In line with its goal of further expanding the reach of its education advocacy, Cebuana Lhuillier, through its social responsibility arm Cebuana Lhuillier Foundation, Inc. (CLFI), has launched seven new Alternative Learning System (ALS) centers in Makati.
CLFI started its campaign in support of ALS three years ago, as a way to provide alternative means to basic education to many Filipinos. The foundation has partnered with many local government units (LGUs) and various government and non-government organizations to provide free and better education to as many students as possible, regardless of their stature in life.
“The year 2017 is a milestone year for us since we are celebrating the 30th year of Cebuana Lhuillier, so we wanted it to be more meaningful in terms of the advocacies we promote and campaign for, especially our main thrust on education,” said Cebuana Lhuillier President and CEO Jean Henri Lhuillier.
On top of the ALS centers CLFI has already opened in Gen. Pio del Pilar High School and Tibagan Elementary School, the Foundation is adding new centers in Maximo Estrella Elementary School, Poblacion Community Center, Fort Bonifacio Elementary School, Comembo Community Center, Pembo Elementary School, Bangkal Main and Rizal Elementary School.
“As a company that pushes for financial inclusion, we believe in the value and importance of education in achieving such goal and as a means to escape poverty. We believe that by providing access to basic education, we are providing Ka-Cebuanas a chance to change and uplift their lives, achieve their dreams and contribute to the society,” Lhuillier added.
The launch of the new ALS classrooms in Makati brings CLFI’s network to a total of 73 nationwide—a big jump from the first 14 pilot classrooms in 2014.
Currently, the foundation has helped more than 8,000 learners nationwide get access to free and quality basic education. The dedication and commitment of its network of ALS teachers also worked wonders as ALS graduates achieved an average passing rate of 71% in the 2016 Accreditation and Equivalency exam, higher than the 55% passing rate in public schools.
“For the longest time, we have been doing various CSR initiatives in Makati and we are always grateful for the support given by the city government. They have been instrumental in the continued success of our ALS program ever since the beginning,” said CLFI Executive Director Jonathan Batangan.
Since 2001, CLFI has been helping hundreds of Makati residents through various CSR projects such as scholarship grants and an annual seminar on Information and Communications Technology for students in the University of Makati, daycare feeding programs, Christmas feeding activity and gift-giving, and an outreach program during CLFI’s anniversary.