A media company taking on missions beyond the news

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine Daily Inquirer, through its corporate social responsibility (CSR) arm, the Inquirer Foundation, continues to inspire and empower Filipinos across generations. Through a variety of impactful initiatives, the foundation bridges gaps within communities, fostering partnerships and meaningful connections nationwide.

INQskwela

Since its launch in 2019, INQskwela has reached 10 local governments, benefiting over 60,000 learners across 94 schools and strengthening ties with local governments in Eastern Samar, Manila, Davao del Sur and Baguio. Memorandum of agreement signings and culminating activities have cemented these collaborations.

Designed as a response to the Philippines’ low ranking in the Programme for International Student Assessment for reading, math and science, INQskwela integrates news content into lesson plans to promote literacy, critical thinking and readership among students. Teachers enhance lessons in social studies and English using INQPlus, making education more engaging and relevant.

Culminating activities have included a quiz bee held in partnership with the Baguio LGU in May, and a journalism workshop held in November at Frances National High School in Calumpit, Bulacan, led by Inquirer editors Volt Contreras and Robert Jaworski Abaño. These initiatives help enrich student learning and offer unique benefits to partner schools and communities.

Inquirer Read-Along

This year, the Inquirer Read-Along program conducted five sessions, including a festival, in partnership with organizations, such as PLDT-Smart, McDonald’s, Philippine Airlines, Metrobank Foundation and Okada Manila. Over 200 children attended in-person sessions, while thousands more engaged online via the Inquirer Facebook page.

NEVER-ENDING SUCCESS STORY The longest-running Inquirer advocacy, which promotes the love of reading among children turned 17 this year, finding solid partners for its sessions like the Metrobank Foundation (above) and cool venues like the Christmas Village of Okada Manila (below). —Eugene Araneta

The program also held a special session for senior citizens, showcasing its commitment to fostering intergenerational connections and celebrating the joy of reading with people of all ages.

Inquirer Journalism Scholarship Program

On its 31st year, the Inquirer Journalism Scholarship Program expanded its support for aspiring journalists in partnership with AboitizPower. Three University of the Philippines (UP) students—Andre Esguerra, Lau Bacia and Jaemie Talingdan—were awarded scholarships, which include stipends, book allowances, communication support and lodging for two academic years.

This collaboration underscores the Inquirer Foundation’s dedication to nurturing future journalists who will contribute to nation-building through credible and impactful storytelling.

Inquirer ESG Edge

The Inquirer ESG Edge initiative highlights the Inquirer Group of Companies’ (IGC) commitment to advancing sustainability through impactful partnerships and regional collaboration. As one of the three founding members of the Asia Sustainability Impact Consortium, alongside Malaysia’s Star Media Group and Indonesia’s Kompas Gramedia, the Inquirer is part of a pioneering cross-border alliance launched in June that collectively reaches 123 million individuals across Southeast Asia to help amplify sustainability efforts and foster regional awareness.

As the Philippine representative in the consortium, IGC collaborates with 15 organizations from the business, civic, education and environmental sectors to promote sustainable practices. These esteemed partners include the Philippine Business for Social Progress, Philippine Business for Education, World Wide Fund for Nature Philippines, Philippine Center for Environmental Protection and Sustainable Development Inc., Center for Conservation Innovations PH Inc., Foundation for the Philippine Environment, Environmental Studies Institute, Philippine Initiative for Environmental Conservation, Allianz PNB Life, British Chamber of Commerce, League of Corporate Foundations, Ateneo Institute of Sustainability, Management Association of the Philippines, SustainablePH and Circularity Club 22.

DEEP DIVE The first ESG Edge forum held in September tackled the state of education and gender equality, hearing from speakers who offered both insights and hard data. —Eugene Araneta

Through these partnerships, Inquirer ESG Edge strives to educate the public and stakeholders about the importance of Environmental, social and governance (ESG) principles, creating a community that shares insights and informed discussions on critical sustainability issues.

As part of its advocacy, Inquirer ESG Edge publishes weekly features and specials that address pressing ESG challenges and highlight innovative solutions. These articles, enriched by contributions from partner organizations, aim to inspire action and promote best practices.

The initiative also offers interactive learning opportunities through Inquirer ESG Connect, a platform for webinars, workshops and forums that bring stakeholders together. In 2024, ESG Connect hosted two notable discussions: a session on quality education and gender equality in September and a forum on hybrid energy solutions in November. These events provided participants valuable insights and fostered collaboration on sustainable development strategies.

By leveraging its extensive network and commitment to ESG advocacy, the Inquirer ESG Edge initiative serves as a catalyst for meaningful change, driving progress toward a more sustainable future for the Philippines and the broader Southeast Asian region.

Internship and Immersion Program

The Inquirer Internship and Immersion Program welcomed 64 student interns from universities nationwide in 2024. Interns from the Polytechnic University of the Philippines, University of the East (UE), University of Asia and the Pacific, University of Santo Tomas, AMA University and Colleges, Bicol University, UP Baguio, UP Los Baños, UE Caloocan, De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde, Far Eastern University, Ateneo de Manila University, Batangas State University, FAITH Colleges, Adamson University, International School Manila, and St. Francis of Assisi gained hands-on experience across departments, such as Marketing, Information Technology, Human Resources, Lifestyle, Research, Sports, the Luzon Bureau and Distribution, preparing them for future careers while contributing to the Inquirer’s dynamic operations.

Inquirer Relief Drive

In response to Supertyphoon “Carina” and Severe Tropical Storm “Kristine,” the Inquirer Foundation spearheaded relief efforts to support affected families. Through the generosity of donors and the collaboration of partners like the Tanging Yaman Foundation and Angat Buhay, over 320 families at Barangay Bagong Silangan in Quezon City; Lian, Batangas; and Noveleta, Cavite, received essential supplies and assistance.

AID EFFORTS The company goes beyond reporting calamities but also reaches out to the affected communities , like in the aftermath of Supertyphoon “Carina” in September (upper photo) and Severe Tropical Storm “Kristine” in November. —Photos by Jong Dizon and Tanging yaman Foundation

These efforts exemplify the Inquirer Foundation’s abiding commitment to solidarity and community support in times of need. On its 39th year, the Philippine Daily Inquirer and its foundation remain steadfast in their mission to empower communities, enhance education and promote sustainability. Through its diverse programs and initiatives, the Inquirer continues to do its part in building a brighter future for the Filipino.