Standard Chartered Bank’s history is closely tied with that of the nation. Serving close to 140 years, Standard Chartered is the first and oldest international bank in the Philippines. The bank’s roots run deep, especially when seen against the backdrop of Philippine Independence Day, the 113th anniversary of which the nation commemorated last June.
As a witness to the birth of the nation, Standard Chartered Bank prides itself in having been there for Filipinos through their ups and downs. Long before corporate social responsibility became a buzzword, the bank has been quietly doing its share to uplift lives not only by helping fuel a vibrant national trade and economy but by continuously undertaking community programs.
Financial literacy among the youth
A frequently quoted line from the famous poem written by our national hero, Dr. Jose Rizal, entitled “A la Juventud Filipina” (“To the Filipino Youth”), points to the youth as “the fair hope of Motherland.” Dr. Rizal, whose 150th birth anniversary we also commemorated last June, was a valued client of the bank during his time.
Inspired by our national hero’s message, and recognizing the culture of consumerism that is now laying siege to the new generation of young Filipinos, Standard Chartered has added to its list of advocacies the promotion of financial literacy among the youth.
Financial literacy is a challenge in the Philippines, which ranks among the lowest in Asia in terms of savings consciousness. With a huge part of the population not knowing the basics, it would be so much harder to instill financial discipline and independence. Young people, who will be the leaders of tomorrow, clearly need an understanding of both in order to stir the nation towards true progress and development.
Thus, the bank customized a financial literacy module that primarily targets graduating college students and explains to them the concepts of cash flow, responsible credit card use, the value of saving, and starting an investment, among others.
In partnership with universities, Standard Chartered deploys its own employees to conduct trainings on the subject, thereby equipping the aforementioned graduating students with the knowledge and tools they would need to start them right on the path to financial freedom.
AETA School
The bank has helped build a school for an indigenous Aeta tribe in Bamban, Tarlac, in 2002. Now known as the Standard Chartered AETA School, the building was constructed in
‘LIVING WITH H.I.V.’ Standard Chartered Bank has championed information-dissemination to help combat the spread of HIV and AIDS through its Living with HIV (LwHIV) Program.
coordination with the National Commission on Indigenous People.
The bank has also since funded repair and rehabilitation efforts to maintain the school building. Employee volunteers have also carried out hygiene briefings that benefited more than 300 pupils and their families.
Living with HIV
Standard Chartered Bank has also championed information-dissemination to help combat the spread of HIV and AIDS through its Living with HIV (LwHIV) Program.
Research has identified HIV as a leading cause of premature death globally among people aged between 15 and 59. Last year, the Department of Health focused the spotlight on HIV and AIDS, citing the allegedly alarming increase in new cases particularly in the youth sector.
Living with HIV is a workplace education program that makes HIV education mandatory for all staff, including new joiners. In the Philippines, however, the bank has expanded this program to include outreach to colleges and universities, partner companies and marginalized communities where employee volunteers impart their knowledge to correct misconceptions and promote understanding of the disease and the virus that causes it.
Seeing is believing
‘SEEING IS BELIEVING’ This program initiated by Standard Chartered Banks aims to treat and tackle preventable blindness.
Another program of Standard Chartered is Seeing is Believing (SiB), which aims to treat and tackle preventable blindness. Through SiB, the Philippines became a beneficiary of Standard Chartered’s partnership with Helen Keller International. The bank had supported a three-year Project on Vitamin A Supplementation in the provinces of Kalinga and Apayao. The project aimed to prevent Vitamin A Deficiency (VAD)-associated blindness and child mortality by ensuring high and sustained Vitamin A supplementation for children.
The bank also supports in various ways ATRIEV, a computer school for the visually-impaired. This year, a large- scale volunteering activity is being planned to promote eye health, as education can substantially mitigate the need for rehabilitation and long-term eye care.
Here for Filipinos
The bank pursues other programs, like tree-planting with the DENR and Brigada Eskwela with DepEd. Whatever it is, the ultimate goal has always been to show its commitment to the Philippines, create a difference in the lives of Filipinos, and be a true partner in nation-building.
(Advertorial)