San Miguel Corporation (SMC), through packaging subsidiary San Miguel Yamamura Packaging Corp. (SMYPC), is looking to train underprivileged youth for technical jobs to provide them access to economic opportunities and help improve overall competencies in the country’s manufacturing sector.

SMC president and chief operating officer Ramon S. Ang committed to continue helping indigent students in the care of the Sisters of Mary Schools – Adlas Inc. (Boystown) in Silang, Cavite following SMYPC’s donation of manufacturing equipment and renovation of the school’s mechanical workshop.

“Now more than ever we need to produce bright, talented young minds that are central to driving the manufacturing sector forward. Through this program, we hope to raise the interest of the next generation of Filipinos and equip them with skills in modern technologies to make them industry-ready and self-reliant,” Ang said.

SMYPC and MESCO, Inc., a partner for machine tools, donated two computer numerical control (CNC) machines.

CNC machining is a manufacturing process in which pre-programmed computer software dictates the movement of factory tools and machinery. It can be used to control a range of complex cutting machinery, from grinders and lathes to mills and routers.

Both companies have committed to send a team of engineers and technicians to train the school’s faculty on the operations and maintenance of the CNC machines. The faculty will then train students on the use of the machines so they will be fully-equipped to handle them once they graduate and are employed at manufacturing facilities.

“Students need to have access to the equipment utilized in manufacturing today—to see, touch, and operate them. The CNC machine is an example of a vital piece of equipment currently used in the industry,” says Ang.

He adds: “More than that, these students should have the opportunity to learn in a well-equipped facility in order to prepare them for their future careers. I hope our recent effort will do just that.”

The renovated workshop now houses a new and improved classroom, a metal crafting facility, and an area for the CNC machines. More than 500 students under the school’s one-year Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) program will be making use of the upgraded facilities this school year.

The Sisters of Mary Schools, established in 1985, has long been known as a top institution that serves as school and home for deserving but indigent youth from underprivileged families that have been placed in their care. The school provides students free food, clothing, shelter, medical and dental services, and most importantly, secondary education.

SMC, through SMYPC, has been working closely with the Sisters of Mary Schools for the past sixteen years. The company regularly provides financial support, donates machine tools and manufacturing equipment, and assists in various school programs.

“We are very impressed with their training programs and always look to hire and further train graduates from this institution. The students here come from underprivileged backgrounds. Many have been orphaned. But they do not let these disadvantages stop them from improving themselves and working to have a better future. This is what we find so inspiring about the students and the school–everyone is driven to work and make a better future,” Ang said, while also thanking SMYPC partner MESCO, Inc., for helping carry out the project and for allotting time to coach the faculty in handling the machines.

For its part, the school’s principal, Sister Mylene Arambulo, said: “We can’t thank SMC enough for being such a generous partner. This very kind endeavor is truly a blessing as it will allow us to improve our manufacturing coursework and help us provide students with concrete skills needed in the industry today. This helps prepare our students to become competitive once they graduate here and start applying for a job.”

Since 2005, SMC’s partnership with the school has benefitted over 15,500 students.