The University of San Carlos (USC) and Mactan Shangri-La Hotel and Resort, Inc. (MacSHRI) have officially sealed a three-year partnership under MacSHRI’s EMBRACE Program, guided by a shared commitment to sustainability, education, and social transformation.

At the heart of this collaboration is Punta Engaño Elementary School, the primary beneficiary of the joint initiative called “Education with a Mission.” 

The partnership aims to strengthen community resilience and uplift quality of life through improved school facilities, community learning sessions, and strategic programs aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs); particularly Quality Education (SDG 4), Sustainable Communities (SDG 11), and Partnerships for the Goals (SDG 17).

Signing the Memorandum of Agreement were: Dave Junker, General Manager of Shangri-La Mactan, and Fr. Francisco Antonio T. Estepa, SVD, Ph.D. President of the University of San Carlos. The witnesses to the signing included Lotlot Dagat (Financial Controller of MacSHRI), Fr. Jesuraj Antoniappen, SVD, Ph.D. (USC Vice President for Academic Affairs), and Bonifacio “Jon” Mercado, Jr., Ph.D. (USC Director for Community Extension Services).

This collaboration underscores the transformative power of partnerships between academe and industry, advancing sustainable development and promoting education with a mission from the classroom to the broader community.