The Gokongwei Brothers Foundation (GBF) renewed its partnership with the Department of Education (DepEd) through a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) signing held at the Robinsons Equitable Tower. This extended collaboration underscores GBF's continued commitment to advancing STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) education in the Philippines. Over the next five years, GBF will be investing nearly a billion pesos to fund scholarships, education technology, teacher training programs, and other vital school support.
Lance Gokongwei, GBF Chairman, said that “The foundation’s key focus areas would include enhancing professional development for educators, scaling initiatives through technology, and working closely with DepEd to ensure the success of these programs.” His statement reflects the foundation's long-term dedication to strengthening the education system in the country.
For his part, DepEd Secretary Sonny Angara expressed his gratitude for GBF’s unwavering support, noting that the foundation's commitment to education started 30 years ago under the leadership of GBF founder, Mr. John Gokongwei Jr., together with his brothers. This legacy of support is being carried on by his children and the family, who remain steadfast in their dedication to for the betterment of education in the Philippines.
This partnership signifies the foundation’s support and commitment for the Philippines’ push for a stronger, technology-driven educational system - one that aims to equip the next generation of learners with the necessary skills and knowledge to excel in the modern world.
To date, GBF continues its main scholarship programs to support students and teachers taking STEM-related courses, and those taking the techvocpath through its Iskolar ni Juan program. More recent initiatives focus on capacity building for educators such as the GBF Class Builder, a platform for teachers to access innovative lessons while building content mastery and pedagogy, and GBF STEM Collab, a trusted online community of STEM teachers coming together for knowledge sharing and peer-to-peer learning.
In the past, GBF has made significant endowments to build centers of excellence such as the Ateneo John Gokongwei School of Management, the De La Salle University Gokongwei College of Engineering, and the Ateneo Gokongwei Brothers School of Education and Learning Design, and its own GBF Technical Training Center.
The MOA signing event was attended by key figures from both organizations, including DepEd officials: Secretary Sonny Angara, Undersecretary Gina Gonong, Assistant Secretary Jerome Buenviaje, Director Jennifer Lopez, Director Ciela Mendoza, and Ms. Dove Cometa. From GBF, the event was graced by Mr. Lance Gokongwei, Ms. Lisa Gokongwei-Cheng, Ms. Robina Gokongwei-Pe, Ms. Grace Colet, and Ms. Tinette Tabuena-De Asis.