In many rural areas of the Philippines, children live in communities where schools are located several kilometers from their homes. The walk to class often involves dirt roads that become muddy during the rainy season, river crossings without bridges, and steep paths carved into hillsides. Some schools operate with limited classrooms, shortages of desks and textbooks, and inadequate access to electricity and clean water.
Teaching supplies such as visual aids, laboratory equipment, and reading materials are limited or outdated. In some schools, the absence of a reliable mobile or internet signal limits the use of computers, digital learning platforms, and online educational resources, reducing students’ exposure to technology and opportunities to develop essential digital literacy skills.
These conditions shape daily life for many children and affect their education, health, and future opportunities.
Recognizing the importance of supporting local communities, Clark Marriott Hotel has adopted Malasa Integrated School in Tarlac as part of its ongoing commitment to sustainable impact. This initiative is rooted in the hotel’s Kindness Travels Christmas 2025 campaign and implemented in partnership with the Hann Foundation, the corporate social responsibility arm of Hann Philippines Inc., which continues to empower Indigenous Peoples in Pampanga and Tarlac through programs that support education, livelihoods, and overall community well-being.
Malasa Integrated School serves a diverse student population that includes both local children and Indigenous Peoples students from the surrounding communities. Many students follow roads that stretch farther than their mornings should, and some begin the school day hungry, carrying the physical strain of travel alongside unmet basic needs.
“Education is the foundation of progress,” said Edna Al Sharhan, Director of Human Resources at Clark Marriott Hotel. “By supporting Malasa Integrated School, we hope to create opportunities that empower children and strengthen the communities where they live. Through this initiative we are reminded that true hospitality reaches beyond our doors and flows into the lives of others, bringing hope and care to those who need it most.”
During a recent visit to the school, Paolo Vinuya, PR & Strategic Alliances Manager at Clark Marriott Hotel, observed the students and their daily lives. He said, “Visiting the school and hearing the stories of these children was truly eye-opening. The Kindness Travels campaign was born from the belief that kindness travels, stays, and continues its journey, and when it does, it has the power to transform lives.”
The initiative also carries the mission of the Hann Foundation. Ronnel Golimlim, Manager of the Hann Foundation, explained, “Partnerships like this are vital in our mission to empower Indigenous Peoples and rural communities. Working with Clark Marriott Hotel allows us to reach more children and provide programs that enhance education, livelihoods, and the overall development of the community.”
Clark Marriott’s adoption of the school reflects its commitment to the Serve 360 platform, which promotes community impact, empowerment, and sustainable practices. As part of this partnership, Clark Marriott is supporting the education of select students while planning for broader, holistic support for the school community, including initiatives that benefit students, teachers, and the environment, fostering long-term growth and sustainability.
This effort embodies Marriott’s brand values of putting people first, acting with integrity, embracing diversity, and serving communities, lighting a spark of hope in the hearts of children.
