Transforming lives with the gift of education

MANILA, Philippines - Nothing is more heartwarming than to be able to transform lives and give those with limited resources the skills to have a chance at better employment. It is this guiding principle that best captures the experience of 77 individuals who have benefited from the 3rd JPMC Entrepreneurship Education Program for Community Development, a joint undertaking between JPMorgan Chase & Co. and Bayan Academy. Held for the third time, the program participants garnered a higher employment rate that surpassed the first two batches. The three-month course concluded with a simple yet heartfelt graduation ceremony held last late September 26 at the Townhall Area of the JPMC office at the Fort Bonifacio Global City.

The 3rd JPMC Entrepreneurship Education Program for Community Development had a record-high 77 graduates spread in four entrepreneurial courses – culinary (20 graduates), hairdressing (20), beauty care (18) and massage/ manicure & pedicure (23).

On hand to recognize them were JPMCC Philippines senior finance officer Timothy Yang and head of communications Ma. Patricia Anne Javier-Gutierrez, chairman and CEO of L13 Group of Companies and Reyes International School of Cosmetology Celestino Reyes and Bayan Academy executive director Raul I. Manikan.

 JPMorgan Chase & Co. Philippines head of communications Pixie Javier-Gutierrez, in her remarks, said that institutions like JPMorgan are encouraged to engage in this kind of CSR activity mainly because of the apparent transformation in the lives of families and the community that benefited from the said program. “The 3rd JPMCC Entrepreneurship Education Program for Community Development has set high standards. From the employment rate of 82% in the first batch to 92% in the second batch, this year we have an astounding 96%, surpassing the two batches. From earning virtually nothing, each of the graduates now earn P7,376 or $171 a month,” she said.

The JPMC Entrepreneurship Education Program for Community Development which began in 2011, is focused on developing and enhancing the entrepreneurial skills of beneficiaries in the BASECO community.