San Miguel Corporation (SMC), through packaging subsidiary San Miguel Yamamura Packaging Corp. (SMYPC), is dedicated to providing underprivileged youths access to economic opportunities and quality education.
After SMYPC’s recent donation of manufacturing equipment and the renovation of the school’s facilities, SMC president and chief operating officer Ramon S. Ang illustrated his commitment in helping students in the care of the Sisters of Mary Schools – Adlas Inc. (Boystown) in Silang, Cavite learn the technical skills they will need if they wish to join the country’s manufacturing sector.
Ang said, “Now more than ever we need to produce bright, talented young minds that are central to driving the manufacturing sector forward. Through this program, we hope to raise the interest of the next generation of Filipinos and equip them with skills in modern technologies to make them industry-ready and self-reliant.”
SMC and the Sisters of Mary Schools
Established in 1985, the Sisters of Mary Schools is renowned for its charitable spirit in providing a home and education for deserving youths from underprivileged families that have been placed in their care. They are determined to provide their students with free food, clothing, shelter, medical and dental services, and a secondary education.
“We are very impressed with their training programs and always look to hire and further train graduates from this institution. The students here come from underprivileged backgrounds. Many have been orphaned. But they do not let these disadvantages stop them from improving themselves and working to have a better future,” explained Ang.
SMC, through SMYPC, has been working closely with the Sisters of Mary Schools for the past sixteen years by regularly providing financial support, donating machine tools and manufacturing equipment, and assisting in various school programs. Since 2005, SMC’s partnership with the school has benefitted over 15,500 students.
SMYPC partner for machine tools MESCO, Inc. helped in carrying out the project and also instructed the faculty in handling the donated equipment.
“This is what we find so inspiring about the students and the school–everyone is driven to work and make a better future,” Ang said regarding the partnership between the institutions.
Manufacturing the future
Among the donated equipment is two computer numerical control (CNC) machines.
“Students need to have access to the equipment utilized in manufacturing today—to see, touch, and operate them. The CNC machine is an example of a vital piece of equipment currently used in the industry,” Ang explained.
CNC machining is a manufacturing process in which pre-programmed computer software dictates the movement of factory tools and machinery. It can be used to control a range of complex cutting machinery, from grinders and lathes to mills and routers.
Both companies have committed to sending a team of engineers and technicians to train the school’s faculty on the operations and maintenance of the CNC machines. The faculty will then train students on how to properly use the machines so they will be fully-equipped to handle them once they graduate and are employed at manufacturing facilities.
“More than that, these students should have the opportunity to learn in a well-equipped facility in order to prepare them for their future careers. I hope our recent effort will do just that,” Ang explained his beliefs that students should be provided the adequate training and resources to aid them in their future livelihoods.
More than 500 students under the school’s one-year Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) program will be making use of the upgraded facilities—a new and improved classroom, a metal crafting facility, and an area for the CNC machines—this school year.
Sister Mylene Arambulo, principal of the Sisters of Mary Schools, thanked SMC for their dedication and generosity in helping them improve the prospects of their students by providing them with a safe and competent learning environment.
“We can’t thank SMC enough for being such a generous partner. This very kind endeavor is truly a blessing as it will allow us to improve our manufacturing coursework and help us provide students with concrete skills needed in the industry today. This helps prepare our students to become competitive once they graduate here and start applying for a job,” Arambulo asserted.
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