Singtel, the largest company listed on the Singapore Exchange, together with its Australian subsidiary Optus participated recently in a volunteering program hosted by its Philippine associate Globe Telecom. The program benefited a school and a community in Batangas, south of Manila.
The Singtel Group’s Overseas Volunteering Program (OVP), which is now in its sixth year, was created to foster staff engagement opportunities for members of the broader Singtel Group through volunteering activities in different parts of the region. Singtel, Optus, and Globe sent six employees each for the Philippine leg while 247, the customer support team of Optus, had three volunteers.
“Globe is thankful to Singtel, Optus, and 247 volunteers for coming to the country and sharing their skills to drive positive and sustainable change to the communities where we operate. We share the Singtel Group’s goal of enabling the inclusion and wellbeing of people, especially those who are disadvantaged, to help realize their potential and improve their lives,” said Yoly Crisanto, Globe SVP for Corporate Communications. Singtel is a shareholder of Globe.
The four-day outreach program, which focused on education and environment, was held at the Center of Excellence in Public Elementary Education (Centex) in Bauan, Batangas, and Taal Lake Conservation Center, which are both partners of Globe in its citizenship advocacies.
Volunteers took part in a workshop on Globe Telecom’s Digital Thumbprint program, which promotes digital citizenship and cyber wellness, a sports clinic for the Grade 4 pupils of Centex Batangas, school repair, painting and gardening under Brigada Eskwela community voluntary effort to help schools with minor repairs, storytelling sessions, and a clean-up drive on the shorelines of Taal Lake Conservation Area.
Gardening with Singtel volunteers
“What I love about OVP Philippines is the opportunity to meet amazing people in amazing places and realize that great things can be achieved when we work together,” said Megan Mclaren of Optus. “Everyone has a place in my heart and memories. I just wish we got more time together. Cultural walls were smashed and the laughter shared was a gift.”
Playtime with Optus
CSR Optus lead, Andrea Reginato of Optus said: “I am happy with the connections we made and the communities we became a part of, albeit briefly. I love this image of the young students in Batangas engrossed with learning about Australia and Australian animals.”
“It was a privilege to become part of the OVP program and become instrumental in delivering the #GlobeOfGood programs,” said Edmar Alday, Globe volunteer. “I am also grateful to have shared the activities with other volunteers who have the same passion of helping others.”
Storytelling with Globe volunteer Edmar Alday
Centex is a public school learning environment where bright children from economically disadvantaged families receive quality education and the necessary support to give them the opportunity for a better life. This is a partnership between Ayala Foundation and the Department of Education.
Volunteers take time to clean up Taal Lake shoreline
The Taal Lake Conservation Center, on the other hand, is a central repository for Taal Lake Conservation materials, initiatives and learning. It is supported by a non-government environmental organization Pusod.