HERO Foundation reaffirms commitment to orphans

MANILA, Philippines — The HERO Foundation Inc. held its Annual Board Meeting last July 23, led by chairman Fernando Zobel de Ayala and attended by its Board of Trustees. The meeting reaffirmed the board’s unwavering commitment to expanding educational opportunities for military orphans and ensuring the long-term sustainability of the foundation.

During the meeting, the Board of Trustees – composed of the country’s respected business leaders – strengthened its commitment to HERO Foundation by endorsing long-term funding strategies and sustainability initiatives.

These efforts aim to secure continuous educational support for the children of soldiers who were killed or permanently incapacitated in the line of duty, while advancing the foundation toward greater financial self-sufficiency.

“Our impact is vividly reflected in our numbers. For 2025-2026 school year, we supported 232 scholars from elementary school through college, with largest portion – 46 percent – residing in Mindanao,” said president and retired Armed Forces chief Gen. Emmanuel Bautista. “Each graduate overcame immense adversity with resilience and determination. They are living proof of what happens when a community unites behind a cause. Their success is not just a personal victory, but a testament to the transformative power of education.”

Since its establishment in 1988, HERO Foundation has supported 2,777 military orphans, with 1,292 scholars successfully earning their college degrees. For School Year 2026–2027, the foundation will provide educational assistance to 226 military orphan scholars, continuing its legacy of transforming lives through access to quality education.

The annual board meeting also highlighted the foundation’s ongoing efforts to strengthen partnerships with the private sector, government agencies, and individual donors, ensuring that the legacy of the nation’s fallen heroes lives on through the education and success of their children.