Eduk-Aksyon : The Great Equalizer

Tweet

In a world where opportunities often favor the privileged few, Jean Henri Lhuillier, Consul General of San Marino and President and CEO of Cebuana Lhuillier, stands as a beacon of hope for a more equitable society. His steadfast belief in the transformative power of education is embodied in his mantra, "Always Love Schooling," a testament to his conviction that education serves as the great equalizer in society.

Lhuillier's commitment to bridging the gap in the Philippines led to the inception of "San Marino Cares: Fun Learning through Eduk-Aksyon," an initiative aimed at empowering marginalized communities. Launched at A Home for the Angels, an organization dedicated to neglected children in Manila, the program offers reading and comprehension classes using an award-winning book on adoption. By equipping children with knowledge and skills, Lhuillier endeavors to break the cycle of inequality and pave the way for a brighter future.

Education, for Lhuillier, is more than just a means of acquiring knowledge; it is a catalyst for social change. Through initiatives like "San Marino Cares," he seeks to create a society where equal opportunities abound. Recognizing the widening gap between the rich and the poor, Lhuillier champions education as the cornerstone of progress, offering hope to those in marginalized communities.

"Education is the great equalizer, and through initiatives like 'San Marino Cares,' we are dedicated to empowering marginalized communities. By providing children with the tools they need to succeed, we aim to break the cycle of inequality and create a brighter future for all." - Jean Henri Lhuillier

In a country where access to quality education remains a challenge, Lhuillier's efforts are paramount. By providing children with opportunities to learn and engage, he ensures that no child is left behind. Understanding that education instills not only knowledge but also confidence, he empowers individuals to shape their own destinies.

The initiative addresses a pressing issue in the Philippines: the inequality of opportunity. As educational disparities persist, so do unequal circumstances and opportunities. Lhuillier recognizes that education is not only a fundamental human right but also a powerful tool for social mobility and change.

For many Filipino children, education represents more than just a pathway to success—it is a lifeline. By investing in education, Lhuillier invests in the future of the nation, laying the groundwork for a more just and prosperous society.

As Lhuillier continues to champion education as the great equalizer, he reminds us that every child deserves the chance to dream, to learn, and to succeed. Through his unwavering dedication and commitment, he paves the way for a brighter and more inclusive future for all.

Cebuana Lhuillier Elevates Commitment to Empowering Filipinos Through Alternative Learning Program

Tweet

Jean Henri Lhuillier and Cebuana Lhuillier Foundation Inc. (CLFI) reaffirm their dedication to enhancing the lives of Filipinos through their impactful initiatives. At the forefront of this commitment is the Alternative Learning Program (ALS), a groundbreaking initiative in collaboration with the Department of Education (DepEd).

The company recognizes the imperative role of education in shaping competent and productive individuals. To achieve this, the Foundation has strategically positioned ALS Community Learning Centers (ALS-CLCs) across the country.

CLFI has successfully established 155 ALS-CLCs across 70 provinces and reached 60,000 learners, marking significant progress in its mission to address educational gaps and empower learners from various regions. But beyond these impressive figures, the ALS boasts a commendable 63.36% passing rate, a testament to its holistic approach and program offerings.

This success is fueled by the program’s comprehensive curriculum, coupled with the unwavering dedication of ALS educators, who receive full support from CLFI. The Foundation ensures that educators are equipped with the necessary resources and assistance to deliver quality education, further enhancing the impact of the program.

One of the ALS educators who exemplifies the positive impact of this support is Evie Madolid, an ALS Educator from Malabon. Madolid expressed deep gratitude for the invaluable assistance received from Cebuana Lhuillier, which fosters an environment where educators can inspire and guide learners effectively.

He said, “I’m very thankful to Cebuana Lhuillier for extending their help to the program, where they provided laptops, projectors, and other supplies that we can use to enhance the quality of our teaching."

“I feel so proud of my students and feel so fulfilled. They expressed their gratitude, saying that ALS has given them another chance to fulfill their dreams. Some of my students have reached out to me, sharing the good news of their achievements. I have a student who is now a police officer; some have become my co-teachers; others are now working abroad; and some have even started a small business. Finally, I can say that they really are successful,” he added.

This testament underscores Cebuana Lhuillier’s commitment not only to the learners but also to the educators, who play a pivotal role in shaping the success stories emerging from the ALS program. By providing comprehensive support, Cebuana Lhuillier ensures that ALS educators can continue to make a meaningful impact on the lives of their students, creating a ripple effect of positive change within communities.

“Education has always been deeply personal advocacy for me. I believe that it holds the key to unlocking the full potential of individuals and communities alike. To achieve this, it is essential to prioritize the empowerment of educators. They are the backbone of our education system, guiding and inspiring the next generation of changemakers. At Cebuana Lhuillier, we work tirelessly to ensure that they are equipped to deliver the highest standards of education,”said Jean Henri Lhuillier, President and CEO of Cebuana Lhuillier.

Cebuana Lhuillier continues to be a beacon of hope, championing education and empowerment through its ALS program. By addressing the unique needs of out-of-school youth and adults, the company is making significant strides in shaping a brighter future for communities across the Philippines.

Cebuana Lhuillier and Jean Henri Lhuillier’s impact on uplifting Filipino lives through learning initiatives

Tweet

Cebuana Lhuillier and Jean Henri Lhuillier continue its commitment to uplifting Filipino lives through its impactful educational initiatives. With education at the forefront of their advocacy, these initiatives represent a transformative journey toward a brighter and more educated future for the Philippines.

Through its corporate social responsibility arm, Cebuana Lhuillier Foundation Inc. (CLFI) leads the charge with its Nationwide Scholarship Program, providing support to intellectually gifted yet financially constrained students. Aside from the annual scholarship grant, the program offers employment opportunities in Cebuana Lhuillier’s parent company, PJ Lhuillier Inc. (PJLI), and provides additional learning resources to its scholars and learning sessions. In collaboration with 14 academic institutions all over the country, close to 1,000 graduate scholars have emerged nationwide. This not only opens doors for the scholars but also creates a ripple effect as they contribute to uplifting others through education.

Another of its initiatives is the Alternative Learning Program, which addresses the needs of out-of-school youth and adult learners across the Philippines. These ALS community learning centers (ALS-CLCs) empower individuals to complete basic education, transforming them into competent and productive members of society. Since it was established in 2013, 155 ALS-CLCs have been built across 70 provinces, reaching almost 60,000 ALS learners.

Jean Henri Lhuillier 

“I have always been a staunch advocate for education. At Cebuana Lhuillier, it is our firm belief that the journey of learning holds the key to transformative change, shaping destinies and creating a profound impact on individuals. Through our initiatives and programs, we strive to improve lives and contribute to the growth of a country built on the foundations of knowledge and empowerment,” said Jean Henri Lhuillier, President and CEO of Cebuana Lhuillier.

A shining example of success is Atty. Pia Faustino, a Ka-Cebuana who has been with the company for over 20 years now. Faustino was a CLFI scholar during her undergraduate years. Upon completing her degree, she received a job offer as the Administrative Assistant in the Legal Services Group (LSG) of PJLI. It was within this role that she discovered her passion for law, and with the unwavering support of her colleagues and bosses, she decided to pursue further studies.

Embracing the challenge, Faustino embarked on her remarkable journey through law school and in 2023, her dedication and hard work culminated in passing the Bar, earning her esteemed title of a lawyer.

“I’m very grateful to the Lhuillier family and all LSG Group Heads. Everyone has been so supportive, even my colleagues. Just last year, I passed the bar. Law school was not a walk in the park, I had my ups and downs, but I was determined to finish it and to pass the bar. Now, just fresh from passing the bar, I still crave learning and opportunities. I hope and pray to become a good lawyer,” said Faustino.

Faustino's trajectory from scholarship recipient to accomplished lawyer exemplifies the transformative power of educational support and the opportunities for growth that Cebuana Lhuillier and Jean Henri Lhuillier provides.

As Cebuana Lhuillier and Jean Henri Lhuillier continue to spearhead impactful initiatives, the vision for educational empowerment echoes far beyond the programs themselves. It resonates in the lives changed, the communities uplifted, and the promise of a brighter future for the Filipino people.

Cebuana Lhuillier, its CEO Jean Henri Lhuillier receive Golden Bridge and Quill recognitions

Tweet

Lhuillier and company receive prestigious acknowledgements for their innovations in financial inclusion and strategic creative communications

COMMITTED TO SERVICE EXCELLENCE. Cebuana Lhuillier and its President and CEO Jean Henri Lhuillier once again bagged multiple business awards from local and international award-giving bodies.

 

The country’s leading micro financial services provider, Cebuana Lhuillier, along with its President & CEO Jean Henri Lhuillier continued their winning streak with newly-badged recognitions from the Golden Bridge Business and Innovations Awards and the Philippine Quill Awards.

 

The company received 17 distinctions from Golden Bridge, including the Grand Globee Award which is bestowed to companies with the most number of wins for the year. Meanwhile, Jean Henri Lhuillier received four awards— including the Lifetime Achievement Award, Maverick of the Year, Entrepreneur of the Year, and Executive Achievement of the Year. All four titles are indicative of the high caliber leadership exemplified by Cebuana Lhuillier’s chief executive.

 

The company also made strides as it accounted majority of the awards, with 10 distinctions comprising Gold award for Comms Campaign of the year, Best Corporate Brochure, and Best Annual Report categories for its yearly publication, Benedizioni. Its Mother’s Day 2021 social media campaign, “Dakilang Ina”, also won the Gold across three categories. The company’s year-ender event, “Humans of Cebuana Lhuillier”, also received two more gold awards.

 

Additionally, Cebuana Lhuillier was awarded with four Quill awards this year in recognition of its various communications campaigns, covering various channels such as internal communications, digital, and public relations.

 

Michael Sena, Integrated Marketing and Communications Group Head of Cebuana Lhuillier

 

“These wins are proof of our continuous efforts to strive for excellence not only as the leading player in the micro financial services industry; but inherently, in all that we do as one organization. Guided by our corporate values, our commitment to excellence has allowed us to always push the boundaries on what we can accomplish—not only on the products and services we offer, but also on how we communicate and engage the public,” Lhuillier said.

 

Other big winners include the company’s internal COVID-19 response publication, Ka-Cebuana Healthwatch, “Tulong sa Pagbangon”, its very own CSR response during Typhoon Odette, as well as its pawning web platform, Cebuana-from-Home.

Michael Sena, Cebuana Lhuillier’s Integrated Marketing and Communications Group Head, puts emphasis on the important role that communications play in engaging, empowering, and inspiring people. “As an organization, we believe in the power of strategic and impactful communications in order to reach our desired audience and inspire them into action. We aim to tell the stories of the people we serve, and use this as a driving force to fulfill Cebuana Lhuillier’s commitment of pushing for financial inclusion.”

Jean Henri Lhuillier was also recently named as “Master Innovator” during the recently-concluded 2^nd Mansmith Innovation Awards where he and the company were cited for the various tech-oriented breakthroughs of the company’s micro insurance products.

Jean Henri Lhuillier named as one of this year’s Master Innovator by Mansmith Innovation Awards

Tweet

Jean Henri Lhuillier, the President & CEO of micro financial services giant Cebuana Lhuillier, was recently named as a “Master Innovator for 2022” by the Mansmith Innovation Awards, an award-giving body organized by Mansmith & Fielders, the country’s leading training and consultancy company.

 Cebuana Lhuillier President & CEO gets the nod for changing the face of micro insurance in the country through a brilliant fusion of brick and tech strategy

Lhuillier was cited for revolutionizing the face of micro insurance in the Philippines—thanks to his ground-breaking work in making micro insurance more relevant in the lives of Filipinos. Based on the latest statistics, only 53.7M out of 111M Filipinos are covered by insurance. To date, 31% of the insured Filipinos was contributed by Cebuana Lhuillier Micro Insurance, the biggest attributor to date as cited by the Insurance Commission.

Cebuana Lhuillier captured the interest of the market especially from low-income communities by offering affordable micro insurance products that can be easily purchased in any of Cebuana Lhuillier’s over 3,000 branches nationwide, while also putting systems in place for easier claims payout through the same branches. This was made possible by Lhuillier’s keen support and commitment in the application of tech innovations as a means to augment Cebuana Lhuillier’s wide network of branches and partners nationwide.

“The true mark of being a financially-included Filipino is having access to the most basic financial services that are essential in our everyday lives. This includes protection against illnesses, emergencies, and uncertain situations brought by disasters or natural calamities. For 40 million Filipinos, this is made possible by Cebuana Lhuillier micro insurance,” shares Jean Henri Lhuillier, President & CEO, Cebuana Lhuillier. 

Lhuillier adds, “For the past two years, Cebuana Lhuillier focused on its transition as a TechBrick company in order to ensure accessibility and convenience for our clients whenever they avail or use any of our products. We do this by expanding our network reach through physical branches while also taking advantage of proprietary technology through the development of new apps and digital channels that will bring our products and services closer to many Filipinos. In the case of our micro insurance product, we started by making sure it’s affordable and can be easily purchased by any of our kababayans regardless of their stature in life. We then made sure it’s available for purchase nationwide, in any Cebuana Lhuillier branch in the Philippines.”

From these two basic foundations, Lhuillier further expanded by pushing for more tech innovation that further elevated his micro insurance offerings. This included the unveiling of ProtectNow in 2019, a web-based platform which aggregates the best possible insurance options for their home, auto, travel, and family insurance needs coming from some of the credible insurance companies in the Philippines; the introduction of Claims PayOut Anywhere, which allowed clients to process their claims in any Cebuana Lhuillier branch nationwide; and finally, working together with online market places like Lazada and Shopee which made buying micro insurance as easy as getting as buying something from an online store.

However, it should be noted that micro insurance is just one aspect of Lhuillier’s mission in building a nation of financially-included Filipinos. Under Cebuana Lhuillier, the country’s number one micro financial services provider, Lhuillier has been the forefront of implementing the “TECHBRICK” strategy, taking advantage of their network of more than 3,000 branches nationwide with 25,000 domestic partner doors, and 3 million partner locations globally and marrying it with technological innovations as a means to further bring the micro financial services industry to the next level.

Utilizing the concept of “TechBrick”, a term Lhuillier coined himself, his vision allowed Cebuana Lhuillier and its products and services such as pawning, money transfer, micro insurance, jewelry selling, along with micro savings, a product of it banking arm Cebuana Lhuillier Bank, to maintain its relevance by ensuring availability and access regardless of channels: whether in brick-and-mortar stores, through the development of super apps, and web platforms.

The synergy between the tech and brick capability allowed Cebuana Lhuillier to empower its clients to move seamlessly and to maximize use of its products and services from offline to online.

For Lhuillier, his push for unremitting innovation remains at the core of the organization as it sets its sights into becoming a more future-ready organization. He adds, “The world and along with it, the needs of our Ka-Cebuanas, are constantly changing and evolving. However, what remains consistent is to ensure that Filipinos remain on track towards financial-inclusion and financial mobility. To that, Cebuana Lhuillier will continue to hold on to its promise of being a partner for every one of our kababayans—constantly evolving, innovating, and maintaining our relevance for the years to come.”