Winford Manila Foundation Inc., the corporate social responsibility arm of Winford Resort & Casino Manila (WRCM), formally turned over its pledged P4 million donation to Caritas Manila on 6 May in support of the Youth Servant Leadership and Education Program (YSLEP).

The ceremonial awarding, held at WRCM, marked the completion of the first tranche worth P1 million, released on 28 April, with the remaining amount to be disbursed annually to ensure sustained assistance for underprivileged scholars under the program.

WRCM President and COO Jeff Evora led the turnover ceremony, while Caritas Manila Executive Director Fr. Antonio Pascual accepted the pledge on behalf of the organization.

“At Winford Manila, we believe that education is the great equalizer — one that can break the cycle of poverty and open doors for those born with limited means,” said Jeff Evora, WRCM President and COO.

“We see education as a game-changer — not just for individuals, but for families, communities, and entire generations. Supporting programs like YSLEP is our way of helping bridge the gap between privilege and potential. It’s not just about giving; it’s about believing in the power of the Filipino youth to lead, to uplift others, and to transform our nation from the ground up.”

Fr. Pascual welcomed the support, emphasizing the long-term community impact of such partnerships.

“Support from organizations like Winford Manila Foundation Inc., is vital to building a more compassionate and empowered society. When companies invest in programs like YSLEP, they’re not just helping scholars finish school — they’re uplifting families and revitalizing communities, especially here in Manila, where access to quality education can change lives across generations," he said.

YSLEP is Caritas Manila’s flagship education initiative, aimed at developing servant leaders from underprivileged backgrounds. Since 2019, it has supported over 13,000 youth scholars, with 4,240 enrolled in academic year 2023–2024 and 1,589 graduating — among them two summa cum laude and 29 magna cum laude honorees.

Also present at the ceremony were WRCM Vice President for Gaming Operations Darwin Cusi, Director for Marketing Sab San Pedro, and Assistant Director for Finance John Rocky Leona.

Winford Manila Foundation Inc. focuses on education, health, and community development in the City of Manila. The foundation was created to give back to the city that has supported WRCM’s growth, reflecting a commitment to shaping a better future for underserved communities.