OUR COMMITMENT
Community Growth and Lasting Change
First Asia strives to be a responsible corporate citizen through the efforts of its various foundations led by the company’s socio-development arm, the Bato Balani Foundation, a non-stock, non profit foundation dedicated to education development initiatives. Below our some of our efforts:
Bato Balani Foundation Inc
Established in 1991, the foundation has focused on four major thrust: school development, teacher development, student development, and special involvements. Its target beneficiaries are mainly students, teachers, educators, and educational research institutions.
TULONG SA PAARALAN, TULAY SA KAUNLARAN (TSP-TSK)
Due to the unfortunate circumstances faced by many public schools and underserved communities throughout the Philippines, Bato Balani Foundation, through TSP-TSK, provides access to quality textbooks, learning materials, and multimedia programs.
Recipients range from public schools, community-based organizations, local government units, barangays, government agencies, public libraries, non-governmental organizations, and corporate foundations with adopted communities or schools under their patronage.
Recipients range from public schools, community-based organizations, local government units, barangays, government agencies, public libraries, non-governmental organizations, and corporate foundations with adopted communities or schools under their patronage.
HOW TO BE A HIGHLY EFFECTIVE TEACHER (HTBHET)
How To Be A Highly Effective Teacher (HBHET) is a series of seminars organized by the BBFI in partnership with Diwa Learning Systems Inc. HBHET conducts seminars and trainings for parents, teachers, and school administrators to aid them in achieving their full potential as parents and educators.
WIWAG BUSINESS WEEKS
WIWAG® Business Weeks is a 3 or 4-day training concept in business management based on a computer assisted business simulation game interlinking principles in management and basic economics. This was developed by the Ernst Schmidheiny Foundation (ESF) in cooperation with the Institute for Economic Education of the University of St. Gallen in Switzerland to enhance business understanding among high school students.
PAMASKONG HANDOG NG TEAM FIRST ASIA
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Pamaskong Handog ng Team First Asia is an annual activity spearheaded by Bato Balani Foundation Inc. (BBFI) aims to aims to ensure that the children in the network’s partner communities can also have a merry and memorable Christmas while increasing camaraderie, cooperation, and collaboration within the group.
Marian Orchard FAITH Foundation Inc
The Marian Orchard shall serve as a spiritual oasis that will promote the Roman Catholic religion through the propagation of Marian devotion and other religious activities that will inspire a renewal of FAITH.
Museo Maria
Museo Maria serves as the Multi-Purpose Function Room of Marian Orchard. This is being used for student recollection activities. It can also serve as venues for meetings and small groups gatherings. It is also an area for Marian exhibits/or other curated exhibits or other religious activities. The whole museum is fully air conditioned with three private restrooms.
Laudato Si’ Nature Trail
Laudato si' (Praise Be to You) is the second encyclical of Pope Francis, subtitled "on care for our common home". In it, the Pope criticizes consumerism and irresponsible economic development, laments environmental degradation and global warming, and calls all people of the world to take "swift and unified global action".
In response to the second encyclical of the Pope, this nature trail is a 600-meter long walking trail which leads you to “Little Baguio”. A place which is surrounded by pine trees where pilgrims may find inner peace and meditate with nature.
In response to the second encyclical of the Pope, this nature trail is a 600-meter long walking trail which leads you to “Little Baguio”. A place which is surrounded by pine trees where pilgrims may find inner peace and meditate with nature.
Annual Marian Orchard Regatta (AMORe)
This is an annual event conducted by the foundation (MOFFI) to propagate the spirit of Praying the Holy Rosary while doing a fluvial procession at the Balete lake shore. We believed that during these trying times we need to pray more and ask for God’s grace through Mary.
By way of background, AMORe started in 2017. It is a fluvial procession on Taal Lake honoring Our Lady of the Holy Rosary. There are four Mystery boats and the main boat carrying the image of the Blessed Virgin. The Mystery boats represent the four mysteries of the Holy Rosary, namely, Joy, Light, Sorrow and Glory.
During the fluvial parade, there will be 5 boats (1 big boats and 4 small boats) with about 45pax in all including the bangkeros. The participants are priest, seminarian and Marian Devotees. Devotees are praying the rosary at the shoreline together with other religious.
By way of background, AMORe started in 2017. It is a fluvial procession on Taal Lake honoring Our Lady of the Holy Rosary. There are four Mystery boats and the main boat carrying the image of the Blessed Virgin. The Mystery boats represent the four mysteries of the Holy Rosary, namely, Joy, Light, Sorrow and Glory.
During the fluvial parade, there will be 5 boats (1 big boats and 4 small boats) with about 45pax in all including the bangkeros. The participants are priest, seminarian and Marian Devotees. Devotees are praying the rosary at the shoreline together with other religious.
Bisikleta Iglesia
A special pilgrimage tour during the Holy Week that takes its participants to 7 different churches and chapels in Lipa and Balete, Batangas.
OTHERS
- Holy Week Masses
- Feast of the Two Hearts: Triduum Mass for the Solemnity of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus
- Adorno Fathers and Brothers Anniversary in the Philippines
- Feast of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary
- Feast of the Most Holy Rosary and Candlelight Rosary at Marian Orchard
- Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception
- Christmas Concert at the Orchard
- Simbang Gabi at the Orchard
- Adorno Fathers’ Vice Chaplaincy at FAITH Colleges
FAITH Botanic Gardens Foundation Inc
In October 2016, the FAITH Botanic Gardens Foundation (FBGF) was established in recognition of the vital need for well-organized public places for communities throughout the country. FBGF is an initiative of FAITH COLLEGES, a premier educational institution in the Calabarzon region. FAITH COLLEGES wants to set an example, and lead the way, in getting the private sector to provide public spaces as part of the private sector’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives. This undertaking is based on the paper presented by FAITH COLLEGES Chairman Saturnino G. Belen as a requirement for his Advanced Management Program at the Harvard School of Design.
ASEAN Unity Park
The ASEAN UNITY PARK (AUP) is the first project of FBGF. It forms part of FAITH COLLEGES’ commitment to spread awareness of the ASEAN through the school-wide ASEAN awareness activities that it has been implementing yearly on a sustained basis since it opened in 2001.
AUP aims to celebrate ASEAN unity and cooperation. This private sector initiative had its groundbreaking in 2017 to commemorate the 50 years of ASEAN.
This is located inside Batangas Lakelands, a 20-hectare property in Balete, Batangas, that is now the emerging active lifestyle park just 60 minutes away from Metro Manila. It is expected to be completed in 2025.
AUP aims to celebrate ASEAN unity and cooperation. This private sector initiative had its groundbreaking in 2017 to commemorate the 50 years of ASEAN.
This is located inside Batangas Lakelands, a 20-hectare property in Balete, Batangas, that is now the emerging active lifestyle park just 60 minutes away from Metro Manila. It is expected to be completed in 2025.
ASEAN Youth Convergence Forum
The ASEAN Youth Convergence Forum (AYCF) is an event that provides secondary schools from various ASEAN nations the opportunity to interact and develop a regional network.
The event, on its inaugural run in 2019 was dubbed as the ASEAN Convergence Secondary Schools Summit (#AC3S). The Summit convened secondary schools in the region, to collaborate, interact, and realize the important role the youth of ASEAN play.
AYCF is hosted by FAITH COLLEGES and is supported by the ASEAN, the Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs, and Embassies of ASEAN member states. Further, renowned leaders and personalities discuss timely topics pertaining to ASEAN on how the youth can contribute to various international efforts.
The event, on its inaugural run in 2019 was dubbed as the ASEAN Convergence Secondary Schools Summit (#AC3S). The Summit convened secondary schools in the region, to collaborate, interact, and realize the important role the youth of ASEAN play.
AYCF is hosted by FAITH COLLEGES and is supported by the ASEAN, the Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs, and Embassies of ASEAN member states. Further, renowned leaders and personalities discuss timely topics pertaining to ASEAN on how the youth can contribute to various international efforts.
Taal Volcano Island Conservancy
Through a donation of 176 hectares of titled land within the Taal Volcano Island (TVI), FAITH Colleges now leads a multisectoral initiative to transform TVI into a nature conservancy space and, just as importantly, a living laboratory where the public at large can learn more about ecological and biodiversity conservation.
Under the recently organized FAITH Botanic Gardens Foundation (FBGF), the TVI Conservancy will immerse and educate stakeholders of how TVI functions as a nexus for various ecosystems in order to spark among them an interest in testing and furthering conservancy and sustainability plans. Thus, Agham ng Bulkang Taal is now the first major project under FBGF’s TVI Conservancy initiative.
Under the recently organized FAITH Botanic Gardens Foundation (FBGF), the TVI Conservancy will immerse and educate stakeholders of how TVI functions as a nexus for various ecosystems in order to spark among them an interest in testing and furthering conservancy and sustainability plans. Thus, Agham ng Bulkang Taal is now the first major project under FBGF’s TVI Conservancy initiative.
Agham ng Bulkang Taal Science Expedition
The Agham ng Bulkang Taal Science Expedition is being organized to understand the ecological succession happening in the Taal Volcano Island after the Taal Volcano phreatomagmatic eruption on 12 January 2020. Further, this is set to bridge pure sciences to scalable research and actionable work plans for the locals and the community in support of conservancy efforts.
Leading the series of expeditions were Dr. Lillian Rodriguez of the UP Terrestrial Research of Ecology and Evolution Laboratory (TREE Lab); Dr. Mario Aurelio, Director of the UP National Institute of Geological Sciences (NIGS); Dr. Alexander Young of the Department of Environmental Science, School of Science and Engineering, Ateneo de Manila University; and University of Sto. Tomas College of Science Dean Dr. Rey Donne Papa.
Early assessments from initial visits revealed that the island is already showing signs of life after a year in a desolated state. Visiting scientists noted the presence of at least 30 species of plants and 16 bird species, along with some predator insects and parasitoid species—all indicative of fast and positive ecological succession occurring on the island
Leading the series of expeditions were Dr. Lillian Rodriguez of the UP Terrestrial Research of Ecology and Evolution Laboratory (TREE Lab); Dr. Mario Aurelio, Director of the UP National Institute of Geological Sciences (NIGS); Dr. Alexander Young of the Department of Environmental Science, School of Science and Engineering, Ateneo de Manila University; and University of Sto. Tomas College of Science Dean Dr. Rey Donne Papa.
Early assessments from initial visits revealed that the island is already showing signs of life after a year in a desolated state. Visiting scientists noted the presence of at least 30 species of plants and 16 bird species, along with some predator insects and parasitoid species—all indicative of fast and positive ecological succession occurring on the island
Bintana Museum, Inc.
Bintana Museum, Inc., is established to promote, organize, and celebrate the arts and culture of the province of Batangas and its adjacent regions through diverse media, exhibits, fairs, workshops, and other related activities. Its mission is to foster the creativity of local artists, artisans, and content creators, as well as to engage various communities and audiences in and out of the province in the appreciation, development, and exploration of Batangas’ rich artistic, ethnic, and cultural heritage.
Bintana: Batangas Art through the Eyes of 149 Visual Artists
An art book that comprehensively showcases the province of Batangas’ rich artistic heritage. “Bintana” stands out as the most comprehensive book on the art and artists of any province in the Philippines, featuring entries written by professionals based on the artists’ works. The team behind the book includes award-winning book designers, authors, publishers, museum workers, and cultural experts with extensive knowledge of both Philippine and international art scenes.
FAITH Arts and Science Foundation Inc
FAITH Arts and Science Foundation, Inc. is established to provide grants for College and post graduate scholarships in arts, science, technology and similar programs, funding for research and publication, funding for students and faculty in registration fees and other expenses for international conferences and to establish science and technology laboratories in qualified academic institutions.
Study Now, Pay Later
To commemorate the installation of Dr. Brian L. Belen as the second President of FAITH Colleges and to celebrate Mr. Saturnino G. Belen's 20-year tenure as the school’s first President, the school established the First President's Endowment Fund under the FAITH Arts and Science Foundation, Inc. This is a Php 72,000,000.00 academic endowment fund that is envisioned to provide academic financial assistance to undergraduate students of FAITH Colleges starting Academic Year 2021-2022.
The funds donated with the endowment should be used solely for the purpose of granting Study Now, Pay Later Loan to students continuing their education at FAITH Colleges. Such grants will have non-interest-bearing notes on the part of the grantees. More contributions to the Endowment Fund will be coursed through the FAITH Arts and Science Foundation.
The funds donated with the endowment should be used solely for the purpose of granting Study Now, Pay Later Loan to students continuing their education at FAITH Colleges. Such grants will have non-interest-bearing notes on the part of the grantees. More contributions to the Endowment Fund will be coursed through the FAITH Arts and Science Foundation.
Muntinlupa Development Foundation Inc
Muntinlupa Development Foundation (MDF) is a non-stock, non-profit organization founded in 1986 by Muntinlupa residents. It was established to help uplift the social and economic conditions of the Muntinlupa communities by:
- Generating and mobilizing resources;
- Developing linkages and alliances with various sectors and organizations with similar purposes;
- and Supporting and undertaking programs that promote self-reliance and economic empowerment.
Kalusugan sa Muntinlupa Supplemental Feeding Program
Kalusugan sa Muntinlupa (KSM), a supplemental feeding program funded by the American Women’s Club of the Philippines (AWCP) has been feeding children for the last 19 years. For this year, the Trustees of the Foundation funded the program.
This program is in close partnership with the City Nutrition Council (CNC) of Muntinlupa and Barangay Nutrition Scholars (BNS). Medical services and regular check-ups for the children under the feeding program were provided by the CNC.
At present, MDF is looking after 133 children on five feeding sites in the city located at Sikatville, Barangay Tunasan; Southville 3, Barangay Poblacion; Tepaurel Compound, Barangay Putatan; Formes Compound, Barangay Alabang; and Sitio Rang-ay, Barangay Sucat.
Kalusugan sa Muntinlupa aims to improve the nutritional status of children with underweight or severely underweight degree of malnutrition to normalcy. Children under the feeding program are fed with nutritious meals thrice a week.
This program is in close partnership with the City Nutrition Council (CNC) of Muntinlupa and Barangay Nutrition Scholars (BNS). Medical services and regular check-ups for the children under the feeding program were provided by the CNC.
At present, MDF is looking after 133 children on five feeding sites in the city located at Sikatville, Barangay Tunasan; Southville 3, Barangay Poblacion; Tepaurel Compound, Barangay Putatan; Formes Compound, Barangay Alabang; and Sitio Rang-ay, Barangay Sucat.
Kalusugan sa Muntinlupa aims to improve the nutritional status of children with underweight or severely underweight degree of malnutrition to normalcy. Children under the feeding program are fed with nutritious meals thrice a week.
Resettlement Program Following the Social Tenure Domain Model
The Social Tenure Domain Model (STDM) Tool is a pro-poor, participatory and gender responsive land recording tool for the inventory of land tenure data and mapping of household lots and farms. This tool is being used by MDF on its approach to housing initiatives and community upgrading engagements.
Graceville Sampalukan
Graceville Sampalukan is a community in Barangay Malabanan, Balete Batangas. MDF is onboard to implement the Social Tenure Domain Model (STDM) tool to the community with respect to the settlers’ tenancy rights.Site development plans will be carried out to make Graceville a viable and thriving community.
It is envisioned that Graceville Sampalukan will successfully imbibe the rural community renewal attributes attracting tourists to visit their community. The community members undergo training and workshops on housing and capacity building.
It is envisioned that Graceville Sampalukan will successfully imbibe the rural community renewal attributes attracting tourists to visit their community. The community members undergo training and workshops on housing and capacity building.
Others
- FIFFI Scholarship Program
- The Foundation’s various networking and involvement with the Local Government Unit of Muntinlupa City in the areas of housing, community development, and health and nutrition. MDF sits as one of the members of the City Development Council of Muntinlupa.
