JAAF celebrates graduation of 38 scholars of USAID CATALYZE ASP x iLEAP

JAAF celebrates graduation of 38 scholars of USAID CATALYZE ASP x iLEAP

MANILA, PHILIPPINES -- The J. Amado Araneta Foundation (JAAF), the social development arm of the Araneta Group, celebrated the graduation of 38 students from the first batch of USAID CATALYZE Asia Social Protection (ASP) Philippines x iLEAP, through a culminating ceremony held last October 28 at Gateway Gallery, Araneta City.

A total of 59 Senior High School graduates of Pasig City belonging to the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) are trained by the Philippine Pizza Holdings, Inc. (PPI) on food and beverage services, as well as cookery, to equip the students with the necessary knowledge and skills needed to become qualified waiters, food attendants, and other food-related service roles. After their extensive training, they will be deployed and have their work immersion at various branches of Pizza Hut nationwide.

“On behalf of the J. Amado Araneta Foundation, I would like to thank all the students who participated and strived hard to become graduates of the USAID CATALYZE ASP x iLEAP. After their rigorous training, they are finally equipped with sufficient knowledge and skills for their roles. With their work immersion opportunity at Pizza Hut, these students will become self-sufficient and will further help them fulfill their dreams,” said Diane Romero, executive director of JAAF.

JAAF has been working with PPI for the Immersion Link for Enablers and Adapters Program (iLEAP) since 2021. This partnership was expanded for the USAID CATALYZE ASP Activity during the ceremonial signing of the Memorandum of Understanding last September 13 at Novotel Manila Araneta City.

Present during the USAID CATALYZE ASP x iLEAP culminating ceremony were JAAF’s Executive Director, Christine Diane Romero; JAAF Deputy Director, Glenda Carlota; PPI’s Senior Vice President for Human Resource, Rose Herrera; and Pizza Hut Gateway Mall 2’s Restaurant General Manager, Danmerbert Bumatay.

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