AIG Inspires Young Entrepreneurs through Junior Achievement’s Program

12 AIG employee volunteers spent a day as business teachers to 100 Grade Six students of Putatan Elementary School as part of the implementation of Junior Achievement (JA)'s "JA It's My Business!" on August 20, 2015. This program aimed to help the youth prepare for future success through financial education.

Several business concepts were introduced to the students during the program such as the 4C’s of business (Customer, Company, Competition and Community), the different types of products, and the 5P’s of marketing (Product, Place, Promotion, Price, and Profit). These concepts were delivered through several activities throughout the program, encouraging the students to use critical thinking to learn entrepreneurial skills that support positive attitude as they explore and enhance their career aspirations.

According to Kharis Ann Darundayemployee volunteer from Surety Credit Analyst – Specialty Lines, Client Policy Servicing (CPS) – Commercial, “Imparting an entrepreneurial mindset to the young students was challenging but fun and fulfilling because the program gave us the opportunity to take a small but solid step towards economic/social progress.”

First, the students were asked to form groups and create a business plan. Their participation also involved presenting it and performing a promotional skit as their product advertisement.  

At the end of the program, each student was asked to reflect and create their own entrepreneur profile. This activity aimed to help them envision their dreams and build each individual’s self-esteem towards achieving it.

A number of them have shared a few words on their JA experience:

"JA is a very fulfilling experience. Dealing with the students' own phase and way of learning is not easy yet it is inspiring and motivating as you see their eagerness to learn. Also, with this experience, the teachers gained my respect and appreciation more than ever. Their tremendous patience, effort, and unwavering commitment in giving these kids the best learning that they can get despite many challenges are truly remarkable."

- Gracey Loyola, Employee Volunteer/Health & Safety Coordinator, Administration Department

"It was a very fulfilling experience knowing you are able to touch young yet veryt bright minds."

- Marc Simmon Ramos, Employee Volunteer, Credit Analyst - Specialty Lines, CPS - Commercial

“I had the most wonderful and gratifying experience teaching with JA. It was heartwarming to see the children’s faces lit up after our activity. Our partnership with JA is awesome! I was fortunate to have an opportunity to join this community service.”

Ken Yraola, Employee Volunteer/Test Specialist - L&R Valic, Testing Shared Services Utility

"It was an exciting, growing and enjoyable experience. It is truly gratifying to share those kids a cause, practice one's ideals, work with people, solve problems, see benefits, and know one had a hand in them.”

Nellie Reyes, Employee Volunteer/Management Accountant, Accounting and Finance

“It was worth it to see how young minds pay interest in becoming an entrepreneur and see them succeed someday.”

Arjie Ian Selades, Employee Volunteer/Surety Credit Analyst – Specialty Lines, CPS – Commercial

"It's a learning experience.”

Joyce Danielle Pamilar, Employee Volunteer/OIC – Marine Policy Admin CPS

From left to right: Michelle Pacres (Claims), Joyce Danielle Pamilar (PAO), Kharis Ann Darunday (PAO), John Carlo Almero (Claims),Marc Simonn Ramos (PAO), Aileen Carreon (OSS), Rofel Remollo (Talent Management), Nellie Reyes (Finance), Arjie Ian Selades (PAO), Kenrick Yraola (IT), Raymond Salazar (PAO) and Gracey Loyola (OSS).