Public school students are set to receive back-to-school kits from Manuel V. Pangilinan-led One Meralco Foundation (OMF), the corporate social responsibility arm of the Manila Electric Company (Meralco), and its newest partner, lifestyle brand Urbanize.
OMF and Urbanize sealed their partnership through a deed of donation signing, with a commitment of 5,000 bags to be turned over to public school students for academic year 2026-2027 through OMF’s Balik Eskwela initiative. This will be supported by Urbanize’s program through which it will be donating one (1) Balik Eskwela backpack to a student for every P3,500 worth of purchase from its stores nationwide. Each backpack comes with a postcard, where customers can write their names and message of dedication to the student recipient.
Creating impact for young students
On behalf of Urbanize, President Irish Lim emphasized the shared value between the two companies and their collective potential to bring a positive impact to the lives touched by the Balik Eskwela project. “We realize that we can create even greater impact with the right partner who can expand our reach and make our efforts more hardworking. We hope this initiative inspires more people to take part in helping students succeed because sometimes, something as simple as a backpack can make a child feel seen, prepared, and motivated to learn.”
In response, OMF President JeVrey O. Tarayao thanked Urbanize, saying: “Programs of this scale and impact are never achieved alone; they are built on partnerships and meaningful collaboration. This is why our partnership with Urbanize is both timely and deeply significant. Your generous donation of 5,000 high-quality school bags will go a long way in supporting our students as they prepare for the upcoming school year. Ultimately, sometimes that is all it takes—to remind a child that they are not alone, that they are seen, and that they are truly supported.”
Meralco Executive Vice President and Chief Operating OVicer Ronnie L. Aperocho underscored the impact of giving out Balik Eskwela school kits to students in impoverished communities, reflecting on his own journey as a public school student growing up in a farming community in South Cotabato.
“Equipping students with the tools they need for school sets them up for long-term success. We are glad to partner with Urbanize, as our shared vision ensures we are actively and meaningfully supporting the next generation of Filipinos.”
Since the project started in 2014, the OMF’s Balik Eskwela program has benefited more than 51,000 students and 6,600 teachers from more than 600 schools. The initiative directly supports the Department of Education’s (DepEd) mandate to ensure quality and equitable access to basic education for all Filipino learners.
