CitySavings Deploys 500 Volunteers to Upgrade 240 Schools and Power Last-Mile Learners

City Savings Bank (CitySavings) has mobilized close to 500 employee volunteers nationwide to support over 240 public schools in time for the opening of classes, demonstrating its continued commitment to enhancing learning spaces and advancing quality education across the country.

The thrift banking subsidiary of Aboitiz-led Union Bank of the Philippines reaffirmed its partnership with the Department of Education (DepEd) through its participation in the 2026 Brigada Eskwela national kick-off held on June 1 at Cabadbaran City National High School in Agusan del Norte.

CitySavings President and CEO Manuel G. Santiago, Jr. joined Education Secretary Sonny Angara for the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) and the ceremonial turnover of donations, alongside other government agencies and private-sector partners.

“At City Savings Bank, our mission has always been rooted in the welfare of public servants and their families. Teachers are at the heart of what we do, and supporting the schools where they dedicate their lives is not just a corporate responsibility; it is a deeply personal one,” Santiago said. “Brigada Eskwela is an opportunity for us to give back in a tangible, hands-on way.”

Nationwide Bayanihan Effort

Through its extensive branch network, CitySavings deployed employee volunteers across Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao to paint school facilities, perform minor repairs, and donate cleaning materials, learning resources, and teaching aids to beneficiary schools.

The bank’s volunteers were seen actively preparing learning spaces in various locations, including Carcar City, Cebu, and Talakag, Bukidnon, embodying the spirit of bayanihan that defines the annual Brigada Eskwela campaign.

Since 2008, CitySavings has consistently supported DepEd’s Brigada Eskwela, scaling up its initiatives year after year through sustained employee volunteerism. The bank’s contributions to advancing quality education were formally recognized by DepEd during a partners’ appreciation ceremony held on May 8, 2026, in Mandaluyong City.

Powering Last-Mile Education

Beyond traditional school improvements, CitySavings has expanded its educational support to address the unique challenges faced by last-mile schools, remote learning institutions that often lack basic infrastructure and connectivity.

In collaboration with Aboitiz Foundation’s AuroraPH, its flagship education initiative, CitySavings helped bring solar power and internet connectivity to Ansili Elementary School in Cabadbaran City, Agusan del Norte. The school serves the Mamanwa Indigenous Peoples (IP) community, one of the country’s most marginalized sectors.

During the June 1 turnover event, CitySavings also donated brand-new flat-screen televisions to enhance digital learning opportunities for both teachers and students at Ansili Elementary School.

This initiative represents CitySavings’ growing commitment to leveraging technology and sustainable solutions to bridge the educational divide in underserved communities.

A Force for Positive Change

Through its multifaceted approach that combines educational support, financial inclusion, and community engagement, City Savings Bank continues to position itself as a catalyst for positive and lasting change in every community where it operates.

The bank’s 2026 Brigada Eskwela participation underscores its belief that investing in education, particularly in empowering teachers and reaching the most vulnerable learners, is fundamental to building a stronger, more inclusive Philippines.