Chevron returns as a co-presenter sponsor for the 12th AmCham ScholaRun, staying true to its commitment to empower Filipino youth through education. This is an annual fun run organized by the American Chamber Foundation Philippines, Inc., to raise funds to support disadvantaged Filipino students’ schooling.
Held for the first time at the Plaza Moriones in Intramuros, Manila, this year’s edition carried the venue’s heritage with the theme “Fiesta of Hope: Funding Dreams, One Step at a Time.”
Chevron has proudly stood as co-presenter for 12 consecutive years, continuously supporting the AmCham Foundation’s mission
The run was attended by 3,797 participants. Chevron Philippines Inc. (CPI) and Chevron Holdings Inc.—Global Business Services (CHI-GBS) had 216 employees join the run, making them one of the largest company delegations.
Despite the early start, CPI and CHI-GBS employees powered through, with some even scoring podium finishes. Among them were Raymond Dela Cruz and Ricardo Macaisa, who placed first and second in the men’s 15-kilometer category.
More than just a fun run
This year’s ScholaRun was the first for the newly appointed CPI General Manager and Country Chairman, Pongtorn “Bon” Tangmanuswong. He shared that his first ScholaRun was particularly special because it allowed him to bond with his team. He even turned it into a family affair by bringing his wife and kids along.
Reflecting on this new experience, Tangmanuswong said Chevron’s annual participation in the ScholaRun reflects the company’s commitment to inspiring its people, partners, and the communities it operates in. He added, “At Chevron, we take pride in our identity as a human energy company. We go beyond providing fuel products, as our people go out of their way to help people in need.”
CPI General Manager and Country Chairman Bon Tangmanuswong joined his first ScholaRun, completing a 10-km run around Intramuros.
Tangmanuswong also said the company encouraged employees to join the ScholaRun by highlighting that it would raise funds for Filipino scholars. Among them is Ricardo Macaisa, who participated in his first ScholaRun since he began working at CHI-GBS nearly 25 years ago. His tenacity on the track earned him second place in the men’s 15-kilometer category.
CHI-GBS’ Ricardo Macaisa and Raymond Dela Cruz secured second and first place, respectively, in the men’s 15-kilometer category.
He said, “As you know, sa Pilipinas, kulang na kulang tayo sa funding. Nakikita ko ito dahil mayroon akong mga kamag-anak na hindi nakapagtapos ng kanilang edukasyon. Kaya maganda ang epekto ng ScholaRun dahil isa itong paraan para tumulong ang Chevron sa mga scholar natin. Akala ng iba na takbo lang ito, but this race is not just a run—it’s a run to help your country. (As you know, in the Philippines, we lack the funding for education. This hits close to home because I have loved ones who did not finish their schooling. That’s why the ScholaRun has had such a great impact because Chevron gets help our scholars. Other people may think that this is just a run, but it’s not—it’s a run to help your country.)”
The impact of Chevron, AmCham’s alliance
For AmCham Foundation President Edwin Feist, the ScholaRun was designed to hit two birds with one stone. Here, participants don’t only run to stay fit—they also run for the dreams of Filipino students.
To achieve this, AmCham must work with like-minded partners. With this, the nonprofit expressed gratitude for Chevron’s support of its educational initiatives over the past 20 years.
Feist added, “The cost of education is a big challenge in itself, as kids today need the resources. The fact that Chevron decided to put its effort behind it delights us, especially since we’re just an implementing arm for their educational advocacy.”
Chevron’s sponsorship of the 12th AmCham ScholaRun is just one of its many educational initiatives. The brand has also worked with AmCham on a mechanic training program for graduates of the auto-mechanic courses at Don Bosco Makati, Don Bosco College-Canlubang, Don Bosco Academy-Mabalacat Pampanga and Don Bosco Training Center-Mati, Davao Oriental.
Chevron commits to sustaining its partnerships with AmCham and other nonprofit organizations to empower more Filipino students through education. For more updates on Chevron’s educational initiatives, check out https://www.chevron.com/worldwide/philippines.
