[Good Business] Transforming lives for a better tomorrow

At PHINMA, making lives better isn’t just a tagline — it is our north star. Since joining the company in 2019, I have witnessed our mission to uplift the lives of our fellow countrymen come to life. Every venture, partnership, and program reflects our core belief that investing in our people creates a lasting impact — not just for individuals, but for the nation as a whole.

Empowering the youth: Educational support for underprivileged students

One of the most rewarding aspects of our work at PHINMA Foundation is witnessing the transformative power of education through our flagship program, the PHINMA National Scholarship (PNS). More than just financial support, PNS provides scholars with mentorship, professional development, and leadership training that shape them into well-rounded individuals who embody and amplify the core values of professionalism, integrity, competence, and love of country.

To further support our scholars, many of whom are the first in their families to pursue a college education, we offer mentorship through the Big Brother and Big Sister Program, where experienced professionals from the PHINMA Group and PNS alumni provide both academic guidance and emotional support.

We believe that education unlocks doors to endless possibilities, and we aim to make it accessible to those who need it most. However, education alone is not enough — our scholars also need opportunities to grow and serve. That’s why we integrate volunteerism and leadership formation in PNS, inspiring our scholars to see themselves as catalysts for positive change.

After graduating from the program, we see our alumni pay it forward by sponsoring their own scholars through the Adopt-A-Scholar Program, volunteering as mentors to current scholars, and sharing their expertise in organizing the annual PHINMA Youth Leadership Camp. We want them not only to achieve personal success but also to uplift others and ignite the spark for positive change in their communities.

Since the program began, PNS has produced over 287 licensed accountants, engineers, and teachers — many of whom graduated with distinction.

Beyond PNS, PHINMA Foundation extends its impact through the Science Education and Engineering Fund (SEEF). This program provides financial assistance to high school and college students pursuing STEM education. Supporting STEM learners is essential to our long-term vision for nation-building, as these young minds will drive progress and create solutions for the future.

During a recent visit to Lanao del Norte and Cagayan de Oro, I had the privilege of meeting SEEF scholars in both senior high and college. These interactions gave me a glimpse of the hope and potential that these students carry, strengthening my belief in the value of our mission.

One story from the trip that deeply inspired me was that of a Grade 12 scholar from a modest background. Despite significant challenges, he balances part-time work after school to support himself and ease his family’s financial burden, all while excelling academically and remaining as a top student in his class. His resilience and determination embody the essence of our mission: helping students in need and empowering them to contribute not only to their own well-being but also to their families and communities.

Responding in times of crisis: Disaster preparedness and relief initiatives

Our mission to make lives better extends to times of crisis. Through the PHINMA Disaster Fund, we mobilize resources and personnel to respond swiftly to natural disasters. As disaster preparedness becomes increasingly critical in the Philippines, it’s inspiring to see our business units and employees unite to provide much-needed relief when calamity strikes.

The PHINMA Disaster Fund was established to coordinate disaster response across all business units. This includes prepositioning relief goods, ensuring that our businesses are prepared to lead in times of need. Among the items prepositioned in designated temporary shelters are food, hygiene products, medicine, modular tents, and blankets.

What makes our disaster response efforts unique is the active participation of our employees. Across PHINMA’s business units, employees willingly contribute their time and resources. I’ve witnessed volunteers donate their hard-earned money, pack relief goods, and travel to disaster-stricken areas to distribute aid. Beyond immediate relief, our employees and extended community also engage in reforestation efforts through PHINMA Reaches Out, planting trees and mangroves in watersheds and coastal areas to help restore ecosystems and mitigate the impacts of climate change.

PHINMA Foundation, together with Gawad Kalinga, mobilized efforts to respond to the needs of affected communities in Metro Manila. In partnership with Angat Buhay Foundation, we donated a rescue boat and food packs to aid households affected by severe flooding in Naga. Recently, we partnered with Union Galvasteel Corporation to donate much-needed roofing sheets to families in Batanes who were affected by Typhoon Julian.

Looking to the future: Sustaining impact, inspiring hope

As PHINMA Foundation continues to expand, I am optimistic that we will build on the strong foundations we have established over its 35 years of existence. Our mission is just beginning, there’s still more work to be done. The integration of education, disaster preparedness, and volunteerism into our core operations underscores our belief that empowered individuals and resilient communities are key drivers of progress.

Moving forward, we aim to deepen our societal impact by initiating programs and fostering strategic partnerships that will enable us to address malnutrition and food security, recognize exemplary young entrepreneurs, and preserve arts and culture.

The journey is not always easy, but every success, every story of transformation, makes it worthwhile. For me, this is the essence of leadership: inspiring hope, empowering others, and building a future where even those at the fringes of society have improved access to the essentials of a dignified life.

This is the core of PHINMA Foundation. As long as there are communities to serve and futures to shape, we will continue to be guided by our north star—striving to make lives better. – Rappler.com

Ron Ranier Reyes is the Executive Director of PHINMA Foundation. He drives initiatives in education, disaster response, and volunteerism. Ron also co-founded Hiraya, a non-profit focused on engaging youth in leadership and governance, especially in vulnerable communities nationwide. rrreyes@phinma.com.ph