TELUS Digital Philippines mobilized 1,500 volunteers through its TELUS Days of Giving (TDOG) initiative to help prepare public schools in Tondo, Manila for the upcoming school year. In a community where over 7,800 students rely on T. Paez Elementary School and T. Paez Integrated School, volunteers worked to improve aging facilities and create more welcoming, supportive learning environments.
Creating Learning Spaces that Inspire Growth
Volunteers worked to breathe new life into the schools, repainting 93 classrooms, refreshing 29 hallways and 33 staircases, and refurbishing 140 chairs. Two vibrant murals now brighten up the walls, while a newly built outdoor learning and recreation area provides students with a refreshing space to learn and play outside their often-cramped classrooms.
Beyond volunteer work, TELUS Digital also addressed urgent facility needs by donating 103 electric fans to improve classroom comfort. Skilled workers tackled major repairs ahead of the volunteer day, including roof waterproofing, ceiling and door repairs, and electrical fixes, ensuring the schools were ready for the transformative work carried out by volunteers.
Recognizing a long-standing need for student activity spaces at T. Paez Integrated School, TELUS Digital Philippines also funded the construction of learners’ sheds—complete with covered benches, tables, and landscaped surroundings. These safe, welcoming spaces give students a place to rest, eat, and connect. The project was made possible through the TDOG Share to Care campaign, with team members raising the needed funds in just two weeks.
These tangible improvements reflect TELUS Digital Philippines’ belief that education thrives when schools are not just repaired but reimagined as spaces of opportunity and growth.
Building Futures through Collaboration
This initiative is part of TELUS Digital Philippines’ long-standing commitment to Brigada Eskwela, the Department of Education’s flagship program for school readiness. Now in its 11th year of participation, TELUS Digital Philippines has contributed more than 100,000 volunteer hours through the efforts of over 20,000 team members since 2014.
“At TELUS Digital, we believe that nurturing young minds starts with nurturing their environment. By renovating schools, we’re not just building walls – we’re building dreams, confidence, and futures,” said Rajiv M.Dhand, TELUS Digital Regional Vice President for Asia Pacific and Africa. “This initiative reflects our commitment to creating spaces where every child feels valued, inspired, and empowered to reach for the stars. When we invest in education, we’re planting seeds of hope that will blossom into brighter tomorrows for generations to come.”
The culminating program at T. Paez Integrated School’s covered court celebrated this collective effort, with heartfelt messages from students and teachers and recognition of outstanding volunteers. Attendees included guests from the Canadian Embassy, CSR partners, and client organizations, underscoring the broad support behind the initiative.
Just a month earlier, TELUS Digital Philippines also donated 135 desktops and laptops to the Department of Education through IBPAP’s Byte the Gap project, helping public schools strengthen digital learning and access to technology, and reinforcing the company’s wider commitment to education across the country.
“Walking through the freshly painted classrooms and seeing the smiles on students and teachers’ faces reminded me of the power of community,” shared Anne Muñoz, Country Vice President of TELUS Digital Philippines. “Every small act, whether it’s repairing a chair or painting a wall, contributes to something much bigger: a nurturing environment where learners can thrive and imagine a better future. By enhancing these educational spaces, we’re empowering students with the tools they need for success, boosting their potential for future employment, and ultimately contributing to the growth of our country.”
Later this year, TELUS Digital will extend its impact to Iloilo, where another TELUS Days of Giving event in support of Brigada Eskwela will be held to benefit another school in the province. As TELUS Digital continues its journey of giving back, the company remains committed to supporting the education of students and youth across the Philippines.
