Learning and education remain to be a scarce necessity among Filipinos, making it a priority of Hann Foundation as a non-profit social development organization. It is the corporate social responsibility (CSR) arm of Central Luzon’s leading integrated resort developer Hann Philippines.
One of Hann Foundation’s current initiatives is the Skills Training and Employment Project (STEP) under its Education pillar, which is aligned with Goal 4 of the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDG). “STEP is a vital part of our mission to implement meaningful and sustainable CSR initiatives in our communities of operation,” explains Hann Foundation Manager Ronnel Golimlim. “By empowering people, we help them seize opportunities for employment and livelihood, while at the same time becoming more productive citizens of society.”
In particular, there is great potential in advancing technical-vocational skills among Filipinos, especially since infrastructure development has played a key role in the government’s economic growth strategy in the past several years. In support of this directive, the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) has responded by improving the quality of the country’s skilled workforce—developing programs in carpentry, welding, masonry, plumbing, electrical installation, heavy equipment operation and many other related areas.
The agency has identified Region 3 as one of the locations where skills development is greatly needed. Tarlac province is anticipating increased demand for construction workers with projects such as the New Clark City master planned estate under the Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA). To address this, Tarlac Governor Susan Yap created the Tarlac Center for Learning and Skills Success (TCLASS), a center of excellence that capacitates locals toward having a National Certification 2 (NC2 TESDA) in technical and vocational education and training courses related to construction and other areas such as heavy equipment operation, carpentry, masonry and many others.
From left: Hann Philippines VP for Finance Mitchell Amador-Estacio; Tarlac 2nd District Representative Christian Yan; Tarlac Governor Susan Yap; Hann Philippines AVP for Corporate Marketing Virginia Patricia Javier; and TESDA Tarlac OIC Irene Taborlupa at the TCLASS Construction Skills Laboratory inauguration in 2023
In 2020, the facility for the program started its construction and was inaugurated in 2023. The result is the TCLASS Construction Skills Laboratory—a state-of-the-art workshop where student-scholars can enhance their learning through actual application of their skills. Under a sponsorship of P3.5 million, Hann Foundation built the laboratory workshop and provided the necessary equipment and materials, and selected scholarships for students.
Hann Foundation built the laboratory workshop and provided the necessary construction equipment and materials
Especially in Tarlac, Hann Philippines sees the importance of creating a circular economy especially as its 450-hectare Hann Reserve development is now underway. “STEP is an investment in the future of Tarlaqueños as the primary manpower and talent pool not only of Hann Reserve’s construction but our eventual operations as well,” says Golimlim. Among many other components, Hann Reserve will feature three designer golf courses and never-before-seen hotels and hospitality establishments, all seen to generate massive tourism in the area.
Hann Reserve is a 450-hectare property in New Clark City that will feature three designer golf courses and luxury hotels and hospitality establishments, all seen to generate massive tourism in the area
Brian Gozum Pangilinan, a proud NC2 carpentry graduate, expressed his joy and gratitude during the turnover ceremony. He credited TCLASS for equipping him with invaluable carpentry skills that greatly benefited his family’s furniture business. “I am a testament to the program’s success,” Pangilinan remarked, extending heartfelt thanks to Gov. Susan Yap, Cong. Christian Tell Yap, and TCLASS for the opportunity.
Rose Marnela Chua is another member of the pioneering batch of scholars of TCLASS in carpentry. “My mother encouraged me to pursue this skill because my uncles in Nueva Ecija construct ‘bahay kubo’ or native bamboo houses. I might be able to help improve or innovate that craft,” she shares. “The modern equipment we use in training and practice are a big help because it prepares us for possible work abroad, where they use the latest tools and gadgets.”
Hann Foundation plans to continue its support for TCLASS scholars and is also involved in job placement after their graduation. To date, the TCLASS Construction Skills Laboratory has benefitted a total of 58 scholars in its first three batches since commencing in 2023.
“We continue to work toward our goal to improve the community through education –that provides employment opportunities or self-employment,” concludes Golimlim. Apart from Education, Hann Foundation also counts other pillars of focus in Cultural Heritage, Health and Environment.
This year, the Hann Foundation is poised to introduce additional educational sustainability initiatives. These projects include the provision of school supplies and hydration aids, among many others aimed at enhancing the learning environment for both students and teachers.