Wednesday, March 19, 2008 Philam Foundation releases $550T for 4 major programs
PHILAM Foundation, the social development arm of the Philamlife Group of Companies, has so far released a total of$550,000 since it started in 1997.
Philamlife reported that the amount was used under its four major program areas on health, education, arts and culture, and livelihood development (Heal).
The foundation has sponsored the promotion of English proficiency initiative of the American Chamber of Commerce and the Makati Business Club.
Michel Khalaf, Philamlife deputy president, said that under the program, 6,600 teachers and students from six universities across the country are trained through computer-aided English language instruction.
The program addresses the problem of declining English proficiency among Filipinos and preserves the country's competitive advantage.
The foundation, in partnership with the Philippine Business for Social Progress (PBSP), also established the Aid for Basilan Children (ABC) Fund, a scholarship fund over 500 Muslim and Christian schoolchildren in Basilan.
It also supports the Department of Education's Adopt-a-school program, which aims to provide assistance and service to public schools.
It also established the Philam Poverty Alleviation Fund (PPAF), now known as the GoodWell Fund to assist livelihood projects that have proven successful.
To date, Khalaf said the foundation has assisted 10 non-government organizations (NGOs) engaged in livelihood initiatives, from micro-finance to aquaculture.
The GoodWell Fund has released almost P15 million and has benefited over 2,000 households.
For the health program, Philam Foundation is the major sponsor of the Relay For Life, the signature fundraising event of the Philippine Cancer Society. It is an overnight event designed to celebrate survivorship and raise money for research and programs of the Philippine Cancer Society. (JGRS)
