City Savings Bank (CitySavings) reaffirmed its mission of championing education by supporting the Department of Education (DepEd) and Aboitiz Foundation’s programs to enhance learning spaces.

Nearly 500 employees from all branches of the thrift subsidiary of Aboitiz-led Union Bank of the Philippines volunteered for DepEd’s annual Brigada Eskwela to spruce up more than 240 schools nationwide in time for the reopening of class on 8 June. They helped parents and teachers clean, paint and make minor repairs of their schools.

CitySavings also donated cleaning materials and other learning and teaching resources to the beneficiary schools.

The Bank supported the 2026 Brigada Eskwela national kick-off on 1 June, hosted by Cabadbaran City National High School in Agusan del Norte. CitySavings president and CEO Manuel G. Santiago Jr., joined Education Secretary Sonny Angara for the Memorandum of Understanding signing and the ceremonial turnover of donations, witnessed by government and private stakeholders.

“At City Savings Bank, our mission has always been rooted in the welfare of public servants and their families. Teachers are at the heart of what we do, and supporting the schools where they dedicate their lives is not just a corporate responsibility; it is a deeply personal one. Brigada Eskwela is an opportunity for us to give back in a tangible, hands-on way,” Santiago said.

Since 2008, CitySavings has supported DepEd’s Brigada Eskwela and, year after year, scaled its support, driven by employee volunteerism across its nationwide branch network. The Bank’s initiatives to help advance quality education were recognized by DepEd at a partners’ appreciation ceremony last 8 May in Mandaluyong City.

CitySavings has expanded its commitment beyond general repairs and beautification by supporting AuroraPH, Aboitiz Foundation’s flagship education and connectivity initiative that aims to support 300 off-grid, last-mile schools across the Philippines with solar power, internet systems, digital learning tools, and capacity building. Implemented in partnership with DepEd and other organizations, AuroraPH helps bridge the country’s educational and digital divide.

As part of this initiative, Aboitiz Foundation provided solar power and internet connectivity to Ansili Elementary School, a last-mile learning institution serving the Mamanwa Indigenous Peoples community in Cabadbaran City, Agusan del Norte. Complementing these efforts, CitySavings donated brand-new flat-screen TVs during the 1 June turnover event to further enhance digital learning for both teachers and students. 

Through education support, financial inclusion and community engagement, City Savings Bank remains committed to being a force for positive and lasting change in every community where it operates.