MMDC, partners launch program to help working students get college degree

BY RIZAL RAOUL S. REYES

TO help working students achieve their dream of getting a college degree, the Yuchengco familycontrolled Mapua Malayan Digital College (MMDC), and the IT and Business Process Association of the Philippines (IBPAP), together with their partners Contact Center Association of the Philippines, McDonald’s, Concentrix, Genpact, and Globe Business, launched the program “Step Up Sa Pangarap” to empower working students toward a brighter future.

According to the proponents of the program, the movement brings together the academic and business communities to acknowledge and support working students nationwide. Since its launch earlier this year, it continues to feature powerful stories from working students who overcame obstacles to follow their dreams and inspire others to do the same.

Jezzel Garcia is one of the students who are looking forward to Step Up Sa Pangarap.

Now a BPO manager and a first-year Operations Management student at MMDC, she managed to juggle how to balance her career, and studies through the guidance of the school. Furthermore she commended MMDC for helping her bridge the gap between the technical and communication skills she has with leadership and other skills needed in the workplace.

“The people in MMDC are not just concerned with helping you finish your education, but they are [equally] concerned with your growth and the values that you have learned,”

In Step Up Sa Pangarap, powerful stories like

Garcia’s inspire the working student community to keep working hard to achieve their dreams and goals in life.

“Since we opened our doors, almost 60 percent of our learners are currently working students. Through this campaign, we aim to empower more potential returnees across the country to pursue a college degree that will make a difference in their career, at an institution that supports their needs.” said Derrick Latreille, chief learning officer of MMDC and cofounder of Ayala Education.

Step Up Sa Pangarap is gathering the working student community, as well as various industries and stakeholders, for a Virtual Summit from May 10 to 12. It will bring these stories to life, provide guidance to working students, and give them access to coaches and mentors who can help them Step Up in their careers, lives and finances.

“Step Up Sa Pangarap is an ideal platform that we are happy to roll out to our BPO players so that we can design even more flexible programs for our employees that can help us achieve our own objectives of job generation,” said Celeste Ilagan, IBPAP chief policy and regulatory affairs officer. “This also helps working students achieve their personal goals of succeeding in life, getting better jobs, getting higher pay and a lot more.”

MMDC is a digital-first college that is part of Mapúa Malayan Colleges Laguna, which is dedicated to nurturing nation-building students who will thrive in a business and technology-driven world. Mapúa University and Mapúa Malayan Colleges Laguna are wholly owned subsidiaries of iPeople inc., a Yuchengco-Ayala education partnership.

K-POP FANDOMS ENGAGED FOR WORLD VISION’S #GIRLSCAN CAMPAIGN

THROUGH its online K-culture community, telecom giant Globe engages fandoms of popular South Korean girl groups in promoting women empowerment and girls’ rights to support World Vision’s #GirlsCan campaign.

The long-running campaign has successfully given thousands of young girls a chance for a brighter future. KmmunityPH is working with BLINKs (Black Pink), MIDZY (Itzy), Once (Twice), RevLuv (Red Velvet), MY (aespa) and many others to make a positive impact on the lives of Filipino women. Through Globe Rewards, the fandoms have raised P51,715 for World Vision’s various initiatives that aim to support women entrepreneurs, combat the exploitation of children, and improve maternal and child health, among others.

World Vision programs include the Sustaining Women’s Economic Empowerment Thrust (SWEET) project, Project ACE, Maternal and Child Health Programs, the Mother-Baby Friendly Philippines Project, and the Menstrual Hygiene Campaign.

The partnership between Globe and World Vision is aligned with the company’s sustainability strategy of Caring for People, which promotes diversity, equality and inclusivity.

“As a company that helps millions of people connect with their passions, including K-pop, we believe in the power of community to create positive change. Our #KmmunityPHForGood allows us to engage with our customers and stakeholders to do good. This time, we engage empowered girls to pay it forward and empower other girls. By working together, we can make a real difference in the lives of many,” said Mike Magpily, head of customer segment strategy for Globe.

“World Vision is grateful for the support of KmmunityPH in our efforts to empower girls and promote their rights.

With our various collaborations with Globe and through this partnership, we can provide vital resources and support to vulnerable girls, helping them achieve their dreams and reach their full potential,” said World Vision national director Rommel V. Fuerte.

Violence against children, particularly online sexual exploitation, remains a major concern in the Philippines, with a 264 percent increase in cases according to data from the Department of Justice. Additionally, over 2 million girls drop out of school and more adolescent girls get pregnant and give birth every day, according to World Vision.

World Vision celebrated the fourth year of its #GirlsCan campaign, which was launched on the International Day of the Girl on October 11, 2022. They also strengthened their Safeguarding Policy for children.

HERE’S HOW YOU CAN GET AHEAD WITH YOUR SAVINGS

BUILDING up your savings is no easy feat, especially when you barely earn interest. While most traditional banks offer interest rates of less than 1 percent p.a., Maya, touted as the No. 1 digital bank in the Philippines, allows you to earn up to 10 percent interest—just by using the Maya app to pay for your essentials.

All Maya Savings customers can enjoy a base interest rate of 4 percent p.a. on balances up to P5,000,000— that’s already 30X higher than traditional banks. Customers can boost their interest rate up to 10 percent p.a. just by reaching the spending milestones on Maya. It’s as simple as buying load, taking care of your bills, and paying for your wants and needs using your Maya Card, number, or QR.

And the best part? You can see your money growing every day because Maya credits your interest earnings to your account daily.

If you want a surefire way to save and grow your money, here’s an easy step-by-step guide:

■ GET TO 5 PERCENT. To get started, spend P250 using your Maya app to get an additional +1 percent p.a. on top of your 4 percent base interest rate. Buying load and data packages is an excellent way to start. For example, when you reach a total spend of P250 and pay via QR, you can get a bonus of +1 percent p.a. on top of your base interest rate of 4 percent p.a. for a total of 5 percent p.a.

■ LEVEL UP TO 6 PERCENT. With your current 5 percent p.a. interest rate, you can still level up and receive a bonus of another +1 percent p.a. by simply reaching a total spend of P1,000 for a total of 6 percent p.a. So, when you do a quick run at the convenience store, don't forget to whip your phone out and pay using your Maya app.

■ JUMP TO 8 PERCENT. Want to grow your money further? Why not pay all your bills on your Maya app?

From credit cards to utility bills and more, you can settle all these in just a few taps, and if it reaches a total spend of P20,000, you can enjoy a bonus of +2 percent p.a. that jacks up the total to 8 percent p.a.

■ BOOST UP TO 10 PERCENT. Get another +2 percent p.a. by increasing your total spend to P30,000. Think about it: you can pay for your groceries, flights, or your sulit finds at that double-digit sale using Maya and feel great that you’re actually boosting your savings.

This offer is available to all Maya Savings customers until April 30, and the boosted rate of up to 10 percent p.a. applies to deposits up to P100,000.

More information can be found at www.mayabank. ph/10percentboost.