MAKATI CITY — The Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP) has earmarked PHP96.75 million for the second year of its DBP Integrated Scholastic Program for Inclusive and Responsive Education (DBP-INSPIRE), reinforcing its commitment to strengthening the country’s future workforce. The ceremonial signing, held at the bank’s main office in Makati City, highlighted the growing role of corporate social responsibility in supporting economic progress through human capital development. DBP President and CEO Michael de Jesus noted that the program provides not only tuition support but also living allowances, allowing scholars to fully focus on their education.
Supporting National Development Through Education
The scholarship initiative is aligned with the Philippine Development Plan (PDP) 2023-2028 and prioritizes fields such as accountancy, education, engineering, agriculture, forestry, science, maritime studies, information technology, and technical-vocational programs. Additional disciplines including marine biology, environmental sciences, and oceanography were introduced this year, reflecting the government’s increasing focus on sustainability and the blue economy. Through investments in these sectors, DBP aims to help develop a highly skilled workforce capable of contributing to the country’s industrial, scientific, and technological growth.
Building a Future-Ready Workforce
DBP-INSPIRE is part of a five-year omnibus assistance program with a total allocation of PHP437.5 million dedicated to the higher education sector. The initiative supports 500 new scholars every year across 11 partner institutions, including six state universities and colleges (SUCs) and five private higher education institutions (HEIs). To date, the Development Bank of the Philippines has assisted more than 5,000 scholars and invested over PHP1.5 billion in educational corporate social responsibility initiatives. For policymakers and private sector leaders, the program serves as a scalable example of how financial institutions can help address workforce and skills gaps while advancing their social development goals.
Makati’s Role in Corporate Social Responsibility Initiatives
Holding the ceremonial signing at DBP’s Makati headquarters further highlights the city’s importance as the country’s financial and corporate social responsibility center. The event gathered bank officials, partner universities, and government representatives, showcasing how education-focused public-private partnerships can be coordinated from the nation’s premier business district. As the Development Bank of the Philippines continues to expand the DBP-INSPIRE program, the Makati signing stands as a model for corporations seeking to align their philanthropic initiatives with national development priorities.
