Okada Manila has partnered with the School for Experiential and Entrepreneurial Development (SEED Philippines) to provide scholarships that support agri-education and hands-on training for young Filipinos as part of its commitment to sustainable community development.
As part of the integrated resort’s Okada Green Heart program, under its Talent & Community pillar, Okada Manila representatives visited the SEED campus at the Gawad Kalinga Bayanihan Village in Cavite for a community immersion and a handover ceremony.
The activity fostered meaningful engagement among stakeholders, students, and local residents, while reinforcing a shared goal of addressing rural development challenges through education, enterprise, and agricultural innovation.
Okada Manila supported the first batch of SEED graduates from Bacolod and Leyte, who built around six farms during their intensive training program. These scholars have since taken purposeful paths—joining local government agriculture offices, working with non-profit organizations, and pursuing college degrees independently.
“We are proud to support programs that cultivate long-term, measurable value for both people and the planet,” said Kenji Sugiyama, Managing Director and CSR Committee Member of Okada Manila. “Through our partnership with SEED Philippines, we are investing in young changemakers who can help transform their communities through sustainable farming, innovation, and social entrepreneurship.”
The scholarship program offers young people from underserved communities the opportunity to become future agri-leaders, equipped with the skills to build sustainable livelihoods and help secure the nation’s agricultural future.
“This milestone partnership with Okada Manila reminds us that meaningful change begins when we come together for a shared purpose,” said Mark Lawrence Cruz, Director of SEED Philippines. “Your support enabled our scholars to be the next generation of agri-leaders and food producers for their families and communities. At SEED, we live by the spirit of ‘Walang Iwanan,’ and we are honored to partner with Okada Manila in this mission to educate the next generation of agri-leaders and food producers for the Philippines. No idle land, no idle people. Gawad Kalinga, SEED, and Okada Manila—working together for a more productive Philippines.”
SEED Philippines is known for its inclusive agri-entrepreneurship model, which empowers youth to develop rural enterprises that combat poverty, address food insecurity, and revitalize farming communities. Okada Manila’s support has enabled more scholars to benefit from this transformative education.
This initiative is further powered by proceeds from Okada Manila’s Balik Baterya partnership with Motolite, which recycles used lead-acid batteries (ULABs) responsibly. In 2024, the program generated ₱1,034,880.00 from four donation batches totaling 32,340 kilograms of batteries.
The funds which directly support education and environmental projects were allocated to two key beneficiaries:
- ₱532,000.00 to the Philippine Business for Social Progress (PBSP);
- ₱502,880.00 to SEED Philippines.
SEED scholar Jodel Sanchez, 27, from Iloilo, expressed his appreciation, “Thank you to Okada Manila for helping support the scholars of SEED Philippines. For young people who lack access to education and cannot finish school, you were the ones who stepped in to help ease the hardship in our country. SEED Philippines strongly advocates for agriculture, and we, the youth, are stepping up to take the place of the older generation of farmers. We are the youth who will help revive agriculture in our country.”
Recognized as the winner of Best Sustainability Program at the Asia Gaming Awards 2025, Okada Manila Green Heart exemplifies the company’s commitment to sustainability and social responsibility through multi-sectoral partnerships that empower communities, promote education, and protect the environment.
