Building a better tomorrow, one child at a time

MANILA, Philippines - Coca-Cola FEMSA Philippines is committed to delivering economic, social and environmental value in all its areas of operation. With this mission in mind, Coca-Cola FEMSA Philippines has partnered with Teach for the Philippines, a non-stock, non-profit organization dedicated to providing inclusive, relevant and excellent quality education in high-need public schools, to bring its Coordinates for Life program to the country. Coordinates for Life is a series of training modules for children and young adults aged 10 to 18 years old to develop and strengthen their decision-making skills, as well as decrease their vulnerability when faced with difficult situations. The program also provides training support for parents, teachers and mentors through conferences and workshops so they can be better equipped to participate more actively in the child’s holistic development as they go through various stages in life. The program covers around 16 life skills (management of emotions, cognitive and social abilities) ranging from assertiveness, empathy, and understanding consequences to peer pressure, anger and stress management. Aside from imparting decision-making skills, Coordinates for Life also aims to promote better communication and self-awareness.

“Most of us at some point in our lives will encounter situations that will challenge our ability to make the right decisions,” said Juan Dominguez, Coca-Cola FEMSA Asia division director for corporate affairs. Through our Coordinates for Life program, we aim to instill in the youth of today the capability to exercise critical thinking and understand consequences so they can be in a better position to face the challenges of everyday life.

“Teach for the Philippines shares Coca-Cola FEMSA’s commitment to an education reform agenda,” said Margarita Delgado, Teach for the Philippines cofounder and CEO. “Through Coca-Cola FEMSA’s focus on character strengths and building self-esteem in our classrooms, our partnership demonstrates that it takes more than good academics to see a student not only to their schools, but through their schooling. Together, we build life skills. We are proud partners of Coca-Cola FEMSA and grateful for their belief in the work that we do.”

Launched in Mexico and Argentina in 2011, Coordinates for Life is also implemented in Brazil and Colombia. The Philippines will be the fifth country to receive this program. To date, Coordinates for Life has benefited over 28,000 children and young adults, and over 3,410 educators. Around 17,800 participants have attended its various conferences.

 â€œCoca-Cola FEMSA Philippines, together with our holding company FEMSA, will be making an initial investment of around P13,100,000 to run the Coordinates for Life program in the Philippines,” shared Dominguez.  “Our goal is to touch the lives of as many Filipinos as we possibly can.”

Coca-Cola FEMSA is the largest franchise bottler of Coca-Cola products in the world. It operates in nine Latin American countries. The Philippines is its first venture into Asia.