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

Tomas Kauer - News ModeratorJune 21, 20261 Mins read58 Views

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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.”