Aboitiz Foundation has signed a memorandum of agreement (MOA) with HER LEGACY Project Foundation to collaborate on educational advancement and nation-building, with a shared goal of empowering students and young women as future leaders.

The MOA signing event on March 4, which coincides with the celebration of International Women’s Month, signifies the shared vision of both organizations to be a catalyst for sustainable change by empowering young women to take on active roles in their communities.

The partnership will focus on three key areas: the holistic development of the Department of Education’s Last-Mile Schools Program, internship opportunities for female STEM scholars, and women empowerment workshops for team members, interns, and scholars of the Aboitiz Group.

“This partnership with HER LEGACY Project Foundation reaffirms our commitment to creating a more inclusive and equitable society. As women, we need to lift each other up. By working together, we can inspire a generation of empowered women and leaders,” said Ginggay Hontiveros-Malvar, president of Aboitiz Foundation.

Established by veteran broadcast journalist and UN WOMEN National Goodwill Ambassador Karen Davila, HER LEGACY Project Foundation is committed to empowering women and students through education and mentorship. Its key programs focus on enhancing digital literacy, providing coding education, and fostering leadership development, primarily benefiting women in STEM through the SHESTEMS Scholarship Awards as well as students in underserved communities.

Davila expressed her enthusiasm for the partnership with the Aboitiz Foundation, calling it a testament to the power of collaboration.

"Providing laptops and digital tools to schools is just the first step. We must ensure students use them in meaningful ways. Platforms like 'I Am the Code' can equip them with coding skills and digital literacy, unlocking opportunities for the future. This is more than just a partnership—it’s a shared commitment to education and innovation,” she said.

“Students should be equipped with the skills, connectivity, and resources they need to fully harness their potential. Together, we can become catalysts for a brighter, more empowered future,” said Tootsy Angara, chairperson of HER LEGACY Project Foundation's ConnectEd Project.

Under the MOA, HER LEGACY Project Foundation will recommend pilot schools for AuroraPH, Aboitiz Foundation’s flagship initiative under its Future Leaders program which aims to address the educational gaps faced by students in remote and underserved areas across the country. The integration of laptops and coding programs from HER LEGACY Project Foundation into the AuroraPH initiative will ensure beneficiaries have the necessary tools to enhance their digital skills.

SHESTEMS scholars will also have the opportunity to intern with the Aboitiz Group through the Aboitiz Future Leaders Internship Program, providing them with valuable hands-on experience.

Complementing this exchange, interns, scholars, and employees of the Aboitiz Group will be invited to participate in women empowerment programs of HER LEGACY Project Foundation, further promoting leadership and professional growth.