New Bicol public school breaks ground

Grab Philippines and the nonprofit organization HOPE have begun construction on a new public school classroom in Albay province, funded by P1.4 million raised through digital donations from app users.

The project at Inang Maharang Elementary School was financed through a combination of customer-donated rewards points and a "Grab HOPE Hour" campaign, which diverted a portion of fares and delivery fees to the cause during a designated window.

The school, which serves more than 100 students in this remote municipality, lost two makeshift classrooms to Typhoon Uwan. Partners said the new 63-square-meter structure is designed to be a permanent, resilient space to replace those destroyed by the storm.

"Grab is dedicated to moving not just goods and people, but also moving malasakit into action," said Ronald Roda, Grab Philippines country head. "Together with HOPE, we’re giving our users a simple way to participate in digital bayanihan."

The new facility will include four windows, wall-mounted fans, full electrical wiring, and an interior bathroom with plumbing. It will also be equipped with a teacher’s desk and a chalkboard.

Nanette Medved-Po, founder and executive chairperson of HOPE, said the partnership demonstrates how businesses can engage subscribers to create a significant impact on public education.

"This classroom is the first of many that we hope will not only guarantee safe access to learning but inspire communities around business for good," Medved-Po said.

The companies announced plans to extend their collaboration through 2026, with intentions to expand school infrastructure projects to other regions beyond Bicol.