Sometimes change begins in the simplest ways — a child raising their hand for the first time in class, or a sapling taking root in damp soil.
In the Philippines, these small beginnings are shaping a bigger story of hope: children gaining precious learning opportunities, and communities uniting to protect the environment for the future.
Employees of the QI Group in the Philippines recently joined these efforts through our Employee Community Impact (ECI) initiative, working alongside the communities as partners in education, conservation, and local development.
Opening Doors for Children at Risk
In Manila, the ‘Street Children Education Program’ by the volunteer service Ugnayan ng Pahinungod offers children a chance to experience what many take for granted: structured lessons, guidance, and encouragement. Every Saturday, children gather in a safe space to learn basic subjects. For some, it is their first consistent classroom experience.
Our employees helped the young participants overcome one of their biggest barriers — the fear of asking questions. Our stand-in teachers kept the session alive through interactive games and activities to make the lessons fun and memorable.
When the first batch of students completed the programme, they received an award recognising their progress and personal qualities — creativity, leadership, and perseverance.
“My service that day taught me a valuable lesson about education and that we’re not all blessed with the same experience,” said business development support executive Rama Rinck. “And I could see how we can create better experiences with this volunteering opportunity.”
Planting Hope in Olongapo
Further north, in Olongapo, another kind of learning took place. Employees joined city officials and community volunteers for a tree planting activity at Sitio Banca-Bancaan in Gordon Heights.
The group planted native trees that, in time, will help restore ecological balance — cooling the air, improving its quality, and strengthening the resilience of local habitats.
For some participants, the experience was a meaningful first.
“It was hard, tiring, and challenging due to the heavy rain earlier,” QI employee Amanola Panara-ag shared. “But it was about creating something lasting for the future, and that made it meaningful.”
One Spirit, Many Acts of Service
From nurturing children’s confidence to restoring green spaces, both efforts share a common purpose: building stronger, more sustainable communities.
Education and the environment may seem like different worlds, but both require patience, care, and a long view of the future.
The seeds planted in young minds and the soil will continue to grow. And with the continued support of partners, volunteers, and communities, that growth will shape a brighter, more sustainable Philippines for generations to come.
