Sustainability Report 2020 Sustainably Life-ready Sustainability Report 2020 3

TABLE OF CONTENTS

About this Report 5 Message from the Chairman and President 6 Our Organization 8 STI Systems Holdings, Inc. 10 STI Education Services Group, Inc. 11 STI West Negros University, Inc. 14 Information and Communications Technology Academy, Inc. 15 Educational Philosophy 16 Stakeholder Engagement 16 Materiality 18 Materiality Themes and Matrix 19 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals 20 System-wide Development 22 Quality and Affordable Education 24 Curriculum Development and Implementation 24 Student Affairs and Services 28 Student Achievements and Recognitions 32 Academic Research 35 Inclusive Education 39 Education Facility Safety 39 Sustainability Agenda 40 Economic Value and Governance 42 Economic Performance 44 Supply Chain 45 Governance 45 Environmental Initiatives 48 Climate Change 50 Energy and Emissions 52 Waste Management 53 Social Commitment 54 Employment 56 Learning and Development 58 Safety and Well-being 59 Community Relations and Strategic Partnerships 61 Membership of Associations 62 Customer Data and Privacy 63 GRI Content Index 64 Sustainability Report 2020 5

GRI 102-50, 102-52, 102-53, 102-54 ABOUT THIS REPORT

Through the years, STI Education Systems Holdings, Inc. This year, we are pleased to present our inaugural (STI Holdings), through its subsidiaries STI Education Sustainability Report to our stakeholders, which Services Group, Inc. (STI ESG), STI West Negros University, communicates the goals of our sustainability journey. Inc. (STI WNU), and Information and Communications Technology Academy, Inc. (iACADEMY), collectively This report has been prepared in accordance with the referred to as “Group,” has established its place as one of Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) Standards: Core Option, the leading institutions in innovative and relevant education covering the period of April 1, 2019 to March 31, 2020, that nurtures individuals to become competent and and will be produced annually moving forward. The responsible members of society. The Group is committed disclosures in this report do not cover franchise schools to continuously improve the delivery of education to its and include only the STI ESG branches and subsidiaries, students in pursuit of sustainable development. STI WNU, and iACADEMY, unless otherwise stated.

To better understand our sustainability plans, we encourage all stakeholders to read this publication in conjunction with STI Holdings’ annual report as of and for the year ended March 31, 2020, which is available on our website www.stiholdings.com. For feedback on and queries about this report, you may email [email protected] 6 STI Education Systems Holdings Sustainability Report 2020 7

GRI 102-14 In this first issue of the Group’s Sustainability Report, we are pleased to share that the educational entities’ different initiatives supported the attainment of priority UN SDGs based on the materiality assessment undertaken by the Group. MESSAGE FROM THE Among these initiatives was the strengthening of school policies that will safeguard Good Health and Well-being of students and employees alike. To ensure access to Quality Education, program offerings and student projects were CHAIRMAN AND PRESIDENT continually reviewed with the aim of enriching and elevating student experience. Financial assistance programs and scholarships were also made available to deserving students. To safeguard brand equity, thus supporting Decent Work and Economic Growth, each entity determined appropriate revenue strategies given its business landscape.

Dear Fellow Stakeholders, With the COVID-19 pandemic looming above all industries around the world, however, we anticipate a challenging year Over the years, STI Education Systems Holdings, Inc. (STI Holdings) has championed the cause of nation-building ahead. In particular, health protocols have dictated that the schools shift to an online mode of delivering education by making quality and relevant education available to the Filipino youth and producing graduates who are life-ready, while keeping the facilities safe for faculty, employees, and visiting parents/guardians as well as students as soon as conscientious, and innovative members of society. It is in this spirit that its subsidiaries ― STI Education Services Group conditions permit their onsite presence. Guided by its mission to nurture the students to become life-ready individuals, (STI ESG), STI West Negros University (STI WNU) and Information and Communications Technology Academy, Inc. the Group has been quick to beef up its already outstanding learning management systems and forge partnerships (iACADEMY) ― have endeavored to establish long-lasting and sustainable educational facilities, robust learning delivery with key telecommunications players to provide the students with internet connectivity assistance. Our faculty, through systems, industry-aligned curricula, and strong relationships with students, parents, employees, partner companies, continuous and rigorous trainings, are well-equipped to deliver lessons and conduct consultations online. The schools regulatory government institutions, and the communities that the schools serve. have set up online enrollment systems – from enlistment to settlement – for ease of registration. They have likewise continued to be accessible through various online platforms and maintained contact with the parents, students, and the School Year 2019-2020 saw STI Holdings record a 41% general public. The Group also worked with government institutions to be able to extend additional financial assistance increase in new tertiary student enrollment, bringing options such as zero-interest student loans and 20% scholarship grants. It is our hope that these efforts will aid our about a 6% increase in total tertiary enrollment amid the students in their pursuit of education. backdrop of having mainly only two years in as a

continuing effect of the full implementation of the K to 12 As we look towards the future, we hold fast to our program and the enactment of Republic Act 10931, which vision of becoming the premier provider of relevant EUSEBIO H. TANCO is the Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education Act or and affordable education to the different markets that Chairman, STI Holdings the act more commonly known as the Free Tuition Law. we serve by making sure that our business itself is sustainably life-ready. We are committed to building STI Holdings and its subsidiaries (the “Group”) focused on on our sustainability performance and furthering our their strengths to be able to deliver world-class education contribution to the achievement of the UN SDGs. to their students and value to their shareholders. This year, We will continue to seek opportunities that will bring mindful of its corporate and social responsibility and being us closer to our mission of molding the youth to be home to more than 80,000 students and 2,000 employees competent and responsible citizens of our nation. network-wide, the Group identified sustainability topics that are material to its stakeholders in order to craft and drive its sustainability framework. Further, the Group measured its contribution to the country’s achievement of relevant United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (“SDGs”) to establish reference baselines for its sustainability goals. MONICO V. JACOB President and CEO, STI Holdings GRI 102-1, 102-2, 102-3, 102-4, 102-5, 102-6 OUR ORGANIZATION 10 STI Education Systems Holdings Sustainability Report 2020 11

STI EDUCATION SYSTEMS HOLDINGS, INC. STI EDUCATION SERVICES GROUP, INC. (STI HOLDINGS) (STI ESG)

STI Holdings (the Parent Company) was originally STI ESG is the largest subsidiary of STI Holdings. and Vocational Courses in the fields of Information established in 1928 as a Philippine branch office Established on August 21, 1983, STI ESG began with and Communications Technology (ICT), Business of Theo H. Davies and Co., a Hawaiian corporation. the goal of training as many Filipinos as possible in and Management, Hospitality Management, Tourism It was reincorporated as a Philippine company in computer programming and addressing the information Management, Arts and Sciences, Engineering, and 1946 as part of the Jardine-Matheson group and technology (IT) education needs of the . Education. These programs are accredited by the was listed in the Philippine Stock Exchange on STI ESG is involved in establishing, maintaining, and Commission on Higher Education (CHED) and/or the October 12, 1976. STI Holdings was then sold to operating educational institutions to provide pre- Technical Education and Skills Development Authority Filipino investors in 2006. In March 2010, it became elementary, elementary, secondary, and tertiary as well (TESDA). Also accredited by TESDA, the education part of the Tanco Group of Companies. The Parent as post-graduate courses, post-secondary and lower centers of STI ESG offer technical/vocational courses for Company completed its follow-on offering of tertiary non-degree programs. computer programming, computer technology, multimedia 2.9 billion shares in November 2012 comprising arts, and office administration, among others. In addition, of primary and secondary issues. Today, it is a At present, STI ESG offers secondary and tertiary all schools in the STI ESG network have been granted holding company with investments in three large programs as well as post-graduate, and associate permit by the Department of Education (DepEd) to offer educational institutions ― STI ESG, STI WNU, and programs. The of STI ESG has Associate Senior High School (SHS). iACADEMY ― and is also the owner of Attenborough Degrees, Baccalaureate Degrees, Technical Courses, Holdings Corporation (AHC). 12 STI Education Systems Holdings Sustainability Report 2020 13

STI ESG, whose head office is located in Cainta, Rizal, has a network of seventy- Northern and Central Luzon Map 2: STI Campuses in Northern & Central Luzon, Southern Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao Mindanao six (76) schools spread across Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao. It is composed of 1. 46. seventy (70) STI-Branded Colleges and six (6) STI-Branded Education Centers. 2. Vigan 47. Likewise, of these seventy-six (76) schools, thirty-seven (37) college campuses 3. 48. Iligan 4. Cauayan 49. Pagadian and one (1) education center are wholly-owned while thirty-three (33) college 5. La Union 50. Zamboanga campuses and five (5) education centers are operated by franchisees. 6. Baguio 51. Cotabato 7. Alaminos 52. Tacurong 8. Dagupan 53. Map 1: STI Campuses in 9. San Jose 54. 10. Tarlac 55. Surigao 11. Malolos 56. San Francisco 12. Balagtas 57. 13. Meycauayan 58. Valencia 14. Angeles 59. Tagum 15. San Fernando 60. Davao 16. Baliuag 17. Sta. Maria 18. San Jose Del Monte

Southern Luzon

19. Bacoor 20. Rosario 21. Dasmariñas 22. Balayan 23. Tagaytay 24. Batangas 25. Lipa 26. Puerto Princesa 27. Ortigas-Cainta 28. Tanay 29. Carmona 30. Santa Rosa 31. Calamba 32. Sta. Cruz 33. San Pablo 34. 35. San Pablo 36. Naga STI ESG HO-owned campuses 37. Legazpi STI ESG Franchises

Visayas

Metro Manila 38. Calbayog 39. Kalibo 1. Novaliches 9. Parañaque 40. Ormoc 2. Fairview 10. Las Piñas STI ESG HO-owned campuses 41. Iloilo STI ESG Franchises 3. Muñoz-EDSA 11. Marikina 42. Cebu 4. Caloocan 12. Cubao 43. Maasin 5. Quezon Avenue 13. NAMEI 44. Dumaguete 6. Recto 14. Global City 45. Bohol 7. Sta. Mesa 15. 8. Pasay-EDSA 16. Alabang 14 STI Education Systems Holdings Sustainability Report 2020 15

STI WEST NEGROS UNIVERSITY, INC. INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATIONS (STI WNU) TECHNOLOGY ACADEMY, INC. (iACADEMY)

STI WNU, a leading university in the City of Bacolod in STI WNU was founded by three Baptist women leaders iACADEMY is a premier school that specializes in Negros Occidental, offers a wide variety of programs on Valentine’s day of 1948 when the city was still reeling course offerings in animation, multimedia arts and and complements the courses offered by the Parent from the aftermath of the Second World War. The school, design, fashion design and technology, software Company’s other subsidiary, STI ESG. The University then West Negros College, first operated as a sectarian engineering, game development, film and visual offers elementary, secondary including SHS, tertiary educational institution offering six undergraduate effects, and real estate management. It also offers education, and post-graduate courses. It also operates a programs that attracted 710 students handled by 33 faculty SHS. It was established in 2002 as a wholly-owned maritime training center that offers and conducts training members. It has since gone through years of providing subsidiary of STI ESG, and through acquisition by required by the Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) education that is responsive to the needs of the community STI Holdings, became its wholly-owned subsidiary for officers and crew on-board Philippine and/or foreign and received its Certificate of University Status from CHED on September 30, 2016. Classes are conducted registered ships operating in the Philippine and/or in June 2008. at the iACADEMY Nexus building along Yakal St. international waters. in City, with top-of-the-line multimedia arts In October 2013, the Parent Company acquired majority laboratories and computer suites. ownership interest in STI WNU. Since then, STI WNU’s facilities have been undergoing continuous upgrade, catering to more than 6,000 students. 16 STI Education Systems Holdings Sustainability Report 2020 17

GRI 102-16 STAKEHOLDER FREQUENCY OF MODE OF CONCERNS THE GROUP’S RESPONSE EDUCATIONAL GROUP ENGAGEMENT ENGAGEMENT RAISED (REPORT REFERENCE) Quality and Affordable Education (p. 24), Curriculum Orientation Programs or courses, Development and Implementation (p. 24), Student program, school school facilities, Affairs & Services (p.28), Academic Research (p.35), Students Regular basis activities, network campus life, teaching, Inclusive Education (p.39), Education Facility Safety PHILOSOPHY events, seminars, tuition fees, safety (p.39), Sustainability Agenda (p.40), and social media Customer Data & Privacy (p.63)

Human resources Orientation related such as program, trainings, salary, benefits, Academic Research (p.35), Employment (p.56), Faculty and Staff Regular basis workshops, working hours, Learning & Development (p.58), The Group strongly promotes the learner-centered approach as its paradigm for teaching and learning, thus every assembly, trainings, career Safety and Well-being (p.59) social media advancement, student is nurtured holistically through a technology-enhanced, student-centered active learning. The Group strives to health & safety offer learning opportunities that allow the students to maximize their potential and growth so that they can thrive in a Campus tour, Quality and Affordable Education (p. 24), Curriculum continuously changing, technologically-driven world. orientation program, Quality of education, Development and Implementation (p. 24), Student parents-teachers school facilities, Affairs & Services (p.28), Academic Research (p.35), Parents Regular basis seminar, website, teaching, Inclusive Education (p.39), Education Facility Safety media articles, tuition fees, safety (p.39), Sustainability Agenda (p.40), and social media Customer Data & Privacy (p.63)

Workshops, Student Affairs & Services (p.28), Community Annual or as Alumni seminars, website, Employment Relations & Strategic Partnerships (p.61), and required social media Customer Data & Privacy (p.63)

Overall performance Quarterly or as Economic Performance (p.44), Board of Directors Board meetings of STI Holdings, needed Governance (p.45) finance

Annual stockholders’ Overall performance Quarterly and meeting, reports, of STI Holdings, Economic Performance (p.44), Stockholders Annual website, media finance, Governance (p.45) articles, company updates social media

Annual GRI 102-40, 102-42, 102-43, 102-44 Overall performance stockholders’ Quarterly, Annual, of STI Holdings, Economic Performance (p44.), Investors meeting, reports, or as needed finance, Governance (p.45) website, company updates STAKEHOLDER media articles Collaboration Meetings, seminars, opportunities, trainings, events, ENGAGEMENT curriculum design, Sustainability Agenda (p.40), Community Relations & Industry Partners As required website, media graduate Strategic Partnerships (p.61) articles, employment, social media on-the-job training

Quality and Affordable Education (p. 24), Curriculum Collaboration Development and Implementation (p. 24), Education Monthly or as Meetings, opportunities, Regulators Facility Safety (p.39), Economic Performance (p.44), needed workshops access to education, Engagement with stakeholders is crucial to the success of any organization. The Group’s constant interaction and Governance (p.45), Energy & Emissions (p.52), Waste curriculum collaboration with its key stakeholders play a critical role in identifying, understanding, and responding to issues and Management (p.53), Customer Data & Privacy (p.63)

concerns that impact them, thereby helping it identify areas for improvement, develop plans to address these issues, Business Suppliers and Bidding process, As needed opportunities, supply Supply Chain (p.45), Safety and Well-being (p. 59) and ultimately improve the Group’s sustainability performance. Service Providers meetings chain impacts Our stakeholders were selected based on influence, representation, contribution, responsibility, and dependency of the Group. School activities, Sustainability Agenda (p.40), Climate Change (p. 50), events, website, Community Local Community As required and Community Relations & media articles, engagement, safety Strategic Partnerships (p.61) social media 18 STI Education Systems Holdings Sustainability Report 2020 19

GRI 102-46, 102-47 MATERIALITY THEMES AND MATRIX MATERIALITY The materiality assessment resulted in the identification Below is an overview of the materiality assessment of 17 material sustainability topics, which were then with the topics’ relevant impact to the Group and ranked based on thier importance to the Group and its its stakeholders. The material topics are positioned stakeholders. The issues were further grouped into four based on their importance to the stakeholders and STI Holdings and its subsidiaries engaged Sycip of both external and internal stakeholders. Desktop themes to guide the structure and content of this report. significance of impact. Gorres Velayo and Company (SGV & Co.) to conduct reviews covering the Group’s internal documents and Further details on these themes and topics are provided the Group’s sustainability materiality assessment and other publications by industry peers, the media, and throughout the report. help prioritize its material issues, which will drive the relevant non-governmental organizations (NGOs) were framework and content of its sustainability report. The also conducted to incorporate and consider external materiality assessment aims to determine the issues trends and their magnitude and likelihood of impacts. that are material to the Group and its stakeholders. The The external review, additionally, aims to assess publicly Group followed the guidelines and principles set by the available information to identify relevant industry- Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), the Global specific material issues and benchmark against reports Reporting Initiative (GRI) Standards, and the Sustainability of other leading educational institutions. Accounting Standards Board (SASB) Standards to System-wide Environmental Social Economic Value develop its list of material topics. The Group then carefully considered the results from Development Initiatives Commitment and Governance these activities in forming its sustainability framework A materiality assessment workshop was conducted and in coming up with a materiality assessment matrix and attended by key personnel of the Group to help showing the Group’s material economic, environmental, Community Relations Employment Sustainability Agenda

prioritize key issues and evaluate each topic’s level of social, and governance issues. High and Strategic Partnerships importance (low, medium, or high) from the viewpoints Academic Research Student Affairs and Services

Curriculum Development and Implementation Waste Management

Energy and Emissions Economic Quality and Affordable performance Education

Climate Change

Medium Customer Data Privacy and Security

Safety and Wellbeing

IMPORTANCE TO TO STAKEHOLDERS IMPORTANCE Inclusive Education Learning and Development

Education Facility Safety Governance Low

Low Medium High IMPACT ON OR BY THE GROUP 20 STI Education Systems Holdings Sustainability Report 2020 21

UNITED NATIONS SUSTAINABLE SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth • Building administration policies specifying • PhP720M paid to employees in the form of DEVELOPMENT GOALS (SDG) guidelines for facility preventive maintenance, wages and benefits security, campus safety, command teams, The Group strives to place sustainability at the heart of goals and values to the society. The SDGs aim to achieve • PhP24M paid in taxes to the government and safety workflows ready to be activated in its education, research, and business operations as the a better and more sustainable future for all, including • 88.4% of procurement budget spent on response to emergency situations educational institutions within the Group support the alleviation of poverty, access to quality education, local suppliers • Health insurance policy covering students, principles of the SDGs. equality, and prosperity. • 739 new employee hires within the Group teachers, and full-time administrative staff • Over 23,000 skilled graduates contributing to The 17 SDGs highlight the extent of today’s social, In this report, the Group has mapped its activities and the supply of human capital, not just across the economic, environmental, and governance issues. It also aligned these with the various SDGs as it aims to be a SDG 4: Quality Education country but also to the global industry recognizes the pivotal role of education in delivering these positive partner in its community. • Scholarships or alternative form of financial assistance for over 13,000 students within SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and the whole STI network Production • Senior High School Qualified Voucher • Campaigns to “Reduce, Reuse and Recycle” Recipients and beneficiaries of the Tertiary and “Clean as you go” Education Subsidy aggregating to over • Availability of waste treatment facilities in 33,000 students select campuses • New program offerings that are industry and market-driven SDG 13: Climate Action • Alternative Learning System (ALS) in six STI campuses • Curriculum development incorporating sustainability and addressing climate change • Career orientation and internship programs for senior high school (SHS) and college • Student activities relating to waste students management and energy efficiency

• Centralized courseware development to • Partnerships with government agencies and ensure the standard delivery of courses NGOs for climate change-awareness activities across its network of schools SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and SDG 5: Gender Equality Strong Institutions • 45.7% Male Employees, • Compliance with laws, rules and regulations, 54.3% Female Employees policies, and standards of governing bodies covering the Group’s operations • Equal employment opportunity • No substantiative complaints nor complaints received from regulatory bodies and no leak or loss of customer data 22 STI Education Systems Holdings Sustainability Report 2020 23

SYSTEM-WIDE DEVELOPMENT

The educational entities in the Group endeavor to transform lives through education, empower the students to reach their full potential, provide opportunities for social inclusion, and look forward to a society where individuals can use their abilities, experience, and talents to make a positive difference. 24 STI Education Systems Holdings Sustainability Report 2020 25

discussions with industry partners to determine and responsibilities of a faculty member is to develop QUALITY AND AFFORDABLE EDUCATION programs, both degree and technical-vocational, that courseware that shall be used eventually as the standard are needed by the industry and the market. Revisions courseware for that subject. The Philippine education system has evolved with to the programs are likewise implemented to meet the today’s focus on expanding access and ensuring identified needs as well as changes in government The standardized curriculum and courseware materials more Filipinos receive quality education as a means regulatory requirements. Existing program offerings provide schools within the STI ESG network, including of reducing poverty and ultimately contributing to the are also reviewed accordingly. The streamlining of STI WNU, with efficiencies of scale as a single course country’s economic growth. The private educational the program curricula in response to the needs of the could reach thousands of students. These also improve sector, in support of the government efforts, provides a market and developments in the industry drives the the quality of the teaching-learning process since wide range of educational offerings from early years up 83,967 23,228 rationalization of the Group’s program offerings. the prepared plans reduce the amount of time that students* graduates* to the tertiary level, in academic centers, colleges, and faculty members need to research the subject content universities across the country. *across the network Furthermore, STI ESG has a centralized courseware and prepare lesson plans. The faculty member can development group which is responsible for the concentrate instead on the actual delivery of the content, The Group offers tuition installment plans to facilitate a All education entities under the Group are committed development of its lesson plans and teaching materials, in accordance with the learning styles of the students, more affordable payment scheme. Also, to ensure that to providing quality and affordable education to its to ensure the standard delivery of courses across its focus on helping students learn, and participate in extra- more Filipino youth have access to quality education, students so they can eventually make a difference in network of campuses. This group of highly qualified curricular activities as faculty advisers. In addition, this the Group provides scholarship grants to academically their community. Good education will enable students professionals with extensive knowledge on content system allows the schools to offer high-quality education deserving students, siblings of existing students, to develop their abilities and skills to help them reach and pedagogy develops the course syllabi, presentation across the entire network, allowing students to receive the dependents of employees and/or alumni, and varsity their full potential. The Group believes that education slides, instructor’s guide, student handouts, and other same level of quality education regardless players, among others. The Group likewise accepts is one of the most important factors in increasing student learning materials for each course in all of their location. students with Tertiary Education Subsidy (TES) and those human capital as a determinant of economic growth. academic programs. For iACADEMY, part of the duties that are Senior High School Qualified Voucher Recipients. The Group has delivered the following contributions for These scholarship grants and subsidies assist students in school year (SY) 2019-2020: financing their educational journey. STI ESG Programs

Senior High School Academic Track • Home Economics Strand with specializations in:

• Accountancy, Business, and Management | Commercial Cooking GRI 102-12 • Humanities and Social Sciences | Cookery • Science, Technology, Engineering, and | Bartending CURRICULUM DEVELOPMENT AND IMPLEMENTATION Mathematics | Food and Beverage Services • General Academic Strand | Tour Guiding Services

| Travel Services Staying true to its commitment of providing the students Technical-Vocational-Livelihood Track The curriculum facilitates the acquisition of attitudes, | Tourism Promotions Services with real life education, the Group strives to be responsive • ICT Strand with specializations in: skills, values, knowledge, and competencies that allow | Front Office Services | Computer Programming to the changes and trends of the industry to further | Housekeeping students to face challenges and navigate life successfully. | Animation

| • Industrial Arts Strand with specialization in: It is crucial that the curriculum promotes universal values strengthen its curriculum and equip the students with Illustration | Broadband Installation | Consumer Electronics Servicing and the importance of life-long learning in order to thrive the right knowledge and training. The Group regularly | Computer Hardware Servicing in a constantly changing, globalized society. conducts market studies and frequent roundtable 26 STI Education Systems Holdings Sustainability Report 2020 27

STI WNU Programs

Basic Education Tertiary • Pre- Elementary (Nursery, Kinder 1 • BS Hospitality Management and Kinder 2) • BS Tourism Management • Elementary (Grades 1 to 6) • BS Criminology • Junior High School (Grades 7 to 10) • BS Information Technology • BS Information System Senior High School • BS • BS Accountancy Academic Track • BS Business Administration • Accountancy, Business and Management • BS Management Accounting • Humanities and Social Sciences • Bachelor of Early Childhood Education • General Academic Strand • Bachelor of Physical Education • Science, Technology Engineering • Bachelor of Secondary Education major in and Mathematics Mathematics, English, Filipino and Values Education Technical-Vocational Livelihood Track • Bachelor of Elementary Education - • Maritime Specialization Strand General Education • ICT Strand • BS Psychology • Home Economics Strand • BS Mathematics • BA Communication School of Graduate Studies (SGS) • BA English Language • Doctor of Philosophy in Educational Management • Teacher Certificate Program Tertiary • Doctor in Public Administration • BS Electrical Engineering • Master in Nursing • BS Civil Engineering • BS in Information Systems • BA in Communication • Master of Arts in Education • BS Chemical Engineering • BS in Computer Science • Bachelor of Multimedia Arts • Master in Business Administration • BS Electronics Engineering • BS in Information Technology • Bachelor of Science in Marine Engineering** • Master in Public Administration • BS Mechanical Engineering • BS in Information Technology major in Network • Bachelor of Science in Marine Transportation** Engineering* • Bachelor of Science in Naval Architecture and • BS in Information Technology major in Digital Arts* Marine Engineering** iACADEMY Programs • BS in Accountancy • Bachelor of Secondary Education major in • BS in Management Accounting Mathematics Senior High School Tertiary • BS in Accounting Information System • Bachelor of Secondary Education major in Academic Track • BS Computer Science (Software Engineering) • BS in Accounting Technology* Computer Education • BS in Business Administration major in Operations • Accountancy, Business and Management • BS Information Technology • Master in Information Technology • Humanities and Social Sciences Management (Web Development) • 3-year Hotel and Restaurant Administration* • General Academic Strand • BS in Business Management major in Operations* • BS Entertainment and Multimedia Computing • 2-year Information Technology Program • Science, Technology Engineering and (Game Development) • BS in Office Administration* • 2-year Hospitality and Restaurant Services Mathematics (Robotics) • BS Business Administration major in • BS in Office Administration with specialization in • 2-year Tourism and Events Management Technical-Vocational Livelihood Track Marketing Management Customer Relations* • 2-year Computer and Consumer Electronics • ICT Strand with specialization in: • BS Business Administration major in • BS in Hospitality Management Program* | Computer Programming Financial Management • BS in Culinary Management* • 2-year Multimedia Arts Program* (Software Development) • BS Real Estate Management • BS in Hotel and Restaurant Management* | Animation • AB Psychology • BS in Tourism Management | Mobile App Development • BS Animation • BS in Travel Management* | Graphic Illustration • AB Multimedia Arts and Design • Home Economics Strand with specialization in: • BS in Computer Engineering • AB Fashion Design and Technology | Fashion Design • AB Film and Visual Effects • Arts and Design Track • AB in Communication *These tertiary programs are offered only to senior college students. | Media and Visual Arts (Multimedia Arts) **These maritime programs are offered only to students of NAMEI Polytechnic College, Inc. | Music (Audio Production) 28 STI Education Systems Holdings Sustainability Report 2020 29

The establishment, operation, administration, and management of schools are subject to the existing laws, rules and Job Placement Assistance Services governments and organizations are prohibited from regulations, policies, and standards of the Department of Education (DepEd), Technical Education and Skills Development using any form of violence, force, threat, or intimidation. The Job Placement Assistance Services office conducts Authority (TESDA), and the CHED pursuant to Batas Pambansa Bilang 232 (otherwise known as the “Education Act of The students therefore adhere to the Anti-Hazing Law employment preparation activities and present 1982”), Republic Act (RA) No. 7796 (otherwise known as the “TESDA Act of 1994”), and RA No. 7722 (also known as the Policy, Anti-Bullying Policy, and Anti-Sexual Harassment employment opportunities to the graduating students “Higher Education Act of 1994”), respectively. Policy. These policies are also in compliance with and alumni. Some of these services are Employment the following Republic Acts (RA): RA 8049 or “An Act Preparation Seminars, Mock Interviews, Job Fairs, and Regulating Hazing and other Form of Initiation Rites Accreditations Recruitment Day, among others. STI ESG was awarded by the ISO certifying body TÜV STI WNU has accredited programs duly certified by in Fraternities, Sororities, and Other Organizations and Rheinland Philippines, Inc. with the ISO 9001:2008 various accrediting agencies, thereby confirming its Providing Penalties Therefor”; RA 10627 or “Anti-Bullying certification on February 5, 2015 and the ISO 9001:2015 compliance to national and international standards. Act of 2013”; and RA 7877 or “Anti-Sexual Harassment certification on February 5, 2018. Both certifications The Philippine Association of Colleges and Universities Act of 1995.” cover STI ESG’s Learning Delivery System, which includes Commission (PACUCOA) accreditation ensures that the courseware development, faculty training and certification, university’s academic programs continuously adhere Gender Development Policy and student development program. These certifications to its objectives and maintain academic excellence. The Group recognizes the importance of a gender- likewise attest that the institution’s Learning Delivery Meanwhile, STI WNU’s Maritime Training Center (MTC) responsive education and society. In support of the CHED System is relevant, responsive, and learner-centered to has been awarded the ISO 9001:2015 certification Memorandum Order 01 series of 2015 or “Establishing the exceed customers’ needs and meet industry competencies by Det Norske Veritas Germanischer Lloyd (DNV GL). Policies and Guidelines on Gender and Development in the and applicable requirements, with strong emphasis on The ISO certification keeps the University’s maritime Commission on Higher Education and Higher Education continuous improvement and quality assurance. programs for seafarers compliant with the standards of Institutes (HEIs),” the Group promotes gender awareness the maritime industry. by appointing Gender and Development focal persons in each school to pursue and implement programs, projects, and activities that will contribute to the achievement of women’s empowerment and gender equality. It also practices gender mainstreaming in the academe as one of National Job Placement Week the strategies in educating and informing various sectors STUDENT AFFAIRS AND SERVICES of society on the need to recognize and respect the rights Student Governments and Organizations of individuals, regardless of gender. The Group believes that learning goes beyond the four corners of the classroom and that students should be empowered The educational entities of the Group provide the to realize their educational goals and potentials through holistic development experiences in the school. Students students with opportunities to organize themselves The STI National Youth Convention will have an enriched learning experience as they interact with other students outside the classroom setting, receive and experience relevant activities through student (STI NYC) counselling on issues such as mental health and career pathing, and get involved with various advocacies. For this organizations. The student councils aim to provide Since 1995, the STI NYC has been an annual venue reason, the Group encourages the students to explore and learn through a wide array of academic, co-curricular, and a fun environment conducive to student development where students are provided with opportunities to learn extra-curricular activities that will hone them to be well-rounded individuals and help them reach their highest potential. while governed by the rules set forth by the the latest trends from industry leaders. The theme School Administration. Guidance and Counseling Services and topics vary every school year but always focus on alternative and innovative learning to discover the latest The Guidance and Counseling Services assist the students in making the best out of their school life. Through In addition, the Group is committed to providing a trends in technology, acquire the most in-demand and the Guidance Office, individual and group counseling services are extended to help the students deal with various peaceful and healthy learning environment where job-ready skills, and enhance specific values anchored personal, educational, emotional, and career concerns. students support and respect each other. Hence, student on attributes that a model citizen should exhibit. 30 STI Education Systems Holdings Sustainability Report 2020 31

Tagisan ng Talino (TNT) iLEAD 2019: Sail Strong HEXACON

The TNT is an annual academic competition that tests iLEAD is an annual leadership training program that HEXACON is iACADEMY’s annual art fair and convention, the capabilities of students on impromptu speech, essay aims to develop resilient and dynamic leaders. which is open to the public and hosted by the SHS writing, programming, cooking, cake decoration, table Student Council and accredited student organizations. setting, and general knowledge. Over the years, specific The activity promotes iACADEMY and local artists competitions comprising the TNT have been enhanced to through a variety of events such as Arts and Sticker ensure that the competitions’ objectives are met. Convention, Arts and Design Workshop series, cosplay event and featured performances.

The BiTIW Recital

STI Talent Search at the Enchanted Kingdom The Basic Integrated Theatre Initiation Workshop (BiTIW) Recital of BiTAG is a theater production series Talent Search showcasing the acts of the members of Basic Integrated Theatre Arts Guild (Drama Club) or BiTAG. The drama The STI Talent Search is an annual showcase of talents Student leaders at iLEAD 2019 club members participate in shows either onstage that aims to recognize the various skills of STIers or backstage and as stage crew. They also attend nationwide — from singers and musicians to dancers Battle League workshops, perform in school functions, and engage in and up-and-coming models. Every year, all STI campuses As one of the leading schools in Game Development, various theatrical experiences throughout the year. nationwide send a total of over 100 contestants to iACADEMY students join the Battle League, which tests compete in nine regional sites before advancing to Cake decorating competition at Tagisan ng Talino and hones students’ skills in online gaming in line with the National Finals in events like the STI Singing Idol KASADYAHAN their field of study. competition, Battle of the Bands, Hataw Sayaw Dance Tagisan ng Sining (TNS) Kasadyahan, an annual showcase of “Sinadya,” was competition, and the search for Mr. and Ms. STI. The TNS is an annual competition that aims to challenge launched in 2014. Sinadya is a Hiligaynon term, which the students’ artistry, creativity, and originality in the field means jolly, merry-making, or fun. Kasadyahan has National Basketball Tournament (NBT) of photography and music video making. become a symbol of camaraderie and fellowship To promote sportsmanship, camaraderie, and team in the STI WNU community. The joyous festivity spirit amongst students, STI conceptualized the Philippine National eSports is usually held at the end of every school year to National Basketball Tournament, a sports program for League Association celebrate the students’ hard work. STI basketball teams nationwide. The Philippine National eSports League Association introduced the first franchise model eSports circuit, The Nationals, in the country. Together with five other National Volleyball League (NVL) Battle League tournament Women’s Volleyball Challenge, a successful student sports companies, STI ESG joined the league and became program, was redeveloped and launched to include all STI- one of its founding members. In SY 2019-2020, the Hackathon league launched The Road to The Nationals, a series branded campuses nationwide. With the same objectives Students of iACADEMY create mobile and web of open qualifier tournament games held nationwide. of instilling in the students the value of discipline and applications based on the given theme. This event The tournament featured three game titles: DOTA2 for further strengthening their character, the first National encourages students to exemplify their skills in PC, Mobile Legends for mobile, and Tekken 7 for the Volleyball League was staged in SY 2017-2018. problem-solving, competitive gaming, and innovation. console game. Kasadyahan Festival 32 STI Education Systems Holdings Sustainability Report 2020 33

immersing the participants in real-life problems so that Hackathon STUDENT ACHIEVEMENTS they can build action plans to address concerns faced by Students from STI College Caloocan were declared as their universities. AND RECOGNITIONS the Overall Champions in the Coca-Cola Philippines’ Code Festival 2019, a hackathon competition for Aaron Jay Quitain, a BS Tourism Management International Competitions college students, held on November 25, 2019. Team alumnus from STI College San Pablo, represented the With grit and determination, Brandhon Kyrielle Aquino PrograDeation consisted of sophomore BS Information Philippines in the Bali Asia International Model United from STI College Caloocan proved that he could withstand Technology students Katzuki Fushimi and Justine Nations (BAIMUN) II on January 18-21, 2020 at the any difficulty in juggling both his school life and training Santiago as well as freshman BS Business Administration Bali International Convention Centre in Bali, Indonesia. as a member of the Philippine National Sailing Team student Rovic Morales. Hosted by International Global Network, the event is when he earned a bronze medal in the Sailing Category a simulation of an actual United Nations conference during the 2019 Southeast Asian (SEA) Games. Using the Power Platform, the PrograDeation where participants were tasked to solve a global issue team came up with a mobile application entitled through research, drafts, lobbying, and debates to pass “PeraBubot,” an information system that records the a suitable resolution. Together with 243 delegates from transactions of a junkshop. It aims to not only help 23 countries, Aaron also had the opportunity to discuss junkshop owners in garbage collection but also aid the issues such as the Philippine government’s role in Miss Tourism Queen Worldwide 2019 1st runner-up community in controlling the increase in solid waste. Theresa Diana Pazcoguin ensuring and promoting sustainable tourism.

STI College Vigan dominated the Impact Hackathon by Theresa Diana Pazcoguin, a BS Tourism Management Board Exam winning both the student and professional categories in graduate of STI College Tarlac, showed that she has what With a rating of 89.40%, STI NAMEI’s Carlo Marasigan Vigan City. The Impact Hackathon event was an official it takes to be a beauty queen as she took home the 1st topped the 2019 Naval Architecture and Marine entry to the Guinness World Records as an attempt Runner-up title in the Miss Tourism Queen Worldwide Engineering Licensure Examination out of 89 board to land the title biggest hackathon competition. BS 2019. The pageant aims to gather diverse individuals passers, while his classmates Adnan Paul Lucero and Computer Science students Tristan James Adolfo, Joshua Brandhon Kyrielle Aquino with his teammate around the world and let them showcase the splendor of Marianne Castor both placed sixth with a rating of 87.20%. Rosueta, Tristan Joshua Uniana, and Charrie Rafanan, their nation’s citizenry and crafts as well as culture and under Team Hackdogs, represented STI in the student’s STI College Zamboanga’s BS Business Administration cuisine. It focuses on promoting diversity and harmony division. They created Herbal Plant, an augmented reality alumna Honey Firmeza, together with her dance partner by exhibiting majestic sights, colorful festivities, and project that aims to provide information on herbal plants. Jaime Marcial, also made the Filipinos proud by bagging exquisite food from various countries. Meanwhile, Team STI Vigan, represented by ICT faculty the Championship title in the Amateur Rising Star Latin members John Carlo Malamug and Victoria Kristen Sison, as well as placing 4th in the Asia Amateur Latin and 5th International Summit won in the professional category with their system FIX IT,

th in the Seoulcup Open Amateur Latin of the 19 Seoulcup STI College Cagayan de Oro sent sophomore BS an online service provider. Both teams represented Vigan International Dance Championship on September 1, 2019 Information Technology student John Carlos Montejo City in the grand national event and Team Hackdogs at Seoul Grand Hilton Hotel in Seoul, South Korea. to the Developers Student Club (DSC) South East landed in the top 15, qualifying them for a one-year Asia Summit in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia as one of the incubation program, intensive training, access to expert Multimedia Arts and Design students Aldrich Rivera, 90 student representatives from South East Asia on mentors, network and co-working, and a cash prize. Betina Mascenon, and Justine Mallari represented September 9, 2019. The summit aims to assess the iACADEMY in the international competition Adobe Design issues faced by IT graduates in the technology industry by (From left) Adnan Paul Lucero & Marianne th st Achievement Awards 2019 as the only Philippine finalist. Castor, 6 place; Carlo Marasigan, 1 Place 34 STI Education Systems Holdings Sustainability Report 2020 35

Culinary Competitions Fashion Design Competition In December 2019, Fashion Design and Technology alumna Coleen Dumlao was featured as one of the STI College Calamba’s Grade 12 Culinary Arts students iACADEMY’s Fashion Design student Jayanne Rochiel fashion designers in the Metro Fashion Ball. Trina Mikaela Java and Mark Carlo Palacio raised the Santos was among the Top 16 Fashion Designers in the bar high after being proclaimed as Champions in the StyleFest Awards 2019 for her Filipino Ready-To-Wear rd Animation Competition 3 Sweet and Salty Experience Recipe Cooking (“RTW”) collection. StyleFest is a local competition that Contest, which was spearheaded by the Cooperative aims to promote and discover fresh Fashion Designers iACADEMY’s Animation student Joshua Villena bagged st nd and Livelihood Development Department of Calamba that would eventually be at the forefront of a fashion the 1 Prize at the ASEAN 52 Founding Anniversary - City, on October 4, 2019. The cooking contest retail brand. Advancing Partnership for Sustainability poster encourages the participants to create their own recipe making contest.

incorporating the main ingredients produced by the Another Fashion Design student Emanuel Riñoza saw local farmers. With this, Trina and Mark decided to use his creations grace the red carpet during the Miss The 2D animated film entitled “Pass” of Animation BS Tourism Management students from STI College pineapple as the main ingredient of their winning dish Puerto Princesa during the 1st Regional MIMAROPA International pageant held in Japan on October 28, students Christian Lemuel Ibong and Kinn Arden called “Pineapple Pastillas.” Tourism and Hospitality Skills Competition 2019 as Miss Philippines Atty. Patch Magtanong wore Galdones won the Grand Prize Award (Student) his Barong Tagalog-inspired design during the Sponsor and Best in Storytelling Award (Student) in the Mobile Documentary Tourism Competitions Orientation. Celebrities and beauty queens such as Animahenasyon 2019. Freshman BS Information Technology student from STI Sophomore BS Tourism Management students young star Kisses Delavin and Miss International 2018 1st College Pasay-EDSA, Gerome Viñas, emerged as the Mayuree Bacuño and John Michael Parcero from Runner-Up Ahtisa Manalo have also worn his creations. In November 2019, Animation alumna Arianne Arbolado Grand Winner of Bayan Mo, Ipatrol Mo (BMPM) Digitales: STI College Puerto Princesa impressed the audience His works were likewise featured in three MEGA fashion passed the Toon Boom Certification Exam. There A Mobile Documentary Contest which was held on when they were declared as champions in the Airline editorials and even gained entry in Photovogue Portfolio. are only six Toon Boom certified animators in the October 25, 2019. Powered by ABS-CBN’s Integrated Safety Demonstration category of the 1st Regional Philippines and four of them are from iACADEMY. News and Current Affairs and in partnership with UNESCO MIMAROPA Tourism and Hospitality Skills Competition and the Asian Institute of Journalism, Digitales is a mobile on September 18, 2019 at SM City Puerto Princesa. As documentary contest that aims to combat disinformation champions, Mayuree and John received a scholarship online. With around 50 entries nationwide, three other for the 15-day Flight Attendant Training Program STI campuses also made it to the Top 20 ― STI Colleges courtesy of PTC MIL-COM Aviation Training Center. Ortigas-Cainta, Novaliches, and Recto. ACADEMIC RESEARCH Skills Competition

STI College Koronadal grabbed the coveted Overall As the foundation of knowledge, research opens discourse on certain issues or topics currently prevalent in society Champion title in the T’nalak Skills Competition as its such as cultural norms, health, education, and technology, and this consequently leads to the development of new students reaped awards in different categories: Culinary ideas, methods, or technology. By conducting research, students and faculty members are able to enhance their skills Skills (Champion), Restaurant Service and Table Setup in critical thinking and organization of ideas. with Skirting (Champion), Table Napkin Folding (Silver),

Bartending (Silver), Cake Decorating (Silver), Web Design STI ESG recognizes the outstanding thesis projects of their students through the nationwide Search for Most (Silver), Waiter’s Relay (Bronze), and Flower Arrangement Outstanding Thesis Awards. The event, where the theses are meticulously screened and assessed by representatives (Bronze). Fifteen schools within the province of South from CHED, Mechatronics and Robotics Society of the Philippines, and Institute of Computer Engineers of the Cotabato participated in the competition. Philippines (ICpEP), is held every year. (First row, center) Gerome Viñas with his team 36 STI Education Systems Holdings Sustainability Report 2020 37

STI WNU, on the other hand, conducts capability-building seminar-workshops that aim to equip University researchers STI WNU also participates in Student Outputs to Advance Research (SOAR), a tripartite agreement established with and students with the skills to write publishable faculty research papers in refereed and indexed journals. STI WNU University of Negros Occidental-Recoletos (UNO-R) and Riverside College, Inc. The aim of this tripartite agreement is to likewise encourages its teachers to do research by providing opportunities and encouraging faculty members to distribute tasks related to its collective goal of producing research outputs and providing avenue for dissemination and participate in local, national, and international collaborative and interdisciplinary research projects. Below are STI WNU’s publication of these research works in SOAR Journal. Thus far, two editions of the journal have been published in 2018 published faculty research papers: and 2019, respectively. Overall, five student research studies coming from various departments have seen print in SOAR.

• Language Anxiety among KMCU Students • Communicating Goals: A Corpus-Based Analysis Meanwhile, iACADEMY has a research manual specifying the framework, research priorities, and general guidelines Frequenting the Global Zone – presented in of Hotel Descriptions Presented by OTA Agoda – a for students’ research and thesis projects. The manual also covers faculty members who are engaged in research and an International Conference held at Huachiew peer-reviewed paper presented at HCU Conference in would like to apply for de-loading. Chalermprakiet University (HCU) Thailand from Thailand from July 11-13, 2019. The paper’s goal was July 11-13, 2019. The purpose of this paper was to to investigate word choices of 4 and 5-star hotels During the reporting period, iACADEMY faculty members were able to present their research in local and internal determine the level of foreign language anxiety of that were advertised on the Online Travel Agency conferences and seminars: Keimyung College University students. (OTA) Agoda. • Teacher’s Practical Guide for Inclusive Education on the dimension of Corporate Social Responsibility – presented in the St. Joseph College Research (CSR) done by their respective educational • Imperatives Evident during the Executive Vice • Sustainable Livelihood Development Program in Colloquium at St. Joseph College of institutions. General findings of the study show that President’s Special Message during the Alumni Purok Arao, Barangay Vista Alegre, Bacolod City in 2019 problems of scheduling, effectivity and assessment Homecoming of 2017 – written in 2018 and – presented during the Asian University Digital hinders the level of OC that SHS teachers have subsequently disseminated to the College of Resource Network (AUDRN) International Conference In the education sector, a common challenge towards the CSR activities of their educational Education, Arts and Sciences for possible innovation held in Butuan City from February 8-9, 2020. STI WNU exists where students with special learning needs institution. To address the issue, the research in the STI WNU’s existing curriculum, this paper is an active partner of AUDRN. experience different challenges in receiving quality provided a set of suggestions to optimize CSR in aimed to determine imperatives prevalent in the education. Thus, this study aimed to develop improving the OC of teachers through proper forms EVP’s special message to the alumni and employees a practical guide with the intention to unify the of pre-evaluation procedures, post-assessment during the event mentioned above. It was printed in approach of regular and special education teachers in procedures and a set of effective mix of internal and Academia in July 2020. implementing an inclusive education. external CSR program recommendations.

• Perceived Teacher Innovation and its Relation to • The Heart of Education: Relationship of Corporate • Collaboration Through Team Teaching: The Response Student Engagement at National Yunlin University Social Responsibility on the Organizational to The K to 12 Spiral Science Curriculum – presented of Science and Technology (YunTech) in Taiwan – Commitment of SHS Teachers in Caloocan City at San Sebastian College Recoletos and Haven of undergoing peer review at the Teaching in Higher – presented in the 3rd ARNOVA (Association of Virtue and Excellence Academy on April 20, 2019 Education Journal (THEJ) since 2019. As the Research in Nonprofit and Voluntary Action) Asia title suggests, this paper aimed to determine the Conference: The Actionability of Civil Society The study analyzes the experiences of science correlation between perceived teacher innovation and Challenges of Social Innovation hosted at Colegio de teachers in their attempt to apply team-teaching student affective and cognitive engagement among San Juan De Letran methods in science for Junior High School. calculus students at YunTech. Research presentation at the 7th HCU Limitations brought by their specialization into International Conference in Thailand The research ventures into the connection between one area has allowed the teachers to engage in Senior High School (SHS) teachers’ organizational collaborative practices with their colleagues such commitment (OC) in relation to their experiences as curriculum review and articulation, team-delivery, 38 STI Education Systems Holdings Sustainability Report 2020 39

resource sharing, assessment banks, etc. Results showed that the science teachers felt the ease in INCLUSIVE EDUCATION teaching a different science area due to the help provided by the team. Increase in the performance As an educational institution, it is important for the partnered with DepEd in offering learning centers for and appreciation of students in the subject were also Group to create a learning environment where all the Alternative Learning System (ALS). The partnership validated by the study. students can flourish and be the best that they can be. specifically aims to provide out-of-school youth aged 15 The Group believes that having a diverse and inclusive to 30 with an opportunity to complete their high school • The Self on Instagram: How People with Different community will help the students become socially education in a non-formal learning environment. To date, Hair Colors Use Instagram for Self-Presentation responsible individuals as they share experiences and six STI campuses have accommodated ALS students: STI – presented in The Asian Conference on Media, myriad perspectives. The differences in age, gender, College Ortigas-Cainta, STI College Batangas, STI College Communication & Film by IAFOR (The International religion, ethnicity, sexual orientation, physical ability, and Lipa, STI College Muñoz-EDSA, STI College Rosario, and Students from STI College Recto presenting Academic Forum) held in Tokyo, Japan from October their thesis project during the STI Search for background will further bring richness to the Group’s STI WNU. 25-27, 2019 the Most Outstanding Thesis (MOST) Awards environment and community life. By fostering a culture that values of diversity and inclusion, the Group prepares This study explores how women with different hair its students for an increasingly diverse and complex of this action research highlight the following: (1) colors use Instagram for online self-presentation, future work environment. role of the organizational structure in facilitating considering how hair has been historically significant coordination; (2) importance of good communication to identify a person’s status. The results showed that The Group strongly believes in responding to the needs between faculty and students; and (3) good the participants perform offline and online strategies, of all students equally, thereby providing facilities and collaboration between the faculty. curating one’s self for their online self-presentation. easing access for persons with disabilities and learners Strategic online self-presentation paved the way for with special needs. Ramps and railings, elevators, and • Finding numerical Coefficients of the Product of Two online self-branding where the participants get value PWD comfort rooms are available in major campuses. Binomials with the Same Degrees using Japanese from different companies and brands In addition, STI ESG together with STI Foundation has Multiplication Method – presented in the 2019 Students of Alternative Learning System Conference of Joint Societies for Mathematics • Action Research on Improving Coordination in Education by KSESM and KSME: Contemporary Implementing the Project-Based Learning Curriculum Perspectives on Learning and Teaching in in the SHS Program – presented in the 3rd Asian Mathematics Education held in Ajou University, Conference on Institutional and Action Research Suwon, South Korea from December 13-15, 2019 Organization: Asian Society of Teachers for Research held in Cagayan de Oro City on November 29, 2019 The researcher conducted a lesson study which EDUCATION FACILITY SAFETY introduced the use of Japanese multiplication This action research focused on improving the The Group is committed to providing a safe, clean, of its employees, students, guests/visitors, and other method in finding the numerical coefficients of the coordination between the faculty and the students in productive, and well-maintained environment to ensure stakeholders. These measures aim to comply with the product of two binomials with integral coefficients implementing the Project- Based Learning method in the safety of all students, faculty, employees, and guests principles of environmental laws and regulations in and the same degrees. the Senior High School (SHS) program. The results within and around the campus. accordance with the Building Code of the Philippines and minimum standards set by applicable governing bodies The Group carries out measures and upholds best such as but not limited to CHED, DepEd, and TESDA. practices to safeguard life, health, property, and welfare 40 STI Education Systems Holdings Sustainability Report 2020 41

The educational entities within the Group likewise In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, which has caused high school and undergraduate programs, conduct of campus activities that aim to address and educate students maintain their respective student handbooks that contain global disruptions, STI ESG has implemented programs about climate change and social issues, and implementation of policies that aim to reduce the schools’ negative the general health and safety requirements for the to minimize the risks related to COVID-19 and continue its environmental impacts. schools. This hopes to minimize, if not totally eradicate, operations. Classes of tertiary students for SY 2019-2020, any incidence of accident and injury, violence, any act of which were suspended due to the implementation of the immorality, bullying, and use of prohibited drugs, among quarantine, were conducted online and/or offline in the others. CCTV cameras are installed in strategic areas subsequent months. For SY 2020-2021, the educational of the schools. The schools also deploy licensed and entities within the Group will optimize the use of digital competent security personnel to do periodic rounds and tools and online technology combined with invaluable make sure that only authorized personnel, students, and hands-on practice and onsite engagements to achieve guests or visitors are allowed access into the campus the students’ academic objectives through a responsive premises. The Group likewise ensures that campuses learning experience. Onsite activities shall follow the meet the minimum requirements and standards so that latest regulations issued by the Inter-Agency Task Force buildings and facilities are accessible to persons with (IATF), DepEd for Senior High School, and CHED for “Clean As You Go” posters in the cafeteria Wildlife and Biodiversity Conservation Seminar special needs or with disabilities. College. In the event that onsite activities are prohibited by a government agency, the activities or modules shall be Regular inspections of the facilities and renewal of delivered 100% online until onsite sessions are allowed. necessary permits are conducted annually to safeguard The Management continues to monitor the COVID-19 compliance with applicable health and safety laws and situation and will take further actions as necessary and regulations, and ensure effectiveness of the guidelines appropriate in response to the disruptions caused and procedures in place. The Group stays true to its by this pandemic. commitment of upholding all health and safety measures beyond compliance. Environmental lectures in partnership with the Implementation of an energy reduction plan and a solid local government waste management program

SUSTAINABILITY AGENDA

The school is one of the most important venues where students can learn and understand the theory and practice of sustainability, which in turn can inspire them to act and reduce the negative impacts of their own activities. For this reason, the Group is committed to integrating sustainability and sustainable development in its educational system and Project Based Learning (PBL) Expo 2019 with the theme Collaboration with Climate Change Commission, "Game Changers Care for Urban Sustainability" Department of Tourism, and MMDA on student contribute to the country’s progress towards the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development Goals. activities for sustainability

The schools belonging to the Group have carried out several ways to integrate sustainability in their educational system: centralized development of courseware and standard periodical examinations to ensure the standard delivery of courses The effectiveness of the schools’ programs and initiatives related to sustainability are evaluated regularly through and assessments across all campuses in the STI ESG network, inclusion of subjects related to sustainability in the senior feedback received from students, parents, and faculty. The Group aims to maximize the organization’s long-term success and ECONOMIC VALUE create sustainable value for its stockholders, other stakeholders, and the nation. The Group adheres to the principles and practices of good AND GOVERNANCE corporate governance and conducts its business in accordance with the highest level of accountability, transparency, and integrity. 44 STI Education Systems Holdings Sustainability Report 2020 45

GRI 102-7, 102-45, 201-1 GRI 102-9, 102-10 ECONOMIC PERFORMANCE SUPPLY CHAIN

The economic impact of the Group goes beyond its financial performance. True to its mission of nurturing individuals The Group believes in upholding the standards of ethics technical, commercial, and financial capability, adequate to be competent and responsible members of society, the Group’s network of schools has produced great talents and and integrity in everything it does. It adopts a policy that equipment and facilities, good service performance, or contributed to the supply of human capital, not just across the country but also to the global industry. The Group’s aims to provide standards and guidelines in ensuring any measure that will safeguard quality and reliability. impact on employment, both direct and indirect, contributed to the country’s economic growth and development. that its supply chain transactions will result in the best Since the Group is located in different key urban cities value for money in the acquisition of goods and services nationwide, there are instances where the suppliers are Of the economic value distributed* for SY 2019-2020, a and promote openness, transparency, fairness, and sourced within the locality, province, or region.

significant portion was composed of employee wages Economic value generated equity to all suppliers. The policy also guarantees that all and benefits and operating costs covering payments PHP2,874.91M transactions are conducted in a consistent and efficient to local suppliers. The Group also embarked on manner and demonstrates ethical decision-making. 88.4% expansion and capital improvement projects as part of of procurement budget spent on local suppliers its commitment to continuously improve the delivery with spacious classrooms, top-of-the-line computer The Purchasing Departments under the Group maintain of education to its students. In this way, the Group may laboratories, and recreational facilities. and update their respective databases of accredited

ensure that its schools house state-of-the-art facilities suppliers and system for supplier accreditation. The There is no significant change to the organization and accreditation program ensures that the vendors are its supply chain during the reporting period. capable of delivering goods and/or services with Operating costs PhP1,454.63M

Employee wages and benefits PhP719.74M

Payments to suppliers, other operating costs PhP186.22M

Dividends given to stockholders and interest payments to loan providers PhP528.17M GRI 102-11, 102-18 Taxes given to government PhP24.32M GOVERNANCE

*The Group opted not to include the provision for impairment of noncurrent assets held for sale because it is an immediate effect of the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Corporate Governance

The Economic Performance disclosures cover STI Holdings and its subsidiaries. The Board of Directors (BOD) and Management of subsidiaries and affiliate companies. Moreover, the Parent STI Holdings believe that corporate governance is Company has recently appointed* a Compliance Officer,

Detailed information about the Group’s financial performance, including its operations, net sales, total capitalization, a necessary component of what constitutes sound Chief Audit Executive, and Chief Risk Officer. It has also quantity of products and services provided, and entities included in the consolidated financial statements can be found strategic business management and therefore created a Related Party Transactions Committee** to in its Annual Report (SEC Form 17-A), which is available on the website www.stiholdings.com. undertake every effort necessary to create awareness review all material related party transactions. within the organization. The Parent Company’s objective is to maximize the The Parent Company exerts all efforts to further organization’s long-term success, creating sustainable strengthen compliance to principles and practices of value for its stockholders, other stakeholders, and good corporate governance. It organizes an annual the nation. in-house corporate governance seminar for all the *As appointed during the Corporate Governance Committee Meeting on 20 July 2020 directors and key officers of STI Holdings and its **As created during the Corporate Governance Committee Meeting on 20 July 2020 46 STI Education Systems Holdings Sustainability Report 2020 47

Board of Directors and Management Committee Risk Management

The BOD of STI Holdings is composed of 11 members. valuable documents of the Parent Company, and The Group adopts what it considers as conservative The Board, through its Audit Committee, develops a The term of office of the BOD is one year and members deposits, or causes to be deposited, in the name of the financial and operational controls and policies to formal enterprise risk management plan which contains are to serve as such until the election and qualification of Parent Company, all moneys or other valuable effects manage its business risks. The Group regularly conducts the following elements: their successors. The BOD is composed of the Chairman, in such banks, trust companies, or other depositories market studies and analyzes trends and uncertainties to the President and Chief Executive Officer, the Vice as shall from time to time be selected by the BOD; at all determine the needs of the industry and the market. The • Common language or register of risks President for Investor Relations, the Vice President and reasonable times exhibits books of accounts and records Group likewise maintains business strategies and plans to • Well-defined risk management goals, objectives, and Chief Investment and Risk Officer, and seven other Board to any of the directors of the Parent Company where sustain growth and competitive advantage. oversight members which include four independent directors. The such books and records are kept; when required by the • Uniform processes of assessing risks and developing Executive Committee appointed by the BOD consists President or the BOD renders an account of the financial STI Holdings’ Board of Directors develops and strategies to manage prioritized risks of the Chairman, the President and Chief Executive condition of the Parent Company; receives and gives, implements a sound enterprise risk management • Designing and implementing risk management Officer, the Treasurer, and two Board members. The said or causes to be given, receipts for moneys paid to the framework to identify, monitor, and manage key business strategies committee has and may exercise all the powers which Parent Company from any source whatsoever; authorizes risks; and to help the Board identify units/business lines • Continuing assessments to improve risk strategies, may be lawfully delegated, subject to such limitations as the disbursement of funds as the business of the Parent and enterprise-level risk exposures. processes and measures may be provided by resolution of the Board. Company may require; and in general, performs all the duties incidental to the above-mentioned duties and to The Audit Committee also serves as the Parent Company’s Board Risk Oversight Committee (BROC). The Chairman of the Board, when present, presides at the office of a Treasurer of the Parent Company, and all meetings of the stockholders and Directors, may at performs such other duties as may be assigned to him/ The Chief Risk Officer supervises the enterprise risk management system process and spearheads the continuous his own discretion call meetings of stockholders, and her by the BOD. improvement of these processes. The Chief Risk Officer also advises the BOD and management on material risks, risk performs such other duties as may be designated by the levels and risk mitigation activities. Articles, By-Laws and any meetings of stockholders or The Corporate Secretary is responsible for the Directors. The Chairman reports directly to the Board. safekeeping and preservation of the integrity of The President and Chief Executive Officer manages the minutes of the meetings of the Board and its the affairs of the Parent Company and has general committees, as well as all other documents, records and supervision and control of the Parent Company’s information essential to the conduct of his/her duties and day-to-day business activities and its officers and responsibilities to the Parent Company as set out in the employees. He sees to it that all orders and resolutions By-Laws. He is the custodian of the securities, records and of the BOD are carried into effect. He also initiates of the corporate seals of the Parent Company. and develops corporate objectives and policies and formulates long range projects, plans, and programs for the approval of the BOD.

The Vice Presidents have such powers and perform such duties as may be assigned to them by the BOD. The Treasurer has charge and custody of and is responsible for all funds, securities, evidences of indebtedness, receipts, disbursements and other Sustainability Report 2020 49

ENVIRONMENTAL INITIATIVES

The Group recognizes that its operations impact its surrounding communities and the environment. With this, the Group acknowledges the need to contribute positively to the efforts done in addressing climate change, reducing carbon emissions, and managing waste. 50 STI Education Systems Holdings Sustainability Report 2020 51

CLIMATE CHANGE Flood Water Filtration Machine from STI College San Fernando that is built with six The Philippines is highly vulnerable to the impact of therefore, demands a clear action from organizations and types of filters and can easily convert flood climate change such as rising sea level and temperature, individuals in the country. water into clean water increased frequency of typhoons, and extreme rainfall, according to the Global Peace Index 2019. This is As an agent of change, it is necessary that the Group due to the country’s high exposure to natural hazards educates the youth and increases their awareness on (earthquakes, landslides, floods, tropical cyclones, and the social and environmental issues relating to climate droughts) and dependence on climate-sensitive natural change. The youth can be considered as potential resources. The study also showed that around 971 million partners in conducting disaster risk reduction activities people are at risk of experiencing extreme weather events since they have the knowledge, creativity, vigor, and social and breakdowns in the coming years. Climate change, networks that can be tapped to help the communities.

Automatic Canal Waste Collector also from STI Concrete Cylinders with Sugar Cane Fiber College San Fernando from STI College Muñoz-EDSA aims to encourage recycling by incorporating sugar Solar-powered Grass Cutter from STI that can gather plastic cane fibers into concrete cylinders and though College San Fernando that runs on waste from the water it is made of biodegradable materials, it is still 100% solar energy and it can easily systems and runs as strong as the regular concrete help the farmers with their farm effectively on duties through its ergonomic design solar energy and metals blades

iACADEMY collaborated with GreenAntz, a company that specializes in creating industry- grade bricks using plastic waste, through the exhibition of GreenAntz’ technology in the campus. Also held during Earth Week was a plenary talk on Slow Fashion and Climate

Portable Wind Turbine from STI College Change led by Green Antz, Non-timber Cubao that shows an alternative source of Forest Products Inc., Institute for Climate electricity by utilizing wind energy with the and Sustainable Cities, Climate Change case and wind panes were all made from Commission, Philippine Textile Research recycled materials Institute, and the Ms. Earth Foundation. 52 STI Education Systems Holdings Sustainability Report 2020 53

GRI 302-1, 305-1, 305-2 GRI 306-2 ENERGY AND EMISSIONS WASTE MANAGEMENT

With more than 80,000 students and school personnel The Group primarily relies on electricity for its energy To help protect and preserve the environment and reduce schools generate various types of wastes, which include in the network, the Group’s campus operations naturally requirements. The electricity consumption, however, environmental footprint, the educational entities under but are not limited to food waste, electronic waste, paper, consume a considerable amount of energy. The rising varies depending on school size and campus population. the Group practice responsible waste management. The and plastics. concern on climate change entreats educational The Group’s carbon emissions likewise are primarily institutions to explore opportunities on how to efficiently driven by electricity consumption and have been manage their energy consumption and sources. Mindful calculated following the GHG Protocol for Corporate of this call, the Group implements various activities Accounting and Reporting Standard, with the emission 6.48 tons 15.12 tons aimed at improving energy efficiency and reducing factors based on the 2006 IPCC Guidelines for National non-hazardous non-hazardous carbon footprint. Greenhouse Gas Inventories. waste reused* waste landfilled*

189.17 tons Energy from fuel Direct (Scope 1) non-hazardous waste collected by consumption GHG emissions the LGU waste management office** 3,139 GJ* 224 CO2 tons *Covers STI WNU only **Covers STI ESG and iACADEMY; the weight STI ESG’s non-hazardous waste has been estimated based on the amount of Total energy Energy indirect (Scope 2) waste produced per person per workday in the STI main campus in Cainta, Rizal, multiplied by the number of employees consumption GHG emissions and students in each STI ESG-owned campus. 46,745 GJ** 8,657 CO2 tons

* Fuel consumption of the Group is driven primarily by the STI WNU recorded the following hazardous wastes The Group encourages waste segregation and recycling Electricity use of diesel, gasoline, and LPG to power its vehicles, generators, machineries, kitchen laboratories, and during the reporting period: 1.52m3 of generator oil and within the school premises. The schools repurpose used consumption canteen stoves in STI ESG-owned campuses, STI WNU, 15kg of busted fluorescent lamps stored on-site; 2kg paper by utilizing these for internal communication. Bins and iACADEMY. 12,112,634 kWh clinical waste sent to a medical center for disposal; in and around the campuses are labelled accordingly to **Total of Scope 1 and Scope 2 energy consumption and 2 pieces of used lead acid batteries traded in. facilitate waste segregation. STI ESG’s wholly-owned iACADEMY, on the other hand, produced 5,143.7m3 used Academic Centers and iACADEMY are also equipped with The Group implements various activities aimed at designing of smaller windows in the academic centers cooking oil, which was processed through the school’s sewage treatment plants that recycle wastewater. The reducing energy consumption and carbon emissions to reduce external heat and initiate faster cooling from sewage treatment plant before being released into the Group’s waste management practices aim to minimize its such as switching from Compact Fluorescent Lamp the AC; efficient class scheduling that helps lessen the sewage. STI ESG will report its hazardous waste in the operations’ ecological impacts. (CFL) bulbs to Light Emitting Diode (LED) lights that are frequency of turning off of the AC units that contributes to Group’s next sustainability report. more energy efficient and replacing the schools’ cooling the increase in energy consumption; and shutting off of the system that are at least 10 years old since new models AC units past office hours. The implementation of blended consume less energy. In addition, the Group identified that learning, which would allow the students to continue their air conditioning (AC) consumption is the biggest factor in studies online and minimize face-to-face interaction on- its energy consumption and has utilized different means campus, is expected to contribute to the decrease in the to reduce it. These include the following measures: Group’s carbon footprint. Sustainability Report 2020 55

SOCIAL COMMITMENT

Our employees and community partners are our greatest assets. The Group believes that the success and strength of a company lie in its employees’ expertise, harmonious relationship with partners in the communities, and the desire to work with the Group in creating a sustainable future for all. The Group aims to develop a culture that is service-oriented, trustworthy, and innovative in creating solutions that are responsive to the ever-changing needs of the stakeholders and the environment. 56 STI Education Systems Holdings Sustainability Report 2020 57

GRI 102-7, 102-8, 102-41, 401-1

EMPLOYMENT New Hires and Turnover The Group advocates equal employment opportunity and therefore practices non-discrimination in its hiring process. Educational institutions are primarily learner-centered and people-centered, and require all members to work together and fully contribute to the achievement of the goals of the organization. It is therefore important that the Group harness the New Hires talent and passion of each employee to bring out their best, while making them feel valued, respected, and accountable for the things they deliver. Male Total New Hires Female 12.2% 28.2% 15.9%

The Group is driven by a team of 2,624 exceptional employees consisting of faculty, research, management, and 228 30 years and below (20.8%) 546 318 support staff nationwide. These employees are engaged through a full-time or part-time contract and are either regular 84 Between 31-50 years (6.4%) 168 84 employees or on probationary status. The Group likewise procures the services of contractors for various types of work within the campuses, which include but are not limited to security, janitorial, maintenance, and construction services. 9 Beyond 50 years (1.0%) 25 16

321 739 418

Total number of employees by employment contract and type, gender, and region Turnover

Gender Regular On-probation Full-time Part-time Male Total Turnover Female 5.9% 14% 8.0%

Male 371 244 614 584 95 30 years and below (9.7%) 254 159

Female 575 373 949 477 56 Between 31-50 years (3.9%) 101 45

Total 946 617 1,563* 1,061 4 Beyond 50 years (0.5%) 12 8

155 367 212

Region Regular On-probation Part-time Total by Region New Hires and Turnover by Region

Luzon 416 299 439 1,154 Region New Hires Turnover

Metro 305 214 413 932 Luzon 351 13.4% 177 6.8% Manila Metro Manila 273 10.4% 146 5.6% Visayas 180 76 152 408

Visayas 75 2.9% 19 0.7% Mindanao 45 28 57 130 Mindanao 40 1.5% 25 1.0% Total 946 617 1,061 2,624 Total 739 28.2% 367 14.0%

*The total number of full-time employees does not include those who are on extended leave by the end of the reporting period. 58 STI Education Systems Holdings Sustainability Report 2020 59

The entities in the Group have their respective Codes of economic provisions, which are reviewed every three As part of STI ESG’s Learning Delivery System, which minimum level of competence needed to teach a specific Conduct that express the Group’s commitment to the years. At present, 38 employees or 11% of the total has been successfully certified by the International course. All faculty members and staff of STI ESG undergo ethical, professional, and legal standards which are used number of the University’s regular employees are active Standards Organization (ISO) and has attained ISO regular performance evaluation ratings from superiors as basis for all decisions and dealings inside and outside members of the workers’ union. Certification 9001:2015, faculty members in the and peers. the campus. The Management, employees, and other STI network including STI WNU regularly undergo community members are individually and collectively Managing a large workforce based in different key urban competency-based certifications and trainings to iACADEMY, on the other hand, uses education-focused responsible for upholding the rules and promoting the cities nationwide can be challenging, but the Group is ensure that they are proficient in the subject matter to key performance indicators (KPIs) to ensure the academic values as stated in the Code of Conduct. committed to further developing a culture that is based be able to deliver the required day-to-day lessons. The rigor of the school’s learning system. With the use of on performance, empowerment, and respect. The Group faculty trainings are designed to evaluate the training common Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Realistic and Collective bargaining agreements aims to promote equality, diversity, and health and well- needs and demands as well as introduce a holistic Timely (SMART) KPIs, iACADEMY identifies internal system of learning opportunities to develop the faculty and external changes or progress of staff and faculty In recognition of concerns regarding employee welfare, being in its policies and practices, as it recognizes that members’ knowledge, skills, behavior, and attitude. This members. STI WNU and its workers’ union entered into a collective these are critical to the success of our organization. will allow them to effectively perform their tasks and bargaining agreement (CBA). Included in the CBA are responsibilities. Faculty members of the Group regularly participate in a competency-based certification and training to maintain Corollary to the faculty training, STI ESG also administers the educational entities’ high quality of education for the the faculty competency certification program that students. The faculty training also serves as the basis of serves as a process for evaluating a faculty member’s Management in order to improve and develop a more up- GRI 404-1 LEARNING AND DEVELOPMENT knowledge to ascertain that the individual has at least the to-date module and training approach.

The Group considers its employees as one of the level of productivity and notable improvement in work organization’s biggest assets and believes that investing performance. In this regard, the Group aims to provide its in talent is vital to ensure sustainable business growth employees with development programs that assist them GRI 403-9, 403-10 and success. The Group understands that learning in effectively carrying out their jobs and prepare them for and development increases engagement and that career advancement. SAFETY AND WELL-BEING an engaged employee consequently shows a higher The Group commits to providing a workplace that will first-aider, are also established to be activated in case of ensure the safety and well-being of its employees and a hazardous event. The Group has also made available other workers within the campus premises and offices. medical insurance as part of its employee benefits, which Average Training Hours Provided to Employees by Gender and Employee Classification* The health, safety, and well-being of every single person covers consultation and hospitalization. within the Group matters. Male Female Faculty Administrative Personnel Similar to other universities and colleges in the country, 5.4 4.8 4.7 5.7 STI WNU, iACADEMY, and the STI Academic Centers have the educational entities in the Group prepared the instituted health and safety committees to be in charge schools for the new normal consequent to the COVID-19 of identifying hazards, implementation of health and pandemic, thereby ensuring the safety of not just the *The Group’s data for average employee training hours do not include iACADEMY’s faculty. safety policies and safety workflow, and ensuring proper students but of the faculty members and staff as well. These would be included in the Group’s next sustainability report. maintenance of school facilities to prevent any accidents. The Group will use digital tools and online technology Emergency response teams onsite, including a certified to deliver a blended form of education. The Group also 60 STI Education Systems Holdings Sustainability Report 2020 61

embraces work-from-home arrangements to the furthest employees are advised accordingly to cooperate and GRI 102-13, 413-1 extent possible and deploys only a skeletal workforce adhere to such protocols to prevent further transmission COMMUNITY RELATIONS AND STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIPS in the schools and offices to attend to concerns that and help contain the spread of the COVID-19 virus.

need face-to-face coordination with safety measures The Group has taken and will continue to take further Building a positive and sustainable relationship with The Group engages in different community development in place. The Group has instituted workplace protocols actions as necessary and appropriate in response to the the community is vital for an organization, enabling it to programs that further enrich the lives and learning in observance of IATF and DOLE memoranda, and COVID-19 pandemic. establish strong connections with the place, people, and of its students. The Group believes that community other institutions, which then plays a significant role in engagement shapes its students’ character and values as driving economic, social, and cultural vitality. they share their knowledge and skills while learning from others as well. Number of hours worked Number of hours worked by employees by contract workers 4,750,167* 1,239,572**

*The estimated number of hours worked were computed by multiplying the number of full-time employees by the end of the reporting period with the estimated number of hours worked per employee during the reporting period (minus holidays and leaves of absence).

**This disclosure covers hours worked by contract workers (i.e. security and utility personnel) in STI ESG offices and schools, STI WNU, and iACADEMY.

Employees Contract Workers Reporting requirements Mobile School trains teachers in Masbate City Bloodletting activity at STI College Ortigas-Cainta Number Rate Number Rate

Fatalities as a result of work- 0 0 0 0 related injuries

High-consequence work-related 0 0 0 0 injuries (excluding fatalities)

Recordable work-related 1* 0.04 2* 0.32 injuries

The rates of work-related injuries which are considered minor have been calculated based on 200,000 hours worked. Brigada Iskwela at Agus Elementary School Habitat for Humanity at Bistekville

Reporting requirements Employees Contract workers

Fatalities as a result of work-related ill health 0 0

Recordable work-related ill-health 0 0

*Recorded work-related injuries were minor cuts resulting from accidents in the school campus and fall from Twelve Teachers Thousand Lives project of STI WNU Outreach activity with Verlarnie Foundation in Bacolod City scaffolding by a contract worker during a repair work. 62 STI Education Systems Holdings Sustainability Report 2020 63

The External Linkages and Community Sustainability programs of iACADEMY are geared towards building strategic MEMBERSHIP OF ASSOCIATIONS partnerships with public and private organizations to create meaningful programs and activities. These initiatives aim to provide holistic development to iACADEMY students, as well as create a positive impact on society. The External For educational institutions, institutional linkages and memberships in associations play a key role in stimulating Linkages Unit of iACADEMY aims to create collaborative projects that intend to unleash the potentials and talents of learning and innovation. It enables the academe to engage in meaningful collaborations in order to provide better iACADEMY students, with close mentorship and guidance from esteemed companies and organizations. opportunities to its stakeholders.

To enrich the students’ learning experiences, iACADEMY has fostered partnerships with known industry leaders such Through institutional linkages, STI ESG has built partnerships with various reputable industries that have provided as Wacom, IBM, Toon Boom Animation, Amazon, and Unity. opportunities to its students, such as on-the-job training (OJT), employment, courseware enhancements, and faculty development and training. Some of the industries collaborating with STI ESG are Junior Achievement of the Philippines, Inc. (JA Philippines), The Heritage Hotel Manila, InterContinental Hotels Group, Philippine Airlines, and Accenture, Inc., among others.

STI ESG is also active in the following associations: • Internet and Mobile Marketing Association of the • Association of Administrators in Hotel/Hospitality GRI 418-1 & Restaurant Management Educational Institutions Philippines (IMMAP) CUSTOMER DATA AND PRIVACY (AAHRMEI) • Philippine Association of National Advertisers (PANA) • Institute of Computer Engineers of the Philippines • Public Relations Society of the Philippines (PRSP) All educational entities of the Group respect the Personal data in the schools’ possession are stored (ICpEP) • NCR School Registrar’s Association (NASCRA) fundamental rights of all individuals to the privacy of securely in a variety of paper and electronic formats, their personal data, and commit to the responsible and including databases. Access to these personal data is Likewise, STI WNU has various local and international industry and organizational partners to help enrich its students’ lawful treatment of all personal data gathered. They aim limited to employees for carrying out their contractual and faculties’ academic learnings and real-life skills. These include but are not limited to: Asian University Digital to comply with the requirements of all relevant personal duties, and in accordance with the declared purposes for Resource Network, German Development Cooperation, TESOL Asia SITE Ltd Australia, Daegu Health College, Today data privacy and protection laws, particularly the Data which the personal data were collected. English Language School, Huachiew Chalermprakiet University, OK English Academy, CENECO, NONECO, PLDT, Privacy Act of 2012 (DPA) and its implementing rules Globe Telecom, John B. Lacson Colleges Foundation Training Center, Bacolod City Police Office, and Bureau of and regulations, while upholding legitimate interests Unless otherwise provided by law or by institutional Fire Protection. and effectively carrying out their responsibilities as policies, the schools retain relevant personal data educational institutions. indefinitely for historical purposes. Otherwise, the STI WNU and its students are active members of the following organizations: personal data are securely disposed of after the specified • Association of Administrators in Hotel/Hospitality • Philippine Society of IT Educators (PSITE) The schools collect personal information in various retention period. Concerns regarding data privacy may be & Restaurant Management Educational Institutions • Bacolod-Negros Occidental Federation of ICT forms. These may consist of written records, communicated to the respective data privacy officers of (AAHRMEI) (BNeFIT) photographic and video images, digital materials, and the schools. • Council of Hotel and Restaurant Educators of the • Junior Philippine Institute of Chemical Engineers even biometric records. Photographic and video images Philippines (COHREP) (JPICE) include official documentation of school activities, There is no incident of customer data leak, theft or loss, • Tourism Educators and Movers Philippines (TEAM • Philippine Institute of Civil Engineers (PICE) as well as security recordings taken within school and complaint for the reporting period. PHILS WV) • Institute of Integrated Electrical Engineers of the premises/campus. • Hotel and Restaurant Association of Negros Philippines (IIEEP) Occidental (HRANO) • Institute of Electronics Engineers of the Philippines • Bacolod City Tourism Office and Department of (IEEP) Tourism Region VI • Philippine Society of Mechanical Engineers (PSME) 64 STI Education Systems Holdings Sustainability Report 2020 65

GRI CONTENT INDEX Stakeholder Engagement 102-40 List of stakeholder groups 16-17

102-41 Collective bargaining agreements 58 GRI STANDARD DISCLOSURE PAGE NUMBER(S), URL(S), AND/OR 102-42 Identifying and selecting stakeholders 16-17 GRI 101: Foundation 2016 102-43 Approach to stakeholder engagement 16-17

General Disclosures 102-44 Key topics and concerns raised 16-17

GRI 102: Organizational profile Reporting Practice General Disclosures 2016 Entities included in the consolidated 102-1 Name of the organization 10 102-45 44 financial statements Defining report content and topic 102-2 Activities, brands, products, and services 10-15 102-46 18-19 boundaries

102-3 Location of headquarters 12 102-47 List all material topics 18-19

Not applicable as this is the Group’s first 102-4 Location of operations 12-14 102-48 Restatements of information sustainability report Not applicable as this is the Group’s first 102-5 Ownership and legal form 10 102-49 Changes in reporting sustainability report

102-6 Markets served 12-13 102-50 Reporting period 5

Not applicable as this is the Group’s first 102-7 Scale of the organization 44, 56 102-51 Date of the most recent report sustainability report Information on employees and other 102-8 56 workers 102-52 Reporting cycle 5 Contact point of questions regarding the 102-9 Supply chain 45 102-53 5 report Significant changes to the organization and Claims of reporting in accordance with GRI 102-10 45 102-54 5 its supply chain Standards

102-11 Precautionary Principle or approach 45 102-55 GRI Content Index 64-69

This sustainability report has not been 102-12 External initiatives 28 102-56 External assurance externally assured. 102-13 Membership of associations 62-63 Economic Topic

Strategy Economic Performance Statement from senior 102-14 6-7 Explanation of the material topic and its decision-maker 103-1 45 GRI 103: Management boundary Approach 2016 Ethics and integrity The management approach and its 103-2 45 components Values, principles, standards, and norms of 102-16 16 behavior 103-3 Evaluation of the management approach 45

Governance GRI 201: Economic Direct economic value generated and 201-1 45 Performance 2016 distributed 102-18 Governance structure 45 66 STI Education Systems Holdings Sustainability Report 2020 67

Environmental Topics GRI 403: Occupational Health 403-9 Work-related injuries 60 and Safety 2018 Energy 403-10 Work-related ill health 60

Explanation of the material topic and its 103-1 52 Training and Education GRI 103: Management boundary Approach 2016 The management approach and its Explanation of the material topic and its 103-2 52 103-1 58-59 components GRI 103: Management boundary Approach 2016 The management approach and its 103-3 Evaluation of the management approach 52 103-2 58-59 components

GRI 302: Energy 2016 302-1 Energy consumption within the organization 52 103-3 Evaluation of the management approach 58-59

GRI 404: Training and Average hours of training per year per Emissions 404-1 58 Education 2016 employee GRI 103: Management Explanation of the material topic and its 103-1 52 Local Communities Approach 2016 boundary The management approach and its Explanation of the material topic and its 103-2 52 103-1 61 components GRI 103: Management boundary Approach 2016 The management approach and its 103-3 Evaluation of the management approach 52 103-2 61 components

GRI 305: Emisions 2016 305-1 Direct (Scope 1) GHG emissions 52 103-3 Evaluation of the management approach 61 Operations with local community GRI 413: Local Communities 413-1 engagement, impact assessments, and 61 305-2 Energy indirect (Scope 2) GHG emissions 52 2016 development programs

Waste Customer Privacy

Explanation of the material topic and its Explanation of the material topic and its 103-1 53 GRI 103: Management 103-1 63 GRI 103: Management boundary boundary Approach 2016 Approach 2016 The management approach and its The management approach and its 103-2 53 103-2 63 components components

103-3 Evaluation of the man-agement approach 53 103-3 Evaluation of the management approach 63 Substantiated complaints concerning GRI 306: Effluents and Waste GRI 418: Customer Privacy 306-2 Waste by type and disposal method 53 418-1 breaches of customer privacy and losses of 63 2016 2016 customer data Social Topics System-wide Development

Employment Quality and Affordable Education Explanation of the material topic and its GRI 103: Management 103-1 56-58 Explanation of the material topic and its boundary GRI 103: Management 103-1 24 Approach 2016 boundary The management approach and its Approach 2016 103-2 56-58 The management approach and its components 103-2 24 components 103-3 Evaluation of the management approach 56-58 103-3 Evaluation of the management approach 24

GRI 401: Employment 2016 401-1 New employee hires and employee turnover 56-57 Curriculum Development and Implementation

Occupational Health and Safety GRI 103: Management Explanation of the material topic and its 103-1 24-28 Approach 2016 boundary Explanation of the material topic and its 103-1 59-60 The management approach and its GRI 103: Management boundary 103-2 24-28 Approach 2016 components The management approach and its 103-2 59-60 components 103-3 Evaluation of the management approach 24-28

103-3 Evaluation of the management approach 59-60 68 STI Education Systems Holdings

Student Affairs and Services

Explanation of the material topic and its 103-1 28-35 GRI 103: Management boundary Approach 2016 The management approach and its 103-2 28-35 components

103-3 Evaluation of the management approach 28-35

Academic Research

Explanation of the material topic and its 103-1 35-38 GRI 103: Management boundary Approach 2016 The management ap-proach and its 103-2 35-38 components

103-3 Evaluation of the management approach 35-38

Inclusive Education

Explanation of the material topic and its 103-1 39 GRI 103: Management boundary Approach 2016 The management approach and its 103-2 39 components

103-3 Evaluation of the management approach 39

Education Facility Safety

Explanation of the material topic and its 103-1 39-40 GRI 103: Management boundary Approach 2016 The management approach and its 103-2 39-40 components

103-3 Evaluation of the management approach 39-40

Sustainability Agenda

Explanation of the material topic and its 103-1 40-41 GRI 103: Management boundary Approach 2016 The management approach and its 103-2 40-41 components

103-3 Evaluation of the management approach 40-41