Aboitiz Foundation Inc. (AFI) and the Cagayan de Oro Chamber of Commerce and Industry Foundation Inc. (Orochamber) formalized a strategic partnership through a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed on June 27, 2025.
The MOU was signed by AFI Chief Operating Officer Mardie Mapa-Suplido, and Orochamber President Almarco C. Brito during the Orochamber’s 2nd General Membership Meeting held at Limketkai Luxe Hotel in Cagayan de Oro City. Witnessing the signing were Dr. Carsten Evers, Power Plant Manager and COO of SPI Power, and Oro Chamber Board of Trustees Chair Dr. Irene Floro.
The partnership supports the implementation of two AFI Flagship programs: Aurora PH, and Elevate AIDA (Artificial Intelligence and Data Analytics). Through this partnership, the Aboitiz Foundation leads program strategy and implementation, while the Oro Chamber mobilizes its network to support outreach, training referrals, and community engagement, contributing to the inclusive growth of our region.
Aurora PH is a digital inclusion initiative that brings solar power systems, internet connectivity, and digital learning technologies to remote “Last Mile” schools nationwide. The program supports the Department of Education’s Last Mile Schools Program and targets to benefit more than 300 off-grid schools nationwide, bridging the digital divide in underserved communities.
“Why support last mile schools? Because we’ve seen how many of these schools face significantly greater challenges without access to reliable electricity, directly resulting in poor learning outcomes for its students. This also means they have limited access to digital learning and STEM resources, and an unsustainable reliance on costly, less efficient energy sources like fuel-powered generators,” Mapa-Suplido noted.
She said AuroraPH tackles these challenges head-on by aiming to empower students and teachers by powering up 300 schools across the country with reliable solar energy systems, improve their learning outcomes through consistent access to digital tools and the internet, and strengthen community resilience through local capacity building.
“And here’s where it truly hits home for you: out of the over 2,000 schools nationwide still without power, 95 of them are right here in Cagayan de Oro, Misamis Oriental, and Gingoog City. This underscores why energy access is crucial for bridging the education and digital divide,” she disclosed.
Similarly, the Elevate AIDA program equips women, youth, and MSMEs with basic skills in AI, data literacy, and digital tools—opening opportunities for digital jobs, employment, and participation in the digital economy.
“With our signing of this Memorandum of Understanding, the Oro Foundation and Aboitiz Foundation are affirming a shared commitment – to foster growth, empower communities, and build a stronger, more resilient Northern Mindanao. We invite you to energize schools in your province through AuroraPH, and equip your female workforce with Elevate AIDA. We can only reach more, together,” she added.
“Since our power plant was established two decades ago, we take pride in operating an efficient and reliable power plant—and just as important, we have remained deeply engaged in the implementation of various CSR programs that benefit our communities in Cagayan de Oro and Misamis Oriental. Now, as part of the Aboitiz Group, we are proud to belong to an organization that advances both business and social good, with innovation and sustainability at its core,” said SPI Power Community Development and Public Relations Manager Jerome R. Soldevilla.
Soldevilla said Aboitiz business units—SPI and Aboitiz InfraCapital—recently partnered with the LGUs of their respective host communities in Tagoloan, Villanueva, and Laguindingan, Misamis Oriental, to implement Aurora PH, which is now being scaled up to include more business groups, leading to this trailblazing CSR collaboration between the AFI and Orochamber.
“After just a few exploratory meetings, we’re very happy to note the swiftness and eagerness of the Orochamber in this partnership—affirming our shared commitment to inclusive development and collaborative impact. The timing couldn’t be better, as we in the Oro Chamber celebrate our 40th year of strengthening and supporting the business community in this part of Mindanao,” he added.
In Misamis Oriental, AFI, together with SPI Power Inc., Aboitiz InfraCapital, and the concerned local government units, recently completed the implementation of Elevate AIDA in the municipalities of Laguindingan, Tagoloan, and Villanueva, successfully training 118 women in foundational digital and AI-related skills. The partnership is regarded as a trailblazing initiative for Cagayan de Oro and Misamis Oriental, promoting innovation, inclusive development, and future-readiness.
“We, in the Aboitiz Group, as well as the Orochamber, share the same belief that the business of business is ultimately to help transform communities into vibrant, inclusive, and sustainable places where people can thrive. And this makes a lot of business sense. Because stronger communities build stronger businesses, and the success of one reinforces the growth and resilience of the other,” Soldevilla stressed.
Aboitiz Foundation, the corporate social responsibility arm of the Aboitiz Group, was established in 1988 and have since expanded their efforts to support education, enterprise development, and sustainability around the country. Guided by a strategic focus on Future Leaders, Jobs, and Climate Action, Aboitiz Foundation is committed to becoming the Foundation of the future—agile, innovative, and ever-responsive to the evolving needs of Filipino communities.
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