[From L to R] Eastern Communications Co-Coordinator Atty. Aileen Regio, MDIAS Founder Monette Iturralde-Hamlin, and Eastern Communications Co-Coordinator Vince Tempongko presenting the “Dream Kits” samples to be donated to the My Dream In A Shoebox Program.
To celebrate the season of giving, premier telecommunications company Eastern Communications runs a series of Heart of Service initiatives aimed at providing underprivileged children with essential learning tools and experiences for a brighter future.
As a longstanding advocate of accessible education to uplift communities, Eastern Communications extends its sense of malasakit by supporting children in need. This is also in support of the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal for inclusive and equitable quality education and lifelong learning opportunities.
"At Eastern Communications, we believe that our work does not end with providing tech solutions and connectivity products. We aim to build a better Philippines and this means accessible education for every child. We wish to actively shape a future where every Filipino child can dream, learn, and succeed. The Heart of Service isn't just a slogan for our customers; it's our unrelenting commitment to illuminate lives and carve pathways to brighter futures,” said Jed Estanislao, Eastern Communications’ AVP and Marketing Head.
To kick off the season, Eastern Communications partners with ChildHope Philippines Foundation Inc., to support the latter’s “KalyeSkwela” program. Eastern holds a “Christmas Dance Caroling for a Cause,” inviting children in street situations (CISS) to showcase their talents and raise additional funds to support the project. KalyeSkwela provides basic literacy and numeracy classes for CISS through the use of a mobile van with audiovisual equipment.
Fulfilling its role as an ICT Solutions expert, Eastern will also conduct a learning session titled “Surf Smart: Basic Internet Safety for Kids'' with KalyeSkwela students at the Eastern Communications’ office in Makati to equip children with essential skills they need to navigate the Internet wisely.
The Disrupting Harm Study 2022 of the United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund, Interpol, and the End Child Prostitution and Trafficking International revealed that 20 percent, or an estimated two million Filipino children aged 12 to 17, are subjected to online sexual abuse and exploitation. In a modern world fueled by technology, this initiative ensures that all children have access to basic technology and have fair and safe opportunities for advancement.
ChildHope Philippines’ KalyEskwela program seeks to educate underprivileged children instreet situations to inspire them to pursue their dreams.
ChildHope Philippines’ KalyEskwela run in Metro Manila
“We are grateful for Eastern Communications' partnership and support for our KalyeSkwela program and for making the holidays even more special for the ChildHope kids. We hope to continue working together, spreading love and knowledge, ensuring that children, especially those in informal settings, have the opportunity to learn, nourish their minds and bodies, and grow to be outstanding Filipino citizens,” said Mylene R. Lagman, Resource Mobilization and Communications Manager of ChildHope PH.
In 2022, 12.4% of Filipino children have been living in extreme poverty based on a report by the United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF) and the World Bank. This equates to as many as five million financially challenged children having little to no access to basic rights including quality education. These children face various obstacles in obtaining education including lack of school supplies and subpar school rooms.
To address this, Eastern will be supporting the outreach program called “My Dream In A Shoebox” (MDIAS). The partnership commences with the distribution of 145 Dream Kits to support the MDIAS beneficiaries of the Ascension of our Lord Parish in Sucat, Parañaque City. Now in its 15th year, MDIAS continues to provide underprivileged children in the Metro and provinces with educational materials, funding assistance, and access to technology.
MDIAS Founder Monette Iturralde-Hamlin encouraged support for the My Dream In A Shoebox Program at Eastern’s recent client appreciation event.
In a recent customer loyalty celebration hosted by Eastern Communications, MDIAS Founder Monette Iturralde-Hamlin shared “For the majority of Filipinos who are not rich, their parents would rather put food on the table than buy them school supplies. And because of that, many children actually stop studying.”
Hamlin encouraged the audience to empower and change the lives of the children and said, “As we celebrate the joy of giving, let us work hand in hand to empower and uplift every child's educational journey. Your support today not only nurtures young minds but also shapes a future where they can achieve their dreams."
This year, Eastern Communications’ campaign for Heart of Service aims to cultivate and support the future of young innovators. With its upcoming 145th anniversary, Eastern is poised to expand its horizons and establish more projects for the digitalization of the nation and uplift the lives of the younger generation.
To learn more about Eastern Communications’ services, visit www.eastern.com.ph. To know more about how you can support these, you may also visit My Dream in a Shoebox and ChildHope Philippines Foundation Inc. for more information.
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