2023 July – In support of Don Bosco’s mission to educate, evangelize and capacitate economically disadvantaged Filipino youth, BDO Foundation constructed a training facility for the Don Bosco Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET) Center in Balamban, Cebu.
Finding ways for education.The construction of the tech-voc training facility for the Don Bosco TVET Center in Balamban, Cebu was funded by BDO Foundation and contributions from BDO employees.
To mark the completion of the project, BDO Foundation president Mario Deriquito, BDO Foundation program director Rosemarie Espinosa and BDO Network Bank Balamban branch head Diosdado Rosales turned over the new building to administrators led by Salesians of Don Bosco provincial superior Fr. Fidel Maria Orendain SDB and Don Bosco TVET Center - Balamban training director Fr. Brian Butanas SDB.
The two-storey structure will serve as a facility where senior high school students can learn technical-vocational livelihood skills through classroom instruction and workshops. The donation, which includes tools and equipment for training, will enable administrators to accommodate more learners.
“The support of BDO Foundation is very valuable,” said Fr. Butanas. “The workshop and laboratories with tools and equipment will greatly augment our existing programs and provide our students more opportunities for employment.”
“We are grateful for your generosity and trust in the mission of Don Bosco for the youth. Rest assured this facility will benefit the poor and the abandoned,” he added.
BDO Foundation’s initiative contributes to the achievement of Sustainable Development Goal no. 8 to promote sustained, inclusive and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment, and decent work for all. It also fulfills the foundation’s advocacy to support communities affected by disasters. Balamban was one of several towns affected by Super Typhoon Odette.
The building in Balamban is the third built by the foundation for Don Bosco. In 2019 and 2021 respectively, the corporate social responsibility arm of BDO Unibank also constructed similar structures in Mati City, Davao Oriental and Dumangas, Iloilo.
