GBF + ADMU: Celebrating a Force for Good in Education

On March 19, 2022, the Gokongwei Brothers Foundation and the Ateneo de Manila University celebrated the significant milestones in their partnership to transform the educational landscape in the country.

Taking place at the Ubuntu Space of the Areté, the creativity and innovation hub of the university, the event celebrated the 20^th anniversary of the John Gokongwei School of Management (JGSOM) and the dedication and establishment of the Gokongwei Brothers School of Education and Learning Design (GBSEALD).

From left: Dr. Maria Luz C. Vilches, Vice President for the Loyola Schools; Fr. Johnny Go, S.J., Dean of GBSEALD; Bernadine T. Siy, Chair of the Board of Trustees of Ateneo; Atty. Wilfrido E. Sanchez, GBF Trustee; Patrick Henry C. Go, GBF Trustee; Lance Y. Gokongwei, GBF Chairman; James Go, GBF President; Robina Y. Gokongwei-Pe, GBF Trustee; Lisa Gokongwei-Cheng, GBF General Manager; Fr. Roberto C. Yap, S.J., President of Ateneo; Dr. Luis Dumlao, Dean of JGSOM; and Grace R. Colet, GBF Executive Director. IMAGE courtesy of GBF

“I am truly glad to be here today for this triple celebration – an anniversary, a dedication, and a launch, all born out of a shared vision to become a force of good in education,” said Fr. Roberto C. Yap, S.J., president of Ateneo de Manila University, during the event’s welcome remarks. 

In response, GBF Chairman Lance Gokongwei shared, “Our partnership with the Ateneo is a big step towards GBF’s goal of building our country’s future through education, providing much hope for Filipino students who dream of becoming our future work force and leaders, for Filipino teachers who relentlessly aspire to empower our learners to the challenges of coping with the new normal of education, and for Filipino families who rely on the education of their children as their only hope out of poverty.”

In his welcome remarks, ADMU President Fr. Roberto C. Yap, S.J., said, "Ateneo de Manila is fortunate to have found a reliable partner and supporter in the Gokongwei Brothers Foundation, with whom we share this dream of making a significant contribution to improve Philippine education."  IMAGE courtesy of GBF

The event, which carried the theme “A Celebration of Generosity,” was also graced by James Go, President of GBF; Robina Y. Gokongwei-Pe, Patrick Henry C. Go, Lisa Gokongwei-Cheng, and Atty. Wilfrido E. Sanchez, members of the GBF Board of Trustees; Bernadine T. Siy, Chair of the Board of Trustees of Ateneo; Dr. Maria Luz C. Vilches, Vice President for the Loyola Schools of Ateneo; Luis Dumlao, PhD, Dean of JGSOM, and Fr. Johnny Go, S.J., Dean of GBSEALD.

Commemorating 20 years of JGSOM

Since 2002, JGSOM has dedicated itself to its mission of transforming students into business leaders who can adapt to the needs of the future world using technology, ethics, and core values, and guided by the spirit of magis. (A Latin word meaning “more” or “greater”, magis is closely linked to the Jesuit teaching of doing more for Christ and, therefore, doing more for others.)

The John Gokongwei School of Management has become one of the nation's top management schools, producing "first-rate graduates who have moved on to become successful managers and entrepreneurs, leaders, and changemakers in organizations of all sizes in the Philippines as well as abroad," said Bernadine T. Siy, Chair of ADMU’s Board of Trustees. IMAGE courtesy of GBF

In 2007, JGSOM became the first school to be hailed as a Center of Excellence in business administration and entrepreneurship by the Commission on Higher Education.

Last year, ADMU became an accredited member of the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business International (AACSBI), a global business education network committed to hone the next generation of leaders. As part of this network, JGSOM strengthens its commitment to improving the quality of business education.

The Dean of JGSOM, Dr. Luis Dumlao, noted, “As much as twenty years may sound long, it is only a fraction of our continuous journey to attain the collective vision of Mr. John and Ateneo de Manila to [quoting from the plaque of dedication] ‘develop skilled and principled business leaders to help the country attain its national goals and priorities.’”

Celebrating the Dedication and Establishment of GBSEALD

Despite the challenges of the Covid-19 pandemic, these past years have also been fruitful in pushing the boundaries of education as GBF and Ateneo launched the fifth Loyola School, GBSEALD, in 2021.

Fr. Johnny Go, S.J., founding dean of the new school, said, “This new School of Education and Learning Design exemplifies Ateneo de Manila’s commitment to Philippine education. Our motto puts it best: ‘Bago ang lahat, edukasyon!’ We are committed to the priority of our educational mission, as well as the need to reimagine what needs to be new in education.”

From left: Bernadine T. Siy, Fr. Roberto C. Yap, SJ, James Go, and Lance Gokongwei at GBSEALD's official dedication ceremony. IMAGE courtesy of GBF

The establishment of GBSEALD aims to help elevate education through the formation of educators, educational leaders, policy makers, and other learning professionals. Envisioned to be a center of excellence and leadership in education, especially in Science, Math, Reading, and Writing, it seeks to contribute meaningfully toward improving educational policy and practice through its graduates.

The school was named in recognition of GBF’s significant donation to establish the Gokongwei Brothers Foundation Endowment for Educational Innovation, in honor of the brothers John, Henry, Johnson, and James, the philanthropic organization's founders.

“The Gokongwei Family has long been known to be strong advocates for education. We see their imprint everywhere, from their support of various educational institutions and the establishment of scholarships, training programs, and internships across the country. Along the way, the Gokongwei family and the Gokongwei Brothers Foundation have helped thousands of students, educators, and school leaders change the trajectory of their lives and careers through better education,” said Bernadine T. Siy, Chair of ADMU’s Board of Trustees. In her closing remarks, she added, “And now with the launch of the GBSEALD and the establishment of the Gokongwei Brothers Foundation Endowment Fund for Education Innovation, we have come together again in our shared commitment to make a concrete contribution and provide the leadership in answering to our most pressing need of students in the country, through the Ateneo brand of teacher education and training.”

Thirty years of partnerships & services dedicated to furthering STEM education  

“A Celebration of Generosity” was a powerful testimony to the partnership between GBF and ADMU and their joint mission of improving education in our country. The milestones observed at the event demonstrated the strides GBF has made to drive Philippine education forward. This year, the foundation will celebrate its 30^th anniversary, as it renews its commitment to contribute to the country’s progress by providing quality education to the future STEM workforce. Through its projects, GBF aims to participate in the learning journeys of 10,000 educators and 1,000,000 learners by the year 2025.

"Through GBSEALD, we hope to discover more effective ways of teaching and learning that would help elevate education, especially an appreciation for STEM, inspiring a new generation of Filipino scientists, technologists, engineers, and mathematicians," said Lance Gokongwei in his speech. IMAGE GBF.

“This lofty goal becomes more achievable with great partners like the Ateneo de Manila University, as we work hand in hand to make a significant impact in transforming the lives of Filipinos and contributing to national progress through the lasting gift of quality education,” said GBF Chairman Lance Gokongwei.

For more information on the Gokongwei Brothers Foundation, visit gokongweibrothersfoundation.org