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Manila Bulletin devider Business devider The Stock Market devider HERO Foundation board reaffirms long-term commitment to military orphans at 2026 annual board meeting

HERO Foundation board reaffirms long-term commitment to military orphans at 2026 annual board meeting

Published Aug 1, 2026 09:48 am
The Board of Trustees and leadership of the HERO Foundation Inc. gather during their Annual Board Meeting on July 23, 2026. The Foundation reaffirmed its commitment to securing long-term funding and educational assistance for military orphans across the country. In photo (from left): Theodore Ivan R. Paris; Paolo Maximo F. Borromeo (Board Trustee); Michael G. Tan (Board Trustee); MGen. Victor V. Bayani, AFP (Ret) (Executive Director); Evelyn L. Forbes (Board Trustee); Fernando Zobel de Ayala (Chairman); Dan Paulo Q. Buenaflor (HERO Scholar); Jamina Alexa N. Mendez (HERO Scholar); Almira N. Mendez (Mother of Alexa); Cecilia Victoria O. Drilon (Board Trustee); Gen. Emmanuel T. Bautista, AFP (Ret) (President); Jaime Miguel G. Belmonte (Board Trustee); Aniceto V. Bisnar, Jr. (Board Trustee); Commo Ramilo B. Trinidad PN (representing the AFP Chief of Staff); John Eric T. Francia (Board Trustee); and Estelito C. Biacora (Treasurer).
The Board of Trustees and leadership of the HERO Foundation Inc. gather during their Annual Board Meeting on July 23, 2026. The Foundation reaffirmed its commitment to securing long-term funding and educational assistance for military orphans across the country. In photo (from left): Theodore Ivan R. Paris; Paolo Maximo F. Borromeo (Board Trustee); Michael G. Tan (Board Trustee); MGen. Victor V. Bayani, AFP (Ret) (Executive Director); Evelyn L. Forbes (Board Trustee); Fernando Zobel de Ayala (Chairman); Dan Paulo Q. Buenaflor (HERO Scholar); Jamina Alexa N. Mendez (HERO Scholar); Almira N. Mendez (Mother of Alexa); Cecilia Victoria O. Drilon (Board Trustee); Gen. Emmanuel T. Bautista, AFP (Ret) (President); Jaime Miguel G. Belmonte (Board Trustee); Aniceto V. Bisnar, Jr. (Board Trustee); Commo Ramilo B. Trinidad PN (representing the AFP Chief of Staff); John Eric T. Francia (Board Trustee); and Estelito C. Biacora (Treasurer).
The HERO Foundation Inc. held its Annual Board Meeting on July 23, 2026, led by Chairman Fernando Zobel de Ayala and attended by the Foundation's distinguished 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 most 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%- residing in Mindanao," said President Gen Emmanuel T Baustista AFP (Ret). "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.
As HERO Foundation continues to grow, it remains committed to its mission of empowering military orphan scholars, creating opportunities for brighter futures, and honoring the enduring sacrifices of the country's brave servicemen and women.

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