iRemit, Inc. (iRemit), the country’s largest non-bank, Filipino-owned remittance company, has teamed up with Synergeia Foundation to improve reading skills in a school in Tondo, Manila.

This is part of iRemit’s move to raise social awareness, generate public support and mobilize resources for children’s education in the Philippines despite the global economic crunch.

The program will help 1,414 Grade One children in P. Guevara Elementary School improve reading skills, write and speak basic English well. iRemit and Synergeia have also provided the school with basic classroom materials.

“Amidst the reported financial downturn globally, the company still recognizes the value of supporting society especially in the field of education. This never stopped us from fulfilling our commitment with P. Guevarra Elementary School, which we started last year” said Harris Jacildo, president and COO.

Jacildo said the company prides itself on being a great advocate in social responsibility.  “This undertaking does not only express a well-intentioned effort of corporate do-good but as a positive strategy, able to add value to long-term corporate goals of being a safe, secure and reliable remittance provider and a company that is deeply involved in social programs for the community”.

He said the global financial crisis provides an opportunity for companies to adopt a long-term vision rather than go for short-term gains.

iRemit’s corporate social responsibility arm, iCare, focuses on two of the greatest concerns of OFWs:  education and livelihood.  iCare’s “Learning for Life” campaign recognizes that everyone should play a role in the continuous improvement of tomorrow’s work force.

Synergeia and its partners implement systemic programs to improve the provision of basic education to nearly 1.3 million schoolchildren 250 municipalities in the country. By engaging local governments, socio-civic groups, schools, teachers, parents and students, Synergeia’s programs serve as catalysts in mobilizing communities to recognize their collective responsibility in improving basic education.