Eastwest Rural Bank Strengthens Back-To-School Support Through Deped Partnerships

The bank is expanding its education initiatives through learner protection tools, teacher wellness programs, financial literacy sessions, and Brigada Eskwela support.

As classes open across the Philippines this June, EastWest Rural Bank is strengthening its support for students, teachers, and public schools through a multi-part partnership with the Department of Education.

The rural banking arm of EastWest Banking Corporation is rolling out initiatives focused on learner protection, educator health and financial wellness, and community participation in preparing schools for the new academic year.

“These initiatives reflect our shared commitment with DepEd as the new school year begins,” said EastWest Rural Bank President Sheila Marasigan-Bajado.

She said supporting education requires caring for both learners and teachers by strengthening protection systems, promoting health and financial well-being, and helping create safe learning environments.

Strengthening Learner Protection Services

EastWest Rural Bank donated 20 smartphones to the DepEd Learner Support Center to help improve communication and responsiveness across learner protection services nationwide.

The devices are intended to support programs involving mental health, child welfare, and anti-bullying response.

The turnover took place during the YAKAP at Kalinga Caravan, which reached communities across Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao.

By providing dedicated communication tools, the initiative aims to help education personnel respond more effectively to concerns involving vulnerable learners.

Supporting Teacher Health and Financial Wellness

EastWest Rural Bank is also continuing its free Annual Physical Test program for teachers.

The initiative provides health consultations and mobile medical checkups to educators. Since 2024, the program has reached more than 4,000 teachers.

The bank has also integrated GuroWAIS into the program, offering financial literacy sessions designed to help teachers improve money management and prepare for their long-term financial needs.

Combining health services with practical financial education recognizes that teacher readiness extends beyond classroom preparation. Educators also need support in managing their physical and financial well-being.

Helping Schools Prepare Through Brigada Eskwela

The bank contributed cleaning materials and other supplies to selected schools as part of Brigada Eskwela.

EastWest Rural Bank employees also joined volunteer activities aimed at preparing classrooms and school facilities for returning learners.

The initiative reflects the value of collaboration among schools, businesses, employees, and communities in creating safer and more welcoming learning environments.

Education as a Shared Responsibility

EastWest Rural Bank’s back-to-school initiatives connect several parts of the education experience: protecting learners, caring for teachers, and preparing schools.

“This back-to-school season reminds us that education is a shared responsibility,” Marasigan-Bajado said.

She added that the bank hopes to help build a future where learners and educators feel protected, valued, and supported.

Through its partnership with DepEd, EastWest Rural Bank is showing that meaningful education support can go beyond financial assistance. It can also provide practical tools, health services, financial knowledge, and community participation that help schools and families begin the academic year with greater confidence.