Strengthening academe-industry collaboration. Representatives from Aboitiz Foods, Aboitiz Foundation Inc., and the Pampanga State Agricultural University formalize their partnership for the Aboitiz Future Leaders Scholarship Program through the signing of a Memorandum of Agreement at PSAU. / Photo Courtesy: Pampanga State Agricultural University Facebook Page

Nourishing the future means investing in people—especially those who will shape the future of food and agribusiness. 

This belief guides Aboitiz Foods as it builds partnerships that create shared value and help cultivate the potential of next-generation food and agriculture champions.

Putting this commitment into action, Aboitiz Foods, through Pilmico Animal Nutrition Corporation (Pilmico), formalized a strategic partnership with Aboitiz Foundation Inc. and the Pampanga State Agricultural University (PSAU) for the Aboitiz Future Leaders Scholarship Program beginning Academic Year 2025–2026.

The collaboration will support 12 outstanding undergraduate students through financial assistance, leadership development, and industry exposure—supporting their holistic learning and deeper engagement with the agriculture sector.

“For us at Aboitiz Foods, nourishment goes beyond food – it is about empowering people and their communities to build a brighter, more sustainable future. And it all starts with access to and opportunity for the right education,” said Johara Gurat, Assistant Vice President for Farm Swine Operations at Pilmico, adding, “Beyond financial support, we are opening doors to mentorship, internships, and learning experiences that prepare students to be industry-ready and purpose-driven.”

Joining Gurat in the partnership signing in PSAU last January 29, 2026 were Aboitiz Foods Assistant Vice President for People Experience-Business Partner Christopher De Villa; Aboitiz Foundation Impact Lead for Education Jowelle Ann Cruz; PSAU President Dr. Anita G. David and Director for Student Affairs and Services Dr. Arnello S. Valerio; and key representatives from the three organizations.

“We are grateful to Aboitiz Foods and Aboitiz Foundation for giving this opportunity to our students,” said David, highlighting the importance of partnerships in enhancing the students’ real-world learning. “I hope that the scholars will be future leaders with the right attitude and the capacity to really rebuild the country.”

Under the agreement, selected sophomore students from PSAU’s Bachelor of Science (BS) in Animal Science and BS Forestry programs will receive merit-based scholarships. PSAU will work closely with the Aboitiz Foundation and Aboitiz Foods to ensure transparent scholarship administration, continuous monitoring of scholars, and meaningful opportunities for internships, mentorship, and professional immersion.

For 26 years, the Aboitiz Future Leaders Scholarship Program has supported young individuals with strong academic performance and leadership potential by providing full tuition support, allowances, leadership development, and personal and professional growth opportunities.

“Our goal is very simple. We provide deserving students with resources so that they can focus on what matters to them: their education, their values, and of course, their dreams,” said Cruz, adding, “We do not just invest in their education. We invest in the transformation of their lives.”

Supporting the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 4 on inclusive and equitable quality education, this initiative builds on Aboitiz Foods’ earlier partnership with PSAU through Pilmico. In 2023, the two organizations partnered to advance agricultural education, research, and knowledge-sharing. Together, these initiatives strengthen the pipeline of future-ready talent for the agriculture and food sectors.

By investing in education, supporting brilliant young minds, and strengthening academe–industry linkages, Aboitiz Foods lives out its brand promise—Together We Nourish the Future—helping build a more resilient, inclusive, and sustainable food system for generations to come.

Frequently Asked Questions

1: What is this article about?
This article announces the formalization of a scholarship partnership among Aboitiz Foods, Aboitiz Foundation, and Pampanga State Agricultural University (PSAU), under the Aboitiz Future Leaders Scholarship Program beginning Academic Year 2025-2026. It covers the benefits provided to 12 undergraduate students, the program’s 26-year legacy, the goals of each partner organization, and how the initiative connects to a broader commitment to building future-ready talent for Philippine agriculture.

2: What is the Aboitiz Future Leaders Scholarship Program and how long has it been running?
The Aboitiz Future Leaders Scholarship Program is a flagship initiative of Aboitiz Foundation that has provided full tuition support, monthly allowances, leadership development, and personal and professional growth opportunities to academically strong and purpose-driven students for 26 years. The program is built on the principle that investing in a student’s education is investing in a community’s transformation, creating leaders who will influence their field and ultimately contribute to national food security.

3: Which students at PSAU qualify for the scholarship?
The scholarship is available to selected sophomore students enrolled in PSAU’s Bachelor of Science in Agriculture (Major in Animal Science) and Bachelor of Science in Forestry programs who meet the program’s academic requirements. Recipients receive full tuition coverage, financial assistance, internship opportunities, industry exposure, mentorship, and access to professional immersion experiences designed to make them industry-ready and purpose-driven agricultural professionals.

4: What role does each partner organization play in the program?
Aboitiz Foods, through Pilmico Animal Nutrition Corporation, co-initiates the partnership and opens doors to real-world industry exposure, mentorship, and internships. Aboitiz Foundation administers and funds the scholarship, ensuring transparent management and continuous monitoring. PSAU implements the program academically, coordinates scholar selection, and supports meaningful engagement between students and the industry — together building a pipeline of future-ready agricultural talent.

5: How does this scholarship initiative connect to the UN Sustainable Development Goals?
The program directly supports UN Sustainable Development Goal 4 — inclusive and equitable quality education. By making higher education financially accessible to talented students in agricultural sciences, the partnership removes economic barriers that might otherwise prevent capable young people from contributing to the food and agribusiness sector. This builds a more diverse, resilient talent pipeline for the industries that underpin food security across the Philippines and Asia.

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