petron Schools.

Achievement Philippines/WIWAG Business Week/Muntinlupa Bonifacio High School Entrepreneurship Program

48 Number of organized Petron Parents

Service count *Figures as of March 2008

Associations  • PETRON FUELS HOPE

Petron and Credit Suisse jointly distribute school supplies to Tulong Aral scholars.

CSR MAGAZINE • 

GRADUATES

The

 • PETRON FUELS HOPE

9 DE PEBRERO ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Andres, Geleen Andres, Genelyn Apuada, Karen Dave Armuela, Joshua Barnes, Eugene Noel Berdon, Maridom Busa, Helbert Dela Cruz, Jomari Delfin, Ryan Ecleo , Keshien Fetalino, Jay Oliver Francisco, Monaliza Garcia, Shiena Gumilao, Jobelle Hernandez, Katrina Mapile, Jamie Joy Marzonia, Karen Moises, Kenneth Montana, Marvilina Oborro, Jim-jim Pikit-Pikit , Arra Jane Quilaton, Mark Joseph Roberto, Alvin Santos, Sheramy Senillo, Stephen Subito, Joemar Sugui, Julina Talde, Danilo Jr. A. H. LACSON ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Bartolata, Lorieneth Cabaltiera, Michael Del Rosario, Rosalie Durana, Roland Gabuya, Wilmar Galo, Camille Gardon, Rodolfo Manangan, James Abraham Modino, Lorvie Anne Morales, Michelle

A. MABINI ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Buenaventura, Ericka Joy David, Robrose De Leon, Manuel III Enorme, Lany Javier, Casandra Nicole Mapa, Melvin Payumo, Rodolf Roland Ramos, Roel Jayson Regalado, Rey Joseph Ruña, Christopher Tamayo, Benjie Tumabaga, Sharmaine Yalung, Eugene A. MARIANO ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Alvarez, Jimmy Bagnol, Fidel Jr. Dela Cruz, Rochelle Ann Gurrobat, Ferlyn Jaingue, Mikee Llanes, Gerald Miculob, Annie Santos, Aries Seño, Marishel ADDITION HILLS ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Domagco, Petite Suzane Mosaganda, Nikki Pemaña, Jomel Pening, Andrea Tigdig, Jade Pauline Vivero, Moureen Faye ALMANZA ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Balaba, Joemar Bañadera, Angelica Bañadera, John Henry Bañares, Jussele Banzuela, Alvin

Castrence, Mary Grace Castrence, Mirasol Cuevas, Ma. Mistica Flodalyn Daet, Rheza Fajutag, Elmer Jr. Falcutila, Jamaica Francisco, Kristine Jean Gomez, Ma. Rosielyn Justo, Joemart Lasala, Darly Llagas, Jefrey Lucena, Dominador III Macalood, Ana Jane Maderazo, Angelica Faye Manaog, Merryron Martinez, Ellen Miras, Felipe Miras, Mary Jane Ogaro, Criscel Ponce, Charvie Pujante, Kier Lhamber Quileste, Ma. Magdalena Rosales, Neil Roy Samillano, Ray-Anne Sanfuego, Maribel Santiago, Edgenalyn Septimo, Danica Soberano, Riza Solis, Darwin Soriano, Gel Ray Suarez, Frederick Tabigue, Sajed Uriarte, Meriam Mae AMADO HERNANDEZ ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Alvarez, Louie Jay Arma, Edilyn Aurilla, Maricar Bautista, Charlie Lizano, Rosalie San Gaspar, Catherine Subayno, Mary Joy Virgo, Bernardo Jr. Villarama, Pamela

AMANG RODRIGUEZ ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Abello, Ramon Bohol, Jennifer De Guzman, Marilyn Gañeda, John Carlo Oreta, Alexander Ruga, Lyndon Sangeles, Faith ANDRES BONIFACIO ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Bautista, Robert Buhat, Dinnes Bunagan, Pio Jr. De Leon, Mary Rose Delgado, John Alvin Deocareza, Ann Charmaine Durian, Glesther Paul Fernandez, Rowe Fordan, Ma. Shaira Forones, John Mark Galo, Niño Lim Hugo, Reymond Inocencio, Jerremy Jacob, Kenneth Jurado, Carmina Lirazan, George Llona, Romel Lopez, Ma. Virginia Lishell Millan, Ronnel Mora, Mary Jane Nardo, Monica Nebreja, Nora Oliveros, Vic Brian Pacayra, Catherine Pulido, Lyn-Len Ramento, Edriane Redoble, Cecilia Sta. Maria, Judy Ann Sto. Tomas, Mark Tagulabong, Janine Tante, Christopher Tejada, Joshua

Tolibas, Julius Vailoces, Joje Ann Vargas Queenie Villagracia, Juvilyn APELO CRUZ ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Badilla, Michael Camo, Elwin Carranza, Joan Comodas, Ronalyn Parayday, Marksan Pineda, Roxanne Sonata, Julius Tacorda, Sharmaine Tamayo, Raymond Torrente, Ronel BAGONG DIWA ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Bometivo, Arjay De Asis, Jeffrey Gutierrez, Angelica Juat, Donabelle Manalese, Cindy Necesario, Kimberly Pinca, Joey Vinluan, Arvin BAGONG SILANG ELEMENTARY SCHOOL -MAIN Acid, Josevell Adriano, Edelyn Detayson, Teddy Jr. Gesite, Emileandro Manoso, Ralph Elvin Mejia, Arceli Navarro, Hanna Jean Sibua, Joana Marie Trinidad, Sherry Lyn

BAHAY PAROLA Antiquera, Evangeline Belano, Julie Ann Macandog, Jennylyn Mirasol, Michelle Ann BEATA ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Abueva, Joshua Abuyog, Adrian Agamata, Dominic Agosto, Jaimie Ardidon, Jenalyn Astudillo, Jonalvin Carlo Baliat, Xezzy Carpio, Jam Norman Castillejos, Dean Carlo Cocoy, Rove John Cubillas, Jeric De Iso, Jaylah Diaz, Rei Noel Diaz, Rex Noel Dungca, Julex Emen, Almoses Ibardolaza, Mark Airon Martija, Jhan Danielle Napa, Francis Louie Orian, Maribel Panis, Medwin Pardilla, Jisselle Ann Portes, Gil Jr. Sinio, Jinino Villa, Warren Villanueva, Nhel Ann BIGNAY ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Asunio, Kristine Mary Brazal, Carl Jayson Calleja, Alfred Deopido, Gabrielle Alfonso Nacion, Clarisse Naval, Syla Pagulayan, Arjay

Pamatian, May Ann Papiona, Arnel Prudente, Ivan CAMARIN-D ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Boncodin, Emilyn Briones, Aries Joy Dumaguing, Carlo Gansan, Lamberto Jaldo, Angelito Losorata, Brejette Mateo, Mark Jason Mora, Cherlyn Saracia, Jerome Anthony Valleza, Marvin Kelly CAPT. H. FRANCISCO ELEMENTARY SCHOOL - ANNEX Baldomero, Everblessing Bautista, Ana Marie Borjal, Sirene Joy Constante, Rosemarie Cotas, Lady Lyn Purita Dimaiwat, Alvin Esponga, Roger Jr. Ibañez, Jeneva Mora, Darius Padilla, April Ramiro, Melchor Reñosa, Leah Reyes, Boggs Adornado Rile, Geoffrey Rile, Kathleen Jane Salvan, Judy Ann CAPT. H. FRANCISCO ELEMENTARY SCHOOL - MAIN Acibes, Queenses Mae Agreda, Jenny Rose Agustin, Lenlen Amancio, Johenna

Amano, Joyme Armada, Romalyn Brandes, Michael Cabrera, Decelyn Calderon, Wilmar Capco, Julie Anne Carlos, Cassandra Joy Cruz, Ma. Destinee Sheena Doliro, Maria Cecilla Esporma, Arthur John Mike Flores, Camille Jordan, Jenny Mae Madridano, Ruther Paolo Manzano, Nelson Pitoc, Princess Erica Polintan, Jaero Kaye Ponsoy, Jenica Elaine Rapsing, Rizza Mae Sagun, Paolo Silvano, Reyson Teves, Darrel Yadao, Rachel COMMONWEALTH ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Abel, Hanica Crizel Alibango, Mariel Ann Almoguerra, Genyl Apellido, Regine Araña, Rosemarie Bacuñata, Glenn Joshua Ballerta, Jessie Baraquiel, Angelie Barsaga, Rusell Basalo, Lemuel Batucan, Jeferlyn Bayabay, Rosalia Bayaca, Romulo Bello, Rose Marie Benecio, Arjie Bobiles, Syler Cabañas, Eme Rose Cabanes, Armielyn Cabus, Elizabeth

Caruyan, Honelyn Caveiro, Jessa Mae Cayanan, Reynaldo Jr. Contado, Abner Contado, Jennifer Dalag, Ares David, Divina Grace Davila, Angelyn Deinla, Maria Andrea Deinla, Ranver Dela Cruz, Carol May Depol, Eliseo III Duapa, Rodel Duapa, Rowena Escorel, Raymond Fuentes, Margie Gaborni, Florie Mae Galarpez, Ara Mea Garaña, Garvin Garin, Anjaneth Gebilaguin, Marienne Gomera, Abby Gail Gregorio, Robert Guiñarez, Jonathan Habitan, Lea Jaberto, Melissa Jasmin, Catherine Lim, Danica Malpal, Razell Marcelo, Ryan Medillo, Eljin Navales, Mailene Navarro, Amabelle Navarro, Rosilyn Oliver, Bernadette Oliver, Richelle Ordedor, Sarah Pangan, Amara Kim Panilag, Ryan James Pareño, Jessielyn Pindos, Michelle Purigay, Jona Mae Raytos, Queenie Recto, Roselle

Regidor, Sonny Relano, Catherine Roces, Ian Christopher Rodrigazo, Harlyn Salamida, Ma. Regine Silleza, Ernesto Jr. Soronio, Gomersindo, Jr. Sta. Maria, Mannilyn Tempra, Marimar Timbal, Donald Toledo, Jhonnel Tormo, Louie Mae Tumulac, Raymund Valenzuela, Eljon Verallo, Dante Jr. Villanueva, Arnold Ybias, John Jay Zurbito, Sonny Boy

DE LEON ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Amante, Alyssa Amante, Roselyn Barnuevo, Jake Bisco, Mary Ann Caudilla, Ma. Jingjing Ebrada, Benito C. Idulan, Ma. Kristell Nuñez, Michelle Paulo, Sherlyn Rabang, Almarie Robiso, Jayson Socorin, Chrystil Jean Tayoto, Carmella Francesca

DON GERONIMO SANTIAGO ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Aragasi, Norhanah CONCEPCION ELEMENTARY Diambangan, Ainah SCHOOL Madid, Sittie Aminah Andres, Jean Veronica Macasindil, Zainal Jamora, Angelito Mamoransing, Hasan Lapiz, Roselyn Mua, Hisham Medina, Dante Motalib, Abdul Akhim Perez, Rheobelle Panaraag, Jamillah Sotto, Patricia Ann Valderama, Jhon Earvin E. RODRIGUEZ ELEMENTARY SCHOOL CULIAT ELEMENTARY Baldoza, Jessica SCHOOL Bibat, Ferdie Abib, Almerah Fairudz Canilang, Carl John Aiyubie, Benhar Dehan, April Alauya, Juhaira Destura, Justine Andal, Jul-Ajim Magcalas, Patricia Bianca Aslafal, Rym Mimay, Joy Ann Baladji, Jurizza Pablo, Patricia Ann Desoloc, Wilma Posadas, Miraflor Kasim, Kervin Solito IV, Leonor Kusain, Thong Jadid Lagundi, Fatima Ashiela Piquero, Raniah Laudin Udtog, Arham

CSR MAGAZINE • 

GRADUATES

The

 • PETRON FUELS HOPE

EMILIO AGUINALDO ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Blasco, Joy Chel Mae Casinillo, Joshua Cuevas, Earl Gonzales, Jerome Jogo, Jude Vincent Romero, Jonah Bea Sarte, Ruby Ann Supetran, Cherizze Turla, Jonathan EMILIO JACINTO ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Agbay, Isidro Jr. Arpon, Jovie Bandala, Ma. Cristina Bignayan, Elena Dalisay, Lorena De Jesus, Neralyn Gazzingan, John Ronald Monteves, Rafael Peralta, Rowel Simeon, Aliza EPIFANIO DELOS SANTOS ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Aldovino, Christian Alejandro, Anne Jeneth Calusir, Romalyn Carillo, Matex Delos Santos, Lovelyn Elle, Marlyn Hasañon, Mary Grace Inserto, Lailani Rosado Jr. Roel F. BENITEZ ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Abuyog, Michelle Cabiliza, Jeffrey Jun De Guzman, Christine Joy Delos Santos, John Paul Gomez, Reynaldo

Reyes, Jeffrey Reyes, Mary Ann Serrano, Airah Gazel Rae Tobias, Mc Len Tumala, Alvin FILEMON JAVIER ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Balmera, Edrian Cabuguang, Orly Mana-ay, Maria Glirose Obales, Paolo Olipas, Mary Joy Pacura, Mary Grace Prestoza, Paul Jayson Recaña, Christelle Joie Yape, Ranfeld Ybañez, Jayson FOURTH ESTATE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Bautista, Glymet Elmido Hayzel Elmido Jayzel Lagrimas, Anna Marie Nerviol, Uniece May GABRIELA SILANG ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Abayan, Jason Arbues, Gladys Armenta, Christian Caparoso, Judith Cayobit, Joy Dindin, Riza Nagrit, Dariclient Tiozon, Divine Mae Yanzon, Mariel GEN. VICENTE LIM ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Abadilla, Jomarc Antonio, Jeda Marie Caalaman, Mary Grace

Castillo, Maybelyn Colina, Mortes De Guzman, John-john Dela Cruz, Rosary Fernandez, Ma. Sheryl Gotera, Marwin Gunda, Chesca Largo, Jeffrey Lumapas, Gerald Perez, Felix Ramos, Jerico Refran, Roman Tolentino, Rizel Villarba, John Lexter GREGORIA DE JESUS ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Abella, Arianne Banate, Apple Chua, Rommel Galit, Ronnel Garnodo, Brian Clifford Manalang, John Carlo Rubia, Irica Rose Tamares, Mark Elvin Tolentino, Jayson Villanueva, Rodolfo H. DELA COSTA ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Ardipolla, Ellen Rose Arroyo, Ralph Anthony Laxamana, Jaycee Mendez, Wendy Axil Minimo, Kimberly France Santos, Crystal Silva, Alleen Simbran, Arjay HERMINIGILDO ATIENZA ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Coja, Richard Delapa, Marvin Delos Santos, Nicko

Gimeno, Kathrina Murias, Argeil Nuñez, Edgie Pandian, Norfah Sixta, Grace Ann HIGHWAY HILLS ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Boado, Paul Andrew Catapang, Irish Joy Celendro, Loribelle Carillo, Karen Dimasacat II, Roche Duran, Sarah Joy Estabillo, Rhoal Anne Familara, Paulina Macalalad, Angelica IMELDA ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Atap, Charlene April Cabilte, John Cleford Gososo, Shannylyn Latorre, Rosalyn Macapar, Vanessa Mondragon, Juffer Montellano, Ma. Sarah Mae Petogo, John Kurt Rhoda, Gem Elijah JACINTO ZAMORA ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Aguirre, Nikko Arcallana, Adrian Arcilla, Jayvee Argonza, John Carlo Astor, Nina Borres, Glenn Bringas, John Irish Cabural, Paulo Camangig, Emmanuel Danao, Criselle De Leon, Pearline Deinla, John Lemuel

Dela Torre, Lexter John Espiritu, Inah Angelica Gromio, John Louie Humawid, Arsenia Libril, Rosemarie Loria, Brian Jay Mangilaya, Marimar Mia, Justine Kaye Moreno, Edzel Odoño, Jan Jefrox Pacrin, Mica Aira Peñaranda, Louie Ann Regalado, Jhon James Saladas, Rex Saltorio, Jolina Mae Sarmiento, Jhunar Selpo, Adrian Kenneth Sobrevega, Ma. Catalina Trono, Darwin Dwight Tumulak, Rhejean Ursais, Emmanuel Jr. Villarosa, Mark Philip Watanabe, Jiec Rianne JOSE P. RIZAL ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Abando, Irish Barrera, Aira Collantes, Romulo Jr. Jacosalem, Rosalie Manuel, Ronnie Relos, Ronald Rodolfo, Bryan Daryl Sobrevilla, Romerson Tabaloc, Fernando Jr. JUAN SUMULONG ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Angeles, Anjenette Caras, Joshua Cawan, Karen Mae Colacito, Mary Lie Doza, Narcisa Garrote, Bernadette

Manatad, Franz Oronos, Maylene Pornel, Renalyn Revidad, Joana Marie Roque, Carmela Santos, Orlando Sernio, Jester Tenorio, Adonis Villacorte, Ronald Joy KALAYAAN ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Asma, Ailyn Jane Bagnes, Pilita Delos Reyes, Juhn Erwin Ebias, Mary Rose Fabia, Angelica Garalde, Ruthman Garalde, Ryan Matthew Golem, Kleio Klenn Hernandez, Roven Jhon Lachica, Gilbert Latap, Rochelle Marasigan, Joshua Roblas, Marlon Sameniano, Joemarie KARUHATAN ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Balmes, Marinella Bautista, Joshua Aaron Jasmin, Renalyn Leal, Alejandro Lipata, EJ Lipata, Rosary Longakit, Jean Rose Mira, Gladys Pardilla, Angel Villanueva, Jean Lyka KASARINLAN ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Alipio, Shaira Ampoloquio, Ian

Atanacio, Erna Baguioro, Angela Bongbonga, Danmar Canlas, Noemi Carmen, Kenly Comendador, Mylene Dacallos, Eugene Del Valle, John Michael Garces, Jasmine Rose Garcia, Anjanette Laque, Larsbill Laurio, Joannes Lumbre, Jaymela Pablo, Franco Pilande, Joven Porras, Ma. Niña Quiñones, Sherwin Marvin Reyes, Carmina Roque, Ruzzel Rodge Selga, Von Eric Sison, Anthony Joshua Sison, Jea Ann Jelien Solero, Andrew Claive Umali, Jose Kevin KAUNLARAN ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Bajado, Lynette Bonagua, Ma. Sushmitha Dela Cruz, Pamela Ann Famor, Haide Isla, Dana Lufranco, Patricia Joy Osorio, Kristin Ann Parreñas, Marnie Tanglao, Dawn LA HUERTA ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Balili, Erwin John Demolde, Editho Jr. Formelles, Edgardo Galang, Angela Jose, Mary Grace

Jose, Rodjie Marie Leyba, Edmund Lombos, Armando LERMA ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Cortez, Karl Kenneth Cruz, Ma. Luisa Eugenio, John Galvez, Marlon James Legaspi, Juan Miguel Opalia, Michelle Parayno, Roderick Rosete Jr., Genaro Taguiam, Keldrin Talinga, Jezel Ayra MALIGAYA ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Abina, Cherry Ann Acangan, Carlo Bautista, Jasmin Calutan, Marvin Espino, Ma. Fe Shiraz Monares, John Vilmon Plaga Jr., Reynaldo Soteraña, Januard Tejano, Jesse Ventura, Christian Joseph MANDALUYONG ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Areola, John Paul Bonaobra, Mary Joy Convento, Ma. Angella Daguinotan, Aldren Esmerio, Chery Ann Pom, Mike Angelo Rabino, Richard Rondon, Kenneth Taguinod, Julia Mariz Victorio, Johnna

MANUEL L. QUEZON ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Bendaña, Christine Borja, John Kenneth Cabato, Gemma De Guzman, Jeffrey Flores, Ma. Joy Lapulapu, Emirick Nava, Checelyn Ann Parales, Aiqueenlyn Soria, Lester MAPULANG LUPA ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Adrias, Jade Amoguis, Jeric Batario, John Ace Bautista, Rhodelyn May Beltran, Abigail Ceron, Jonard Dinaya, Ronalisa Gacutno, Aldwin Gargaritano, Rose Marie Loreto, Jenneth Mallari, Darwin Jay Marcos, Noel Mayor, Jeffrey Muyano, Regine Orale, Wilfred Orosco, Kenneth Paloma, Edison Posadas, Michael Ian Jhon Resco, Herchille Sandoval, Aiza Silva, Bernadeth Suyod, Danica NBBN ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Ardeñas, Jenny Bayson, Geromel Galesanao, Ronald Gracio, Reijean Leonardo, Lyca

Panergar, Cristina Panergar, Cristine Sigura, Jerry NEW ERA ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Aguinaldo, Queenly Pearl Cailo, Rayhana Febrer, Judylyn Ismail, Fatima Nurhaya Mangompia, Sandra Mae Pagaruan, Mohammad Faisal Sahipa, Sajid Khan Tulawie, Alyssa Udjan, Sitti Rahma NINOY AQUINO ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Artuza, Ezekiel Mark Dela Rosa, Paulo Elejorde, Dinalyn Guerrero, Donna Mae Lacaba, Irene Leones, Dionisio, Jr. Macasukit, Christine Joy Putosa, Jesus Sembrano, Ronel Tamayo, Bryan NORTH FAIRVIEW ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Afable, Jovelle Ann Alo, Jhon Paul Balangbang, Jerald Baño, Darwin Cacerez, Jason Cahiyang, Rowena Casimero, Florie Jean Combate, Donnalyn Gerodias, Kristyn Jordan, Michael Lacasa, Chrizza Macabuhay, Rea Jane Merto, Mildred

Narvasa, Paula Planco, Ann Dante Mary Ragandang, Vanessa Señara, Pamela Villamor, John Mark P. BURGOS ELEMENTARY SCHOOL De Villa, Joude Christian Decena, John Kenneth Dela Cruz, Mary Anne Dianco, Mary Jhane Francisco, Joshua Jerick Legisniana, Abby Lustre, Cullen Miles Valdenibro, James Agustin P. MANALO ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Bautista Ariel Cemanes, China Marie Mansion, Rocelle Nuevo, Jennifer Nuevo, Joenel Nullan, Ezra Ripalda, Lodivico Jr. Rivera, Matt Miland Saylag, Ellaiza Serato, Christian Ty, Robert P. ZAMORA ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Bautista, Honey Blaze Castillo, Princess Ciervo, Jayson Dela Cruz, Alvi Doza, Rosette Inserto, Lyka Muñoz, Bridjith Pancubit, Joanah Ria Valdez, Jhon Christ

CSR MAGAZINE • 

GRADUATES

The

10 • PETRON FUELS HOPE

PAG-ASA ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Badinas, Angelique Bamba, Jerameel Barbarona, Ashley Corres, Jonel Dela Cruz, Ericka Espina, Arniel Lacaña, Jennifer Lao, Allhora Palermo, Marisa Rieza, Clariza PALTOK ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Asturias, Hilda Barameda, Mency Capangyarihan, Joshua Castillo, Ernesto Embido, Gabriel Maguindra, Alcedie Mortel, Jerry Reyteran, Mary Rose Rieza, Renelyn Saure, Camille Jade PATEROS ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Azuela, Niechelle Ann Buenaventura, Sherry Anne Facunla, Sherry Mae Jadion, Jona Mae Magalona, John Ardel Quitoriano, Alexa Mae Sanchez, Ronalyn Tabasan, Jannette Racel Timosa , Francis Jay Villanueva, Mikee PEDRO CRUZ ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Bedis, Severino Jr. Delos Verges, Benny Deñado, John Erick

Diaz, Romano Angelo Macabenta, Jose Loreto Manlangit, Christian Nisorrada, Melody Postrado, Ma. Angelica Vacunawa, Sonny Boy Jayson Verano Jr., Silverio PEDRO GUEVARRA ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Abdullah, Monalyn Avorque, Kimberly Organiza, Domingo Jr. Sarmiento, Khristine Nicole Tabaloc, Ian T. PILAR ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Abit, Eldon Agripa, Lindzel Grace Algodon, Kenneth Baranda, Criscel Baulo, Rasmia Bonifacio, Ma. Jennelyn Bonifacio, Sherwin Brown, Marlon Bucad, Jess Anthony Casano, Bryan Ace Dailing, Roselyn Rose Dejito, Kimberlyn Dela Peña, Danica Joy Delfin, Erica Delos Santos, Cherlyn Egana, Maricon Eguillos, Luzviminda Espinosa, Ronie Fajardo, Ma. Lenneth Flores, Joan Francisco, Rebecca Gajetos, Nestle Gallego, Florence Benette Gebilaguin, Junil Golimlim, Mhadel Gorospe, Anrich

Ibiernas, Jeric Jerez, Danica Koh, Sajid Khan II Lagrimas, Vicky Legaspi Jr., Nestor Legaspi Jr., Pablo Leonidas, Ruby Mae Lillo, Rennier Lozano, Lorevie Lozarita, Shyra Malabo, Nelson S. Manahan, Mark John Christian Marasigan, Sheena Hallen Melchor, Joemel Mente, Danilo Mente, Ian Musa, Rhosanna Grace Nova, Mylene Pacay, John Carlo Pelecia, Patrick Piadopo, Julius Jonel Pugoy, Jo Mark Punzalan, Kimberly Yam Ramirez, Danica Ramos, Jocelle Rosero, RR Samson, Mary Rose San Lorenzo, Don Don Singco, Abegail Jean Sore, Mark Calvin Tan, Ivan Carlo PIO ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Aquino, Maricris Awe, Lady Dianne Bernardo, Pamella Louise Bodonia, April Joyce Cabil, Carl Adrian Camacho, Erika Joy Chan, Anna Marie Enriquez, Mariella Malinao, Alyzza Joy Rabago, John Jurrih Karl

PLAINVIEW ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Api, John Mark Asada, John Maverick Botor, Willdan Gozo, Ma. Dessyliz Laroza, Judy Ann Magna, Maricar Mandin, Maricar Mirabuena, Michelle Ann Nicdao, Cristina Occeña, Krizele Joy PR SAN DIEGO ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Barbacena, John Nathaniel Bernardino, Bernadette Dela Cruz, Mark Joel Deniega, Robin Dolor, Antoneth Eugenio, Charina Mahaguay, Melanie Mariñas, Anthony Oral, Jovelyn Silva, Gerwin PULANG LUPA ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Abejo, Samuel Añaveza, Anthony Aspili, Maria Fe Bohol, Evelyn Cabale, May Casoloc-an, Jecille Dominguez, Ferdinand Gado, John Michael Lascano, Justine Moratalla, Clarissa Nuñez, Felix Jr. Pajaroja, Mary Jane Peñalosa, Crispin San Jose, Jessica Segayo, Jerald Yangco, Bernard Yangco, Reymarc

R. ALMARIO ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Antivo, Melody Balderama, Cristyle Briones, Noneto Jr. Cabucos, Sherwin Caldo, Rosemarie Casusa, Jeramae Cena, Chairmane Dumdum, Kimberly Fernando, Jane Jumawan, Catherine Lascoña, John Niño Maribojoc, Jerryline Matedjos, Charles Jason Mina, David Mike Ocon, Ronel Pa-a, Liza Palicte, Iregine Pomasin, Theresa Porras, Leslie Potonia, Raline Romano, Ruby Rose Rosel, Robert Jr. Tandoy , John Charlie Tañedo, Honey Ronathy Tiu, Jovel Ann Zabala, Cielo Marie Zabala, Gel SAMPALUKAN ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Adriano, Jhon Cris Alcala, Ed Russel Atun, Reynaldo Jr. Boado, Jeames Lord Cabiles, Kimberly Cunanan, Alberto Dolindo, Jaspher Javier, Ruby Rose

SAN AGUSTIN ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Alarcon, Marily Amancio, Analyn Bertiz, Emmanuel Mercader, Marvin Milca, Aljer Nigad, Jaymar Osmeña, Claire Reños, Crystal Jade Villamor, Cherline Villamor, Katrina Jean

Espiritu, Karen Ann Gonzaga, Maribel Guillen, Christian Hael, Jessica Julian, Mara Dae Latagan, Liezel Mercader, Menchie Nablo, Juvilyn Nacor, John Angelo Porton, Sherwin Reyes, Debby Anne Santander, Rudy

SAN ANTONIO ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Casarilla, Jemerene Crisnel Enguerra, Shenna Jurilla, Pelita Leonido, May Ann Llamas, June Lozano, Romel Mas-ing, Jessica Romelina Montaño, Jhoegi May Morera, Christylyn Joyce Pintor, Adrian Joseph Ruben, Christopher Solayao, Jenelyn

STAR ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Garino, Eduardo Jr. Navida, Arjerus Noel Sanchez, Rhecelda

SILANGANAN ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Bruzo, Reniel Jay Cepeda, Jonathan Legaspi, Sheena Panes, Dominic Peña, Lawrence STA. ANA ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Adlawan, Abel Jr. Amancio, Jonabel Angeles, Joiwin Castro, Cristian Cruz, Meliza Dionisio, Shaira Marie

STO. NIÑO ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Alonzo, Aileen Joyce Bacur, Christine Hombre, Mary Rose Olidan, Miguel Angelo Rasco, Lendell Christian Redubla, Jeoffrey Toledo, Gene Rafael Vitug, Krystel Kate T. PAEZ ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Alcantara, Kimberly Almoguera, Eunice May Bagolor, Jenelyn Borja, Luowie Cagayan, Mary Gold Cunanan, Marvin De Asis, Sheena De Guzman, Jerwin Ferreras, Kenneth Formento, Jonalyn Gatchalian, Angelica Javier, Janeric

Laquindanum, Jenevie Pascual, Emmanuel Paza, Wilfred Reyes, Gladys Tubosa, Aroma Mariel TANGOS ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Aquino, Jaime Jr. Castro, Ma. Alelie Diwa, Rommel Fajardo, Angelo Gabriel Katanyag, Ronald Mandigma, John Carl Ochangco, Gladys Reyes, Maryen Reyes, Rick Joseph Santiago, Ronnie Silvestre, Sherilyn Tañedo, William Jr. Valencia, Juvy Samantha Villamor, Eliza Viojan, Mary Jane TANGOS MOTHER ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Balagtas, Jake Lawrence Bernardino, Jayson Bustos, Aaron Bryle Casaje, Rolan Conde, Ma. Andrea Dela Cruz, Carla Gustilo, Camille Pascual, Mitchie Donna Reyes, Christopher Romero, Jimuel Sengson, Earvin TENEMENT ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Abalos, Camille Abarratigue, Pauline Joyce Alegre, Minijim Anding, Jovielyn

Banalo, Camila Jane Bautista, Mari Mar Betco, Donald Chiao, Emily Cinco, Bridgitte Alyana Dejumo, Roel Jr. Dela Concepcion, Shella Denlaoso, Cherry Mae Denlaoso, Christian Dig, Ma. Eileen Durante, Sheena Mae Engana, Arlyn Estrecho, Eric Jr. Gime, Gladimer Griego, Jaypee Labog, Gerald Lawas, Angelo Manglicmot, Elvira Marcaida, Erick Marquez, Gladys Ann Masola, Raiza Jane Mercado, Pauline Milagrosa, Allan Moresca, Charlie Nacario, Analyn Parban, Michael Pasion, Julie Peñaredonda, Jemimah Perez, Gretchen Anne Perolino, Katrina Mae Reblora, Laarny Mae Rongcales, Mark Veli Royo, Lawrence Rubis, Junarie Wency Sarona, Jesha Mae Sayno, Christopher Sicad, Romar Sioting, Michelle Rose Sumbeling, John Nikko Tabo, Russel Tianday, Dorielyn Ungsod, Vergel Villanueva, Jaymar Villaraza, Genevive

TIMOTEO PAEZ ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Cahayag, Cristina Daguno, Jerico Merza, Danica Joy Rocacurva, Milky Sumaoang, Mary Jane Tablan, Ma. Angelica TOMAS EARNSHAW ATIENZA ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Bautista, Apple Jane Blasco, Keyziel Corro, John Paul Cosme, Gracelyn Magallanes, Gladys Ann Mina, Jon Wally Montaniel, Resty Pamatian, Cedrick Pundal, Eduardo Mon Jr. Viado, Ruela Mae

CSR MAGAZINE • 11

Scrapbook of



Memories

_ A shiny pair of shoes. A P 12 meal allowance that fills an empty heart more than an empty stomach. A brand-new uniform that makes a child conform and belong. For many Tulong Aral ng Petron scholars, these are more than just material things that serve as daily reminders that they are part of a chosen few. Each item is a basket filled with happy and exciting memories of children and their parents who once nearly gave up hope of having a fighting chance in life. These are their stories: “Thank you very much because you formed a tutorial program for Petron scholars who are finishing elementary. The tutorial has helped me a lot and all the Tulong Aral scholars in Grade 6. It has helped me learn more and made me understand the lessons that I did not understand before” —JUVILYN NABLO, Grade 6, Sta. Ana Elementary School in Pateros

12 • PETRON FUELS HOPE

“Parents from Kasarinlan Elementary School have become active in school activities because of Tulong Aral. Every school day, we take turns in administering a feeding program for 228 Tulong Aral scholars. With their P12 daily meal allowance, we cook chicken and rice or arroz caldo and feed the kids. Parents also actively help in Brigada Eskwela cleanup drives. We feel fulfilled as parents, knowing that even though we are poor, we could contribute to making Tulong Aral a successful program.” —MYRNA CRUZ, mother of Maria Elizabeth, grade 3 student at Kasarinlan Elementary School in Caloocan

“Jhanna knows how to treasure the things she gets from Tulong Aral. As soon as she comes home from school, she takes off her shoes, wipes the soles with a rug, and puts them back into the box. She knows they will be hard to replace when they get old and dirty. She knows these things were given by Petron because they see a promise: for her to do well in class.” ­ —DIANA SALI, mother of Jhanna, grade 5 student at Culiat Elementary School in Quezon City “For 6 years, you have supported me and guided me in my studies. I thank you from the bottom of my heart, for the scholarship and trainings that you have provided, and have helped me a lot. I am now more prepared to enter a new chapter in my life. Most importantly, I want to thank you for trusting in me that I will succeed not just in school but also in life. Now I will graduate and I’m ready to take another step towards a better tomorrow. I hope that you continue helping students like me. May the blessings of Allah be with you always.” —MOHAMMAD FAIZAL PAGAMAN, Grade 6, New Era Elementary School in Quezon City

“If not for Petron, I would not have the chance to have a bag, notebook, ballpen and other things. Thank you also for the snack allowance. If not for Petron, I would not have a chance to go to different places like the biggest mall in Manila, the Mall of Asia, and to Fort Santiago, Fort Bonifacio and other places. I know how good it is to be a Petron scholar because of these. I have a reward for Petron. Do you know what? When I get to high school, I will study hard. Even now, I will study hard and have higher grades. I hope you will be able to help more. I thank you with all my heart.” —DARWIN DWIGHT E. TRONO, grade 6, Jacinto Zamora Elementary School in Manila “I would like to say that I study harder because I know that this is the key to have a successful future, and so the scholarship that you have given to me and the money that you spent on us will never go to waste” —JESHA MAE SARONA, Grade 6, Tenement Elementary School in Taguig

CSR MAGAZINE • 13

Petron Parents:

Proud and Strong

Parents of Tulong Aral ng Petron scholars are also marching with heads held high.

r each a kilomete d e lk a w e eir kids hey hav to bring th rs a e y x si day for , they will This March ain, but to school. children ag ir e th y n a rent this accomp ill be diffe w th a p e nd d th limelight, a the walk an e, into the g a t out of st e e g th to p time: u a dream f o t n e m ll fulfi towards the holars y. povert ng Petron sc l ra A g n lo – perhaps Parents of Tu duation day ra g r fo g in ait r all, they ildren. Afte have been w ch ir e th n a y th olar in more eagerl having a sch f o e d ri p e d th epartment have carrie when the D e n O y a D om d World lopment an the family fr ve e D d n a re lfa ars, they of Social We n. For six ye re d il ch ir e th h heads Vision chose ool halls wit h sc e th d e alk as “Petron too, have w recognized e b to d re o on held high, h thers. o kat y b t” arent ka, si paren ag Petron p ‘p ’re , u m yo ’a a t, M n “ are e a Petron p ’r u e na nga d yo e n w e P h “ ka! (W ero, 42. iv V r lo F ys sa gay namin famous!),” ad sa baran w a g a k g n o kb uncilor in akong tuma ady run as co e lr a ld u co ,I eh! (In fact ” !) e Tulong g a ll vi our parent of a a t o sp to Teresita “It’s easy e one”, says se u yo n e h w to Zamora Aral scholar at the Jacin e rg a h -c in rOrtiz, office

T

14 • PETRON FUELS HOPE

vements

e achie

de in th take pri rs. lars can o olo h c c s g l g Ara ith fyin of Tulon rade 6 w ts G n h re is a n P bow. et to fi Take a ho are s ildren w h c ir e th

Elementary Scho ol. “They are ve ry active in scho activities. They ol are looked up to as leaders.” In the six years that Petron has the Tulong Aral been running program, it has helped organize 48 Petron Pare nts Associations (PPA) in variou schools. Throug s h these associat ions, 13,694 parents have di rectly benefited from livelihood programs and se minars on resp on sible parenting and values educ ation. In most schools, Petron parents partners of teac are active hers and princi pals – from prep the food and fa aring cilitating the da ily feeding prog for Tulong Aral ram scholars, to he lping in the repa and maintenan ir ce of classroom s and school bu during Brigada ild ings Eskwela drives . At the Captain Hipolito Elemen Pateros, Petron tary School in parents even ru n a program whe each member co re ntributes P10 to a common fund during monthly meetings. A stead y studies hand. Tulong Aral sc becaus h e of th e stead olars are able y supp to succ ort giv eed in en to t their heir pa rents.

of

ncy, emerge ds n a s ’ e e r en the the family ne nt other younger kids nds wh d u ide f s n e a e r s s year. I have three p e st la ie , h s t d 1 ro te 4 r Pa e , s e survive each day,” “We u amily memb rna Esporma don’t know how we e W his . ed f fe y to . a M n ys en t tio high school only if like wh ssistance,” sa rents Associa ch as a recen hristian will go to “C . ys sa e sh Pa la ities su embers before June.” funera teros Petron s activ father gets a job m t n 0 y a u l 0 P inspiration from l o 5 a e m d lso hysic oun Denlaoso derives of th a . r p Ms a , p s ill St u u e r o p r e r-old Efren L. wh kee The g Ms. parents like 32-yea ts fest tivities help on r ” tr , o Pe r d p he s n ot o k b c e mimah, is a top two-we ted. “These a rengthen our whose daughter, Je a nd do re ña Pe t a s ong tary School. particip d allow us to ndaluy Tenement Elemen a of t M en ud st in n a nt n, are already on active d his wife, Mary An o prese members . an s n s l re y a Ef a s is a to buy vegetables s Esporm kind of kinship a total of 745 the crack of dawn ssist it by a s ng et re o st t e th s e l b se as nightfall after selli This e PPA h he group is a ong Aral in ca ia and go home by h or t le vis Di up e m co e r fro th s e T l le h eer hard work enab City, w nine schools. ping out of Tu he provinces ol. them in Pasay. Sh t p d g o o n r t in a e of them to scho r d k s e f r c v co uffe ds, and send thre e ba isk o ki s r v six hip o t e rs ise la a g ra m ho to sc s ia o r al r t mar ’s Tulong Ar ah im e m h membe e family has Je t rd ga n re Still, they r whe th where ther place, o where l r. o . o e h as a big blessing. o t c n a s by having a schola elp h or to a ave to separ ng Aral host e re able to save up W we ys e r. sa “W ,” a s ol l h o ho y l o sc s a re to parent help find a Tu e to be a sch st school,” s to spend for her fa ve ig ha gu ly Ta on to y e u o W go a e h to in g s “W the hter plan cont aran ug y da b r d b l He r ’ u a. u nd n o o do c re io Mr. Peña hild ‘adopt e a nurse after n asked their c School and becom e kid’s oint, we eve are of family gh h Hi t e nc rd work ie e Sc t a nf d of her. All our ha io ou one p t facilit pr t ry a ve t A r re “ e’ o “W . college. ero ansp r Ms. Viv o fund the tr .” says. anothe o t m other t e has paid off,” he c d a in e l d “real” stories fro er p tend an capta h x ng t e iri o sp in t n e r es a . o th It is to pp . “I know rial the hope in others moving times, the su ncial or mate on Christian el fu at th s nt re I Petron pa Often d fina ldest s ng Aral schooling even if continue with his s beyon o, 36, says e ear as a Tulo ll e wi get n o to so g y y , m wa t n ly n a s on dac ion is our nal y nlao pare at n uc e fi a Ed D P it. is r fo a h g in it be have to Teres ke it to ntary School maker in nlaoso. e not ma e trap,” says Ms. De o is m th h id e of s l d t ou E a y l t s near men job a at Tene ost his scholar My husband l .“ Manila

CSR MAGAZINE • 15

It Ta k e Villa s a ge

“Our teachers know the scholars’ hard situation in life so they’re just all the more willing to go the extra mile.”

Prin joys cipals o ng P of ‘pare f schoo ls etro n n sc ting’ T share th ulon hola rs g Ar e al

T

hey are like captains running a tight ship. They set the sail, lead the voyage, and get the crew’s act together. Without their good management and leadership skills, the scholars of Tulong Aral ng Petron and their parents will find the journey to their dream harder to navigate. They are the principals of public elementary schools that play host to Tulong Aral scholars. Despite the limited resources given to their schools to accommodate an increasing number of children from poor families, they have managed to rack up the highest completion and survival rates in the Tulong Aral program. How did they do it? “With patience and a smile,” says Dr. Juanita Valle, principal of Andres Bonifacio Integrated School which hosts 362 Tulong Aral scholars. More than a send-a-child-to-school program, Tulong Aral is “all about the upliftment of lives,” says Teresita Ortiz, officer-in-charge at the Jacinto Zamora Elementary School. “Such noble mission could only be accomplished if an entire village – from the school principal to teachers, parents and even community leaders – throw their support behind it.” “You’ll know a Tulong Aral parent when you see one,” Ms. Ortiz noted. “They are usually easier to get along with and are more responsive to their children’s needs. This is because they realize this scholarship is an opportunity that knocks only once. They only need to do their share.” HARD STRUGGLE At the J. Zamora Elementary School (JZES), she says scholars usually come from economically hard-pressed areas. “The mother is a housewife while the father is usually in construction, with unstable sources of income,” she explains.

16 • PETRON FUELS HOPE

“With luck and perseverance, they may be able to send their kids to school but it would be a struggle to make them finish.” Situated in a sprawling lot in Pandacan, Manila, JZES can accommodate 45 to 55 students per class with 10 sections in grade 6 alone. JZES is known to produce students who dominate district competitions. The salutatorian of the graduating class, Brian Jay P. Loria, is a Tulong Aral scholar who has brought much honor to the school for winning in the secondary schools journalism contest, the techno quiz bee, and as editor-in-chief of the Zamora Scroll. While JZES is holding its own, Commonwealth Elementary School (CES) in Quezon City is a ship bursting at the seams while sailing in treacherous waters. Dr. Elisa Francia, however, is the proud principal of 82 graduating students out of 121 Tulong Aral scholars. “Of course, I share the tremendous pride of the scholars, their parents and their teachers for seeing all their hard work pay off on graduation day,” she says. The public school sits along the long and busy Commonwealth Avenue, across the public market, and has a student population that rivals the total number of voters in a typical municipality. With around 13,000 students from grades 1 to 6, Commonwealth Elementary School earns a title in the Guinness Book of World Records for having the world’s biggest elementary student population, says Dr. Francia. Students come from families of all walks of life – from those living near the Payatas dumpsite to those from as far as Fairview. Parents of Tulong Aral scholars usually eke out a living as market vendors and have no permanent homes of their own. For a Tulong Aral scholar to excel academically, he or she has to compete against 65 to 70 other students, which is the average class size in CES. “Sometimes, the class size even goes up to 90,” Dr. Francia says. “But we limited the classes into two

One by one, mile per extra mile, the school’s perseverance seems to be paying off. Dr. Francia, who is only in her second year as principal, says CES has already improved its ranking in the NAT to 92nd from 98 th – already quite a big feat for a big school with a Herculean task but Lilliputian resources.

shifts – morning and afternoon – instead of three. There are two teachers per class at palitan sila ng pagtuturo (and they teach on rotation).” BALANCING ACT To meet the demands of a growing student population, the school is constructing a new building with 18 rooms that can accommodate 36 classes. In the process, however, it had to demolish some shanties sitting on vacant property. “Ayaw umalis ng mga bata dito kahit na-demolish na ang tirahan nila dahil baka mawala ang kanilang scholarship (Students refused to transfer to another school even if their homes have already been demolished, for fear they will lose their scholarship),” she says. Without a home to go to, Tulong Aral scholars would oftentimes seek solace and sanctuary in the school and escape to other worlds through their books. They would relieve their hunger with the bread and bowl of soup their feeding teachers provide out of the daily meal allowance allotted per scholar under the Tulong Aral program. “Our teachers know the scholars’ hard situation in life so they’re just all the more willing to go the extra mile,” Dr. Francia says. During Tutok Aral when scholars have to undergo tutorial lessons before taking the National Achievement Test (NAT), she says a familiar scene is to see CES teachers holding sessions even along the school corridors. “We have very committed teachers who show their willingness to tutor Tulong Aral scholars for two hours using reviewers from World Vision,” the principal adds.

SAVED FROM FAILURE Apart from JZES and CES, Pilar Village Elementary School (PVES) in Las Piñas also offers a bright ray of hope. Fifty-eight of the school’s 215 Tulong Aral scholars are graduating this month with their heads unbowed – a far cry when they started in grade 1. “Our scholars belong to the poorest of the poor in Las Piñas. When they were in grade 1, they would go to school in tattered clothes, scrawny, hungry and unclean,” says Asuncion Aguilar, school principal. “Now they are very well-behaved, clean, self-confident, sharp, and obedient. If they weren’t scholars, they would have become dropouts or a failure. Petron and World Vision are heaven-sent!” Tulong Aral has also touched the lives of parents who are mostly making ends meet as laundrywomen, masons, carpenters, maids or drivers. “Some parents have become very supportive of our school. During Brigada Eskwela activities, the carpenters would repair our broken windows and bulletin boards, while their wives would scrub the floors and walls. The mothers would always be on hand to help the teachers clean the classrooms, and even wash the placemats and plates after recess,” Ms. Aguilar says. Being poor, she says may have shattered the scholars’ and their parents’ self-esteem but not their values. “They know the value of a good education. The parents are willing to give up everything to give their children a chance in life. With Tulong Aral, Petron has given them a chance to hope again,” she adds. To bridge the gap between a prayer and a dream, it takes a village to fuel hope.

CSR MAGAZINE • 17

All Together Now The story of Tulong Aral is also a sweet tale of what strong partnerships can do to make a difference.

employees, engaged by inviting them to contribute their time, talent and treasure in sending children to school. The Foundation, headed by Executive Director Marilou G. Erni, also promotes the program through advocacy and information campaigns while mobilizing resources to ensure its sustainability. It also forges partnerships and creates a steady and strong network of stakeholders.

notebooks, pens, leather shoes, and other school supplies on time and conveniently through SM Department Stores in Metro Manila. SM also offers the chain of SM malls as strategic venues for promoting Tulong Aral.

Department of Social Welfare And Development (DSWD) The department takes the lead in identifying the target communities from among the members of the Kapit Bisig Laban sa Kahirapan (KALAHI) and the daycare centers where potential scholars can be picked. It also validates the recommended beneficiaries of social workers in the local communities. To ensure that the scholars and their families meet the minimum basic needs (including access to food and nutrition, and services), the DSWD coordinates with local social welfare officers who help monitor and evaluate the program through regular field visits and providing reports. DSWD also makes Tulong Aral a holistic program by providing values formation programs for the families of the scholars. It also facilitates capability-building activities and technical assistance for LGU staff.

Sa Aklat Sisikat (SAS) Foundation With a grant from Petron, the non-profit organization runs a reading program that benefits public elementary schools through its Read-a-thon and Teachers’ Training Programs. Every October, it also conducts the threeday Petron Programang Kaakbay Conference, a first-of-its-kind teacher training conference that aims to nurture and equip topnotch teachers with needed skills to become effective and creative advocates of reading in their classrooms. A total of 981 teachers have been trained in promoting the love and habit of reading in their classrooms.

Tulong Aral has also benefitted from the generosity of other groups that are helping the program. Among them are:

Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC) Through its Bright Minds Read — Beginning Reading Program (BMR-BRP), RMHC teaches reading literacy in public elementary schools where Tulong Aral grade 1 scholars are enrolled. It also actively assists in the information, “It is always harmonious, education, and communications campaign of the BMR helpful, and facilitative, within the participating public elementary schools. especially considering Every December, RMHC sponsors the Project Joy giftgiving activity that benefits Tulong Aral scholars and the extent of the their families. collaboration and the

Some say it takes two to tango.

In the case of Tulong Aral ng Petron, it took several strong partners moving in sync for six years and sharing a collective passion to create a program with a lasting impact. Undersecretary Alice Bala of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and Dr. Teresita D. Domalanta, NCR Regional Director of the Department of Education (DepED), were among those who witnessed Tulong Aral’s transformation from a simple send-a-child-to-school program to a holistic drive to fight poverty through education. “When Petron approached me in 2001 to explore a more lasting public-private sector partnership on education, I found hope,” says Undersecretary Bala. “Now we are very excited about our first batch of graduating scholars. I have looked forward to this graduation day – seeing their faces flow with pride, knowing they will no longer look at the world with sad, hopeless eyes.” DepED Director Domalanta says there were actually no birth pains when Tulong Aral started. This is because of the strength of the partnerships Petron has forged with several sectors – from the scholars’ parents, their teachers and principals, the academe to the non-government organizations, government agencies, local government units (LGUs), and Petron employee volunteers. “It is always harmonious, helpful, and facilitative, especially considering the extent of the collaboration and the number of volunteers needed to make the program work,” she adds. To run a comprehensive program like Tulong Aral, Petron formed a project team composed of various partner organizations, namely: the 18 • PETRON FUELS HOPE

Petron Foundation team, the National Capital Region (NCR) Regional Directors of the DSWD and DepED, social workers in LGUs, the director of the Philippine Psychology Research and Training House, Inc. (PPRTH), and the World Vision Development Foundation team. The team identified the target areas for implementation; ensures the proper implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of the program; and handles the administrative functions of Tulong Aral. BELOW ARE THE PARTNERS BEHIND THE SUCCESS OF TULONG ARAL: Petron Foundation, Inc. (PFI) is responsible for developing the conceptual framework for managing the program, shouldering the costs of all scholarships every school year, conducting support interventions like reading and mentoring programs and monitoring the program’s progress through regular coordination with its partners. The corporate social responsibility arm of Petron also conducts and coordinates programs for teachers and parents. It also keeps volunteers, particularly Petron

Department of Education (DepEd) Through the department, Tulong Aral is able to ensure the active participation of principals and teachers – from the process of choosing the scholars to monitoring the progress and creating a childfriendly environment in classrooms and schools. number of volunteers It also ensures the proper distribution of benefits Petron Employee Volunteers needed to make the to the scholars and the availability of facilities to Behind the scenes but very generous in their program work.” support Tulong Aral activities. By helping organize support are the employees of Petron. Coming from Petron Parents Associations in Tulong Aral schools and every division in the company and from every facility getting partners to focus on scholars who need closer throughout the country, Petron employees have been guidance or supervision, DepED is able to surround every scholar with a volunteering part of their salaries, time, and talents to give the children loving, caring, and supportive environment. the chance to complete elementary education. There are those who have been donating since the start of Tulong Aral, and those who have pledged World Vision Development Foundation to continue giving until the program has run its course. Other employees The non-profit organization serves as the lead implementing body for have pooled their resources together to adopt a scholar, while some educational strategies and activities of Tulong Aral. As Petron’s partner, donated a part of what they get during their milestones in the company. World Vision provides regular updates and periodic recommendations Some business units have found unique ways of channeling funds to support related to the program. It also ensures smooth collaboration and cooperation the program. Many are finding time to join activities such as the regular among program partners, including networking with concerned agencies of distribution of school supplies, the traditional Christmas celebration called government and other private sector entities for possible technical and Project Joy, and other support projects. All are united in the desire to give financial support for Tulong Aral. the scholars a reason to be hopeful. Local Government Units (LGUs) The LGUs, through the local social welfare office, reviews and recommends potential scholars based on a set criteria. They monitor the children and their families, particularly in terms of the support, guidance and supervision given to the scholars. They also get feedback on the support services and assistance extended to the beneficiaries. Philippine Psychology Research and Training House (PPRTH) The non-government organization assists PFI in crafting a criteria for selecting the scholars, as well as conducts research studies for evaluating the effectiveness of Tulong Aral as a poverty alleviation tool. The organization also assesses the impact of the program on beneficiaries. PPRTH has been with the program since Year 1. SM Retail Stores, Corp. More than just being the supplier of all merchandise requirements of Tulong Aral scholars, SM Retail Stores, Corp. also helps ensure that every Tulong Aral scholars get his/her school uniforms, school bags, socks,

Petron Dealers Association The Petron service station is the most recognizable face that motorists and consumers put behind the Petron brand. And it is this nationwide network of service stations that is helping promote the message of Tulong Aral and connect our advocacy to the motoring public. With the Petron Dealers Association, we are able to utilize the stations, whether to put up posters and streamers or place a coin bank, to send our message of hope loud and clear. TeaM Energy Foundation (formerly Mirant Philippines Foundation) In 2005, the foundation adopted the Tulong Aral program and established its own Tulong Aral ng Mirant. The program is benefitting 432 children in the provinces of Aklan, Iloilo, and Cebu (Toledo). Credit Suisse The global financial services provider has been providing substantial donations that allow more than a hundred children to go to school under the Tulong Aral program. CSR MAGAZINE • 19

Tutok Aral Mentors

Turning the tables

How They

Measure Up

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By Maeyet Lapeña

Program Director Philippine Psychology Research and Training House

he Tulong Aral ng Petron program has always been backed by continuing research and studies since it was launched in 2002. One of the major studies compared the performance of a sample group of 280 scholars from batch 1 with a group of non-scholars coming from the same school and community. The groups were monitored each year since 2002 to assess differences in their performance that may be attributed to Tulong Aral. Consistently, Tulong Aral scholars showed better academic performance than the non-scholars. While their grades were ahead by just a few points, it was evident that the scholars performed better than the other group across all basic subjects. In keeping the students in school, the study showed that 44% of the non-scholars dropped out of school compared to just 18% of the scholars. Those who did not receive Tulong Aral support had a higher risk of dropping out due to economic factors, health, family problems, and migration. In the Tulong Aral grade 6 population of 1,137 students for school year 2007-2008, cohort survival rates were higher and dropout rates were lower compared to the National Capital Region (NCR) data. Tulong Aral ng Petron also had positive impact on the psychological and emotional well-being of the scholars. These students have expressed that their being Tulong Aral scholars not only motivated them to study hard, but also raised their confidence and self-esteem being underprivileged children who are able to go to school despite their families’ poverty. Some of them strove even harder than their peers in the Tulong Aral program, consistently reaping honors and awards from their respective schools. Many parents realized their crucial role in ensuring that their children are able to perform well in school and finish elementary education as scholars. Parents’ active involvement in the program also improved their social skills and helped boost their confidence. Some also shared that they were able to save on expenses for the scholar and that the money saved was used to buy food for their families and school needs for their other children, or was used for other necessary family expenses. There were also parents who said the supplies given to the scholars really helped as even the younger siblings were able to benefit by using the uniforms, schools, and other school supplies. 20 • PETRON FUELS HOPE

The 5 second year high school volunteer students from Ateneo: (L-R) Justine Torres, Leo Capeding, Jim Banez, Josh Gumban II, and Jet Trono were the first to answer the Tutok Aral Mentoring Program held at the Commonwealth Elementary School in Quezon City.

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t started out as a simple exercise for sophomore students of the Ateneo de Manila High School as part of the Christian Social Involvement Program (CSIP), the school’s outreach program. With instructions from their coordinator, Mr. Jhoel Loanzon, they were to hold tutorial sessions with graduating Tulong Aral ng Petron scholars from Commonwealth Elementary School in Quezon City beginning January 11. What took place, however, were six life-changing Fridays for the affluent teens of Ateneo. Seeing the value of education and having food on the table from someone else’s eyes, the Ateneo students ended up picking valuable insights on life from the Tulong Aral scholars. Here are excerpts from the tales of three mentors: A CHANGE OF IMPRESSION By Jaime Lorenzo P. Banez At first I thought the students will be very rowdy, disobedient, and very hard to handle. When our coordinator said they are the lowest in their batch in academics, all the bad impressions came to my mind. I imagined them being “tambay sa kalye” (loafers) who smoke, gamble, and waste their life. I didn’t care much about them; I had a very cold heart. Once the mentoring program started, however, my heart started to melt. I learned how wrong my impressions were, and that they were just like me though not as lucky. Since I’m a lucky person, I should share my blessings with them, like my knowledge and time. I also learned I should not call them “others” for being unfortunate, and instead call them “brothers” whom I have to serve.

The first batch of mentors with Commonwealth school principals, DepEd officials, Ateneo de Manila High School coordinators, and Petron Foundation program officer Badette Pabustan.

Commonwealth Elementary School Tulong Aral scholars pose for posterity with their Ateneo mentors.

My life has changed in a way since the experience. Before the program, I always cram my assignments. I was also irresponsible at home. I always leave my room in a mess. I would come home late from a gimmick and make my parents sick of worrying. All that has changed. Now, I always tried to be more responsible at home. I started doing some chores like fixing my bed, watering the garden, and helping my father clean the car. I hope this will be part of my daily routine in the future.

different types of rocks. After teaching this technique, the students finished with high scores no matter how hard the quizzes I gave them. I used to be eager about tutoring students for the sake of tutoring; now I’m eager because I would see the faces of my students again, and their faces give me inspiration in everything I do. They always fill my heart with a certain light that gives me the courage to teach them. I always wanted to do something for a reason and after the sessions, I now know what that reason is: to do something for others.

TAKING THINGS FOR GRANTED By Jose Enrique Trono While I was at the Commonwealth Elementary School, I changed in a way that I gave more effort in teaching the children. I wanted to help the children in as many ways as I can. I treated this service program as an opportunity to help others and not just a reason to pass second year. I really wanted to help the children in their National Achievement Test or NAT because their future depends on it. I worried about their future as I worried about mine. I wanted to stay this way because I am enjoying my life but still helping people along the way. TYPES OF ROCKS By Ervin Josh M. Gumban II What struck me the most about the students of Commonwealth Elementary School was their attentiveness in class, their serious commitment to learn and do their homework, and participate in the activities. They didn’t care whether we teach them inside the classroom or within their covered courts. They admitted their difficulty understanding science so I taught them a trick using visualization to idenify

MAKE A LITTLE CHANGE IN SOCIETY By Leo Angelo Z. Capeding What struck me most about my CSIP experience is the chance to help and make a little change in society. It’s not always that we get to help and to learn about love and selflessness… The lessons in our mentoring made me realize that there are many important values that I need to acquire, like being humble, selfless, and sacrificing. HELP YOURSELF…HELP OTHERS By Justine Torres I learned that even if you are not good on the job given to you, you can still help other people who are in need by giving or sacrificing some of your time for them and sharing things you know, even the smallest ones. But it still takes a lot of hard work and sacrifice and you can make a difference on the lives of other people and you’ll feel great and very happy because of what you did.

CSR MAGAZINE • 21

Doing Good.

Doing It Well. Everywhere. by Petron employee volunteers. These employee volunteers take time out to harness the potential of the country’s future business leaders as mentors and resource persons in the WIWAG Business Week and the Junior Achievement Philippines (JAPI) education programs.

Education Building venues for learning. Aside

from Tulong Aral, we are putting up school buildings called the Petron Schools in areas with limited venues for learning. This is in support of the Department of Education’s Adopt-A-School program. Since 2002, we have built 21 schools, or an equivalent of 81 classrooms. Many of the Petron Schools were established in the Mindanao region, with some funded by a grant from the USAID. Together with the Philippine Business for Social Progress (PBSP), we are able to provide training programs for members of the Parent Teacher Community Associations or PTCA.

Environment Promoting Biodiversity. Through our

environmental initiative, the Bataan Integrated Coastal Management Program with the Bataan Provincial Government, we have developed a coastal land- and sea-use zoning plan. This aims to help resolve conflicts in the use of natural resources throughout the province and in areas surrounding the Manila Bay. Petron’s Operations Division personnel have also been empowered to undertake their own environmental programs in their respective communities, highlighted during Earth Day, Environmental Month and International Coastal Cleanup Day celebrations. Petron employees nationwide are also doing their part to fight global warming by planting trees and mangroves. They are also cleaning up coastlines to help abate water pollution.

Life and Livelihood: Sustaining the

Tubbataha Reefs and the Sulu Seas. Petron is working with World Wide Fund-Philippines on a program that aims to improve livelihood, increase food security, and promote sustainable resource management throughout the municipality of Cagayancillo as a result of greater impact from conserving biodiversity in the Tubbataha Reefs. The program has two major components: a) Summer Fellowship Program 22 • PETRON FUELS HOPE

Livelihood Improving Lives through Alternative Livelihood. In the province of Guimaras,

for Marine Conservation, and; b) Livelihood Development Program. The Summer Fellowship Program shall provide opportunities for undergraduate and graduate students to learn and get involved in the development and application of best practices in marine protected area management. The Livelihood Development Program shall provide opportunities for communities in Cagayancillo to formulate their own plan in managing the coastal and marine resources and establish compatible and viable livelihoods that look at production, post-harvest technologies, and marketing. Both shall complement the approved Coastal Resource Management Plan of Cagayancillo and the Park Management Plan for Tubbataha.

Youth Entrepreneurship Developing youth entrepreneurship and leadership. Close to 300 students

of the Muntinlupa Business High School (MBHS) gain exposure through our Youth In Entrepreneurship and Leadership Development (YIELD) on-the-job training program every summer. Students in the schools’ entrepreneurship program are also gaining recognition after being mentored

Petron Foundation continues to coordinate alternative livelihood and rehabilitation programs. The mariculture program is the product of a partnership among Petron, South East Asian Fisheries Development Center (SEAFDEC), the Province of Guimaras, the local government units, the community, Philippine Business for Social Progress (PBSP), and Citi Foundation. The program provides viable long-term livelihood opportunities to the fisherfolk of Nueva Valencia through aquaculture in order to improve their socio-economic condition. A Mariculture Livelihood Model Farm in Igang, Nueva Valencia with three fish cages breeds 70,000 milkfish fingerlings that they can harvest at least twice a year. More mariculture fish cages are expected to be put up in the province.

Consortium Building Petron is a firm advocate of taking collective action and engaging our stakeholders in doing good. This is clearly manifested in the partnerships that sustain our major programs in education and the environment. We likewise generate strong support from various sectors of society in endeavors such as the GK-Energy Village I in Southern Leyte and the GK-Energy Village II in the Bicol region, and the USAID-assisted Petron Schools in the ARMM region. This consortium building extends to our active participation in the League of Corporate Foundations, Philippine Business for Social Progress, and the Bataan Coastal Care Foundation, among others.

Pangarap

Written and composed by Jim Paredes

Tulong Aral Theme Song

Fuel HOPE is all about looking at adversity and encouraging others to never lose hope. It is about believing that a brighter future awaits our children. PANGARAP translates this belief into an uplifting song, whose lyrics and music were thoughtfully written, composed, and arranged by premier musician and APO Hiking Society member, Jim Paredes. Popular singer Agot Isidro lent her voice to breathe life into the composition, when she serenaded both the Tulong Aral scholars and the people supporting them during the launch of Project Fuel HOPE in December 2005. Talented young artist Cris Villongco also rendered her version of the song during the finale of Petron Foundation’s 10th anniversary celebration in July 2006. PANGARAP inspires the Filipino children and youth to dream, to believe, and to take hold of their future.

24 • PETRON FUELS HOPE

I. Kung minsan malinaw Kung minsan malabo Di maabot ang pangarap Siya ay mailap Parang di mo makakaya

III. Ikaw ang bahala Sa iyong kinabukasan Kaya patibayin ang loob mo Upang makaya mo Ang hamon ng iyong tadhana

II. Kung minsan malapit Tunay na abot kaya Kung minsan nama’y malayo Pag-asa ay naglalaho At parang di mo makakaya

CHORUS Huwag kang mawawalan ng gana Ikaw lang ang pwedeng Magpatunay sa iyong pangarap Huwag sayangin ang pagkakataon Ituloy ang pagsulong Pangarap at asenso’y nasa kamay mo

CHORUS Huwag kang mawawalan ng gana Ikaw lang ang pwedeng Magpatunay sa iyong pangarap Huwag sayangin ang pagkakataon Ituloy ang pagsulong Pag-asa at asenso’y nasa kamay mo

IV. Maniwalang kaya mo At buhay mo’y magbabago Bakit ka pa maghihintay Nandiyan na ang tagumpay Pangarap mo nasa kamay mo