Aboitiz Future Leaders program scales up with industry partnerships
The Aboitiz Foundation is strengthening its Aboitiz Future Leaders Program by leveraging collaboration across the Aboitiz Group to provide scholars with holistic support that goes beyond tuition assistance.
The foundation, the corporate social responsibility arm of the Philippines’ first Techglomerate, said the enhanced program integrates the expertise of its business units to connect academic learning with real-world experience, values formation, and community engagement.
Across the country, Aboitiz business units serve as implementing partners of the scholarship initiative. Scholars are given access to internships, mentoring, volunteer opportunities, and learning and development sessions designed to help them understand how their education translates into industry challenges and opportunities.
The foundation said the approach reflects the program’s belief that leadership is shaped by responsibility and purpose. By exposing scholars to practitioners and industry environments, the program aims to build confidence, resilience, and a stronger commitment to service.
In partnership with AboitizPower, the foundation is currently supporting 36 scholars from Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao who are enrolled in fields such as technology, data, communications, environmental studies, and agriculture. The scholars are studying at University of the Philippines campuses in Baguio, Cebu, and Mindanao.
The foundation has also partnered with Aboitiz Foods to support 12 scholars taking up animal science and forestry at Pampanga State Agricultural University. The collaboration includes curriculum alignment, industry-based mentorship, internships, and learning engagements aimed at strengthening the talent pipeline for the food and agriculture sector.
“The strength of the Aboitiz Future Leaders Program lies in collaboration,” said Ginggay Hontiveros-Malvar, President of Aboitiz Foundation. “By working together across the Group, we are able to support scholars not only academically, but also in developing the values, confidence, and practical experience they need to lead and serve.”
Beyond tuition, scholars receive monthly stipends, gadget support, academic incentives including recognition for Latin honor graduates, board examination assistance, mentoring, and internship opportunities across the Aboitiz Group.
The program’s impact is reflected in the achievements of its graduates. Monalizza Ecat, the daughter of a domestic helper, completed her chemical engineering degree at UP Diliman as a summa cum laude in 2025 and recently passed the board examination.
“Being an Aboitiz scholar is an honor that truly changed my life,” Monalizza said. “The scholarship eased my family’s burden and allowed me to focus entirely on my path to becoming an engineer.”
Since 2003, the Aboitiz Foundation has supported more than 1,300 scholars nationwide. For academic year 2025-2026, the program is backing 199 new scholars as it continues to expand its reach.
The foundation said it remains committed to widening access to quality education and developing future leaders who can contribute to their communities and industries.
