Making a Difference: Bombardier and Habitat for Humanity Open Schools in Cebu, Philippines

Bombardier and Habitat for Humanity Philippines have celebrated the official opening of dual-classroom schools in three storm-ravaged towns in Cebu, Philippines.

In accordance with its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) strategy focusing on the areas of education, environment and entrepreneurship in communities in which it operates, rail technology leader Bombardier Transportation made a worldwide call to its employees for donations after Typhoon Haiyan (called Yolanda in the Philippines) struck the country in November 2013. Bombardier management agreed to match employees’ contributions and then signed a Memorandum of Agreement with non-profit organization Habitat for Humanity Philippines.

Under the agreement, Bombardier’s US$125,000 donation would be used to rebuild local schools in storm-damaged communities in Northern Cebu, where the families of many Bombardier employees live. Bombardier’s action contributed to re-establishing a healthy learning environment for approximately 4,500 students in the communities of Tapilon, Kawit and San Remigio where students had been attending classes in temporary, makeshift classrooms following the storm.

Rosario Dublin, Principal of Tapilon Elementary School, said, “We are grateful for the support provided by Bombardier and Habitat for Humanity Philippines as this brand new building is very conducive to learning and will change the lives of pupils in Northern Cebu. Education is essential to the prosperity of communities and the well-being of our citizens. Therefore this contribution is highly welcomed and appreciated by the pupils and their families.”

Habitat’s Re-build Philippines aims to meet the shelter needs of communities affected by natural or man-made disasters such as super typhoon Haiyan, the Bohol earthquake and the Zamboanga City crisis. Its disaster response program provides emergency and shelter repair kits and builds core houses for affected families.

Charlie Ayco, CEO and Managing Director, Habitat for Humanity, said, “Habitat’s philosophy is not only to provide houses, but also promote holistic community development. The classrooms that Bombardier has generously donated are an investment in education that will definitely rebuild lives and help people move forward following this calamity.”

In 2009, Bombardier established a Finance Shared Services Center in Cebu City to handle accounting and reporting for 13 countries in Europe, Asia and the Americas. In August 2014, a Non-Product Related Procurement Shared Service Center was opened. Today, Bombardier is an active member of the community, supporting and sponsoring events like Mangrove Planting, Coastal Cleanup Day and this year’s annual Sinulog Festival parade that attracted about 3.5 million people from across the Philippines.