UnionBank opens theater access to community partners

MANILA, Philippines — Union Bank of the Philippines brought beneficiaries from two community partner organizations to a special screening of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory: The Musical at The Theatre at Solaire last July, as part of its corporate social responsibility program focused on inclusion, education and community engagement. 

The bank said beneficiaries from Tahanang Walang Hagdanan, Inc. (TWHI) and the QC Performing Arts Development Foundation, Inc. (QCPADFI) attended the production through UnionBank’s partnership with GMG Productions.

According to UnionBank, the event gave participants an opportunity to experience a major international musical and engage with the creative and technical aspects of live theater.

For QCPADFI, a nonprofit organization that supports young performers, the production offered exposure to elements including acting, stage direction, lighting and production design, the bank said.

“I know that our organization, particularly the kids, can pick up lessons from this experience. They can deeply absorb the lessons, especially since they will have to go through life after this. This is a memorable experience for them,” said Hanzel Estrella, program director of QCPADFI’s Vocal Ensemble.

Estrella said many members of the organization had not previously attended a globally known musical at a major theater venue.

The event also involved beneficiaries of TWHI, a longtime UnionBank community partner working to create opportunities for persons with disabilities.

UnionBank said it established a satellite Command Center at TWHI’s facility in Cainta, Rizal, in 2018, providing IT and basic programming training.

The initiative led to the hiring of persons with disabilities for remote work under the bank’s supervision, as well as other project-based engagements, according to the bank.

“This gave us a chance to see and experience a different environment since we’re usually just in the compound. It’s a great way to take a break and relax from the stresses of our work and personal lives,” said Erika D. Villaflores, TWHI’s public relations and fundraising officer.

UnionBank said the theater experience forms part of its GoBeyond Communities corporate social responsibility program, which supports initiatives involving education, employment and livelihood, the environment and inclusion.

“One way to uplift the lives of our beneficiaries, particularly those from underserved communities, is to create meaningful opportunities and experiences. This is a good platform for them and a meaningful way for UnionBank to connect with the communities we serve,” said Carl De Luzuriaga, UnionBank’s organizational development head.

The bank said its broader community program is guided by its stated objective of creating opportunities intended to help individuals and communities learn, develop skills and participate more fully in society.

“At the heart of improving products and services is our care for the well-being of our communities. Meaningful experiences like these can open doors to inspiration, growth, and new possibilities,” De Luzuriaga said.

“We hope to create moments that empower our beneficiaries, expand what they believe is possible, and remind them that they are valued, capable, and essential members of our community,” he added.

UnionBank said it plans to continue expanding initiatives under GoBeyond Communities as part of its community engagement and social responsibility efforts.