💙 From School Kits to Second Chances: Globe Coop CAREavan’s First Stop Inspires in Aurora Province
- Janford Leguiab
- Sep 3
- 3 min read
Updated: Sep 4
Story by Janford Leguiab, who leads Territory Trade Development in Territory 1, covering Isabela, Ifugao, Quirino, Nueva Vizcaya, and Aurora
Globe Coop is the employees’ cooperative of Globe, dedicated to empowering members through savings, capital build-up, and fair access to lending and consumer services—while also pooling resources to uplift families and communities.
Globe CAREavan is its flagship community engagement initiative in collaboration with Territory Leaders, rolling out 13 outreach projects across 10 territories to bring sustainable, localized impact to vulnerable groups such as special children, teen mothers, fisherfolk, out-of-school youth, students, and indigenous communities like the Mangyan.
For Territory 1, the first to roll out their CAREavan activity, their Bag-to-School Program (Aurora) wanted to support underprivileged students at Dingalan Community College through essential school kits and basic livelihood support. They selected 15 students from Dingalan Community College (DCC), the Bag-to-School Program wasn’t just about receiving school kits—it was about getting another shot at their dreams. This program is an initiative that serves as a bridge of hope, helping students stay in school, easing their families’ financial burden, and inspiring them to pursue education with renewed determination.
One of them is Mariah Leah Agustin, 27 years old, a mother, and now a 2nd-year BS Entrepreneurship student. Mariah’s journey hasn’t been easy—she was an out-of-school youth for eight years. She first entered college in 2016, but had to stop due to financial problems. After working for five years, she decided to try again, only to be told she had to go back to senior high due to curriculum changes. Through the Alternative Learning System (ALS), she completed senior high and, when DCC opened two years ago, she enrolled without hesitation.
“Yung main purpose ko lang po is magkaroon ng stable na trabaho, makatulong ako sa mga kapatid ko na nag-aaral pa. And then masuportahan ko po yung family ko."
Mariah dreams of becoming a businesswoman—her course, BS Entrepreneurship, aligns perfectly with that vision. She and her family run a small store at home, and the Retailer Negosyo Package she received from Globe Coop will give them a boost in income. The school supplies also came at the perfect time—she hadn’t been able to buy any yet.
Janford Leguiab, Territory Trade Development Manager, who spearheaded this volunteerism activity, reflected:
“Nakakapagod, pero sobrang sulit. When you see the situation up close, you realize how deep the need is in the community. DCC’s mission really stands out—they go all the way to the barangays to invite out-of-school youth back to class. And with free tuition, uniforms, and even student insurance, they’re removing every possible barrier for these learners.”
The outreach didn’t stop there—almost 60 DCC students also took part in Globe’s Digital Thumbprint Program (DTP), gaining valuable skills and awareness for safe and responsible digital citizenship. Held at the DCC Audio-Visual Room, the session focused on three key topics: How To Spot Fraud Online, How To Be A Responsible Netizen, and the Responsible Use of AI.
The Bag-to-School Program is part of Globe Coop’s Territory CAREavan, a nationwide roll-out of 13 heartfelt outreach projects across 10 territories, with a focus on vulnerable groups. What makes it special is its sustainability—beyond one-time aid, it equips recipients with tools for long-term growth, like Mariah’s negosyo starter kit, helping them earn while they learn.
Funds for this program come from Globe Coop, where members don’t just enjoy annual dividends and loan products—they also fuel life-changing initiatives like this one. Through Globe Coop, Globe employees directly help people like Mariah reclaim their dreams.
And this is just the beginning—12 more CAREavan outreach activities will soon roll out nationwide. From education and livelihood initiatives to health, digital literacy, and community empowerment programs, each activity is designed to uplift lives and create meaningful impact.
💙To every Globe employee: when you join Globe Coop, you’re not just signing up for financial benefits—you’re stepping into a circle of giving, hope, and real impact. Together, we can turn more stories like Mariah’s into realities.
👉 For Globe employees interested in joining Globe Coop, simply send an email to gtcoop@globe.com.ph.
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Thank you, Globe Coop for this opportunity!