EastWest Rural Bank Boosts Back-to-School Readiness through DepEd Partnerships

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Expanding support for DepEd with learner protection, teacher wellness, and Brigada Eskwela initiatives

EastWest Rural Bank donated 20 smartphones to DepEd Learner Support Center to strengthen responsiveness of learner protection services nationwide, including mental health, child welfare, and anti-bullying response. 

As classes open nationwide this June, EastWest Rural Bank (EWRB)—EastWest Banking Corporation’s rural banking arm—is strengthening its support for both students and educators. The Bank is rolling out a multi-faceted program focused on learner protection, teacher wellness, and community engagement initiatives in partnership with the Department of Education (DepEd).  

“These initiatives reflect our shared commitment with DepEd as the new school year begins,” said EWRB President Sheila Marasigan-Bajado. “We believe that supporting education means caring for both learners and teachers—by strengthening protection systems, promoting health and financial well-being, and helping create safe, ready learning environments for every Filipino child.” 

Among these initiatives is the donation of 20 smartphones to DepEd Learner Support Center, aimed at strengthening communication and improving responsiveness of learner protection services nationwide, including mental health, child welfare, and anti-bullying response.  The turnover was held during the YAKAP at Kalinga Caravan across Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao. 

 

To support teacher readiness, EWRB continues its free Annual Physical Test (APT) for Teachers, providing health consultations and mobile check-up services. The program, which has already reached over 4,000 educators since 2024, now also integrates GuroWAIS, delivering financial literacy sessions to help teachers strengthen money management and long-term financial well-being. 

 

Complementing these efforts, EWRB also contributed in-kind donations such as cleaning materials and supplies to selected schools, alongside employee volunteerism efforts in support of Brigada Eskwela. 

“This back-to-school season reminds us that education is a shared responsibility,” said Marasigan-Bajado. “We believe in building a future where every learner and educator feel protected, valued, and supported, and we are privileged to work alongside partners like DepEd in turning this vision into reality.” 

Respect Starts Young: EastWest Rural Bank Honors Values-Driven Students Nationwide

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Marking its 10th year, the I RESPECT Awards recognize children who practice kindness, empathy, and responsibility in school and community life

During graduation ceremonies nationwide, 83 elementary students received the EastWest Rural Bank I RESPECT Awards and cash incentives in recognition of values-driven leadership

Respect learned early creates a force for good that lasts a lifetime. Guided by this belief, EastWest Rural Bank (EWRB), EastWest Banking Corporation’s rural banking arm, continues its annual I RESPECT Awards campaign—honoring young Filipino students who demonstrate respect for people, the environment, and social, cultural, and spiritual beliefs.

This year, 83 elementary students from regions across the country were recognized during their graduation ceremonies. Each awardee received a cash incentive as part of the recognition.

Now in its 10th year, the I RESPECT Awards celebrate children whose everyday actions reflect empathy, kindness, and responsibility—values observed and affirmed by their teachers. Awardees are recognized not only for academic performance, but also for how they treat others, care for their surroundings, and practice good citizenship in simple, meaningful ways.

Through the campaign, EWRB reinforces its core value of RESPECT and underscores that values-based leadership can begin early. By spotlighting children who choose compassion, inclusion, and integrity, the Bank aims to inspire more young Filipinos to be positive influences in their schools and communities.

“Respect is shaped through example, and these young awardees remind us that values can be lived at any age,” said EWRB President Sheila Marasigan-Bajado. “By recognizing children who choose respect—for people, for culture, and for the environment—we invest in a future led by empathy, responsibility, and shared humanity.”

The I RESPECT Awards campaign is part of EWRB’s broader advocacy for community development, reinforcing the belief that nation-building starts with character—and that when values are nurtured early, their impact can span generations.

EastWest Rural Bank Supports National Children's Month Celebration in Tacloban City

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In honor of National Children’s Month, EastWest Rural Bank (EWRB) joined hands with the Department of Education’s (DepEd) Learners’ Rights and Protection Office (LRPO) for a meaningful and impactful celebration hosted by Region VIII. The well-attended event took place on November 25, 2024, at the People’s Center in Tacloban City, leaving a lasting impression on participants and stakeholders alike.

With over 400 attendees, including students, teachers, DepEd representatives, and local officials coming from different regions, the event highlighted the importance of creating a safe and supportive environment for Filipino children by engaging, empowering, and equipping the youth with the tools they need to thrive in school.

"At EastWest Rural Bank, we are dedicated to empowering communities and creating opportunities that transform lives," said Sheila Marasigan-Bajado, President.

EastWest Rural Bank demonstrated its focus on uplifting communities through education and support. The bank’s team actively engaged with participants throughout the entire event, providing over 100 educational kits to selected students and distributing giveaways, such as fans, mini notebooks, and ball pens to attendees. These contributions reflect EWRB’s ongoing efforts to promote learning and community involvement. EWRB also took the opportunity to showcase its Komo mobile app, which offers user-friendly and secure banking features tailored to modern lifestyles.

Asec Dexter A. Galban of DepEd praised the solid support of partners like EastWest Rural Bank in his keynote address, emphasizing the impact of collaborations in creating opportunities for Filipino learners. "Collaborations like these with EastWest Rural Bank are vital in creating opportunities that inspire and empower our Filipino learners," Galban pointed out.

DepEd Region VIII Director Evelyn R. Fetalvero also acknowledged EWRB during her opening remarks, expressing gratitude for the bank's consistent participation in educational initiatives. "We deeply appreciate EastWest Rural Bank’s support for our educational initiatives and support to the welfare of our youth," said Fetalvero.

The event concluded with a pledge of commitment and unity dance, symbolizing the collective effort to ensure a brighter future for Filipino children.

In celebration of EastWest Bank’s 30th Anniversary, this initiative reflects EWRB’s ongoing dedication to corporate social responsibility, championing education, and uplifting the communities it serves, exemplifying the bank’s promise of going “Further for You.”

For more information about EastWest Rural Bank’s initiatives and services, please visit www.eastwestruralbank.com.ph.

EastWest Rural Bank Champions Health and Education in Davao Del Norte with Pioneering Initiative

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EastWest Rural Bank (EWRB) proudly launched its first Brigada Eskwela campaign for the year at Gupitan Elementary School in the remote barangay of Gupitan, Kapalong, Davao Del Norte. This event is the first of a series of Health & Wellness initiatives that the Bank will run with partner districts/divisions or schools across the country, marking EWRB’s continuing commitment to the Department of Education’s MATATAG agenda, aimed at supporting teachers so they can teach better everyday.

Front row (from left to right): Dr. Mahmod L. Bernardino Jr., MD; Racquel Bernardino; Germie B. Capiolos, Loans Specialist; Nelson B. Nazareno, Team Leader – Sales; Ronie D. Maog, Loans Specialist; Aeron M. Santos, Digital Channels & Brand Management Officer; Sarah F. Montero, Product Management Officer; Hera A. Duka, Business Innovation Group Leader; Dominic M. Dizon, District Supervisor; Marilou A. Malinao, Team Leader - Sales & Collection; Roy P. Miano, Business Innovation Group, Team Leader, EastWest Rural Bank

The program included a variety of activities designed to uplift and engage educators. These included games, a raffle with prizes such as a Huawei Matepad and gift boxes, a wellness talk by Dr. Mahmod Bernardino on holistic health, a session on the impact of cybersecurity on financial health. The Komo App was also showcased, introducing digital tools to support the audiences’ professional and personal lives.

Dominic M. Dizon, the District Head of Langilan shared his gratitude, noting the significant impact of such support on the community’s educators. “This support from EastWest Rural Bank is invaluable. It enhances our ability to serve our students effectively, ensuring that our teachers are not only well-equipped but also well-cared for,” said Mr. Dizon.

Strengthening Connections

Shiela Marasigan Bajado, President of EastWest Rural Bank, expressed her enthusiasm for what’s ahead: “At EWRB, we believe in the power of community and education. Today’s event is just the start. We are committed to not only supporting our teachers with resources but also empowering them with the knowledge and tools they need for their critical role in shaping future generations.”

This initiative is a testament to EWRB’s dedication to community engagement and the enhancement of educational environments across the Philippines, setting a strong foundation for future support programs.