The experience became the foundation for Orange Learning Hubs, the organization's education initiative that builds long-term partnerships with public schools by responding to their evolving needs rather than providing one-off assistance.
As part of the expansion, ING Hubs Philippines is bringing Orange Learning Hubs to F. Benitez Elementary School (FBES) in Makati City after completing three years of partnership with Dr. Artemio E. Natividad Elementary School (DANES) in Taguig City. Through the program, the organization works with educators and communities to improve learning environments and expand opportunities for students.
"We believe education is one of the most powerful investments we can make in a community's future. Through Orange Learning Hubs, we are helping create opportunities for students to learn, grow, and realize their full potential," ING Hubs Philippines country manager Hazel Zaide Delos Santos said in a statement.
"As we expand this initiative, we hope to empower more young Filipinos with the tools and support they need to thrive and shape the future of their communities," she added.
Growing partnership
The Orange Learning Hubs initiative began with DANES, where ING Hubs Philippines developed a series of projects based on the school's changing needs rather than implementing a fixed program.
Better facilities, better health. ING Hubs Philippines supported the construction of two roof-covered washing areas and facility improvements at DANES, helping the school improve its rating from two stars to three stars under the Department of Education's Comprehensive Water, Sanitation and Hygiene in Schools (WinS) Program.
More books, more access. The organization also set up an Orange Corner, a dedicated reading and learning space that now serves close to 1,500 students.
Support where it's needed most. Through an employee-led Adopt-a-Student Donation Drive, ING Hubs Philippines employees provided school supplies and hygiene kits to close to 1,800 students across DANES and nearby partner schools.
The organization said the experience at DANES demonstrated how sustained engagement can create lasting improvements in school facilities, learning resources and student well-being.
Next chapter
Rather than replicating the same model, ING Hubs Philippines said it is tailoring its support to the needs of FBES.
Initial discussions with school officials identified familiar challenges, including limited access to reading materials, outdated school supplies and facilities requiring basic improvements before additional learning programs could be introduced.
The partnership will begin with the establishment of an Orange Corner, participation in Brigada Eskwela and employee volunteer activities, with infrastructure improvements and other readiness initiatives to follow as the school's needs evolve.
Beyond schools
ING Hubs Philippines said its commitment to education extends beyond the two partner schools.
The organization has donated laptops to the Department of Education through the IT and Business Process Association of the Philippines (IBPAP) to strengthen digital learning opportunities in public schools.
It also partnered with the Aboitiz Foundation through the AuroraPH program to bring solar power, internet connectivity and learning support to four last-mile public schools in Doña Remedios Trinidad, Bulacan.
These initiatives were recognized during the Department of Education's Partners' Appreciation Night in May 2026. ING Hubs Philippines was also named Global Capability Center of the Year at the 2026 IBPAP SOLAIA Awards.
The organization said Orange Learning Hubs reflects its long-term commitment to helping schools create better learning environments by working alongside educators, volunteers and communities.
As the initiative expands, ING Hubs Philippines aims to replicate the partnership model in more public schools, demonstrating how sustained collaboration can help improve educational opportunities for more Filipino learners. —Ed: Corrie S. Narisma
