Learn About Our Work

The Bigfoot Asia Pacific Foundation focuses on developing programs in three major areas: Education, Technology, and Community Engagement

Education

The Bigfoot Asia Pacific Foundation’s primary purpose is to make education accessible to all children. Emphasizing access to Information Technology and English language education in particular, Bigfoot recognizes that these are the skills that open the most doors for students’ future careers. The foundation also focuses on educational initiatives involving life skills development, teacher training, and alternative learning methods.

Bigfoot Learning Centers

Launched in December 2002, the Bigfoot Learning Centers program was launched to creat of 22 Bigfoot Learning Centers in government elementary and national high schools in Cebu and Negros. In addition, the program provided training elementary and high school teachers in basic computer use and basic computer textbooks were distributed to each Center.

Bigfoot has since collaborated with the Department of Education to monitor the usage of the centers as well as maintain the infrastructure and equipment through additional funding.

The Bigfoot Learning Centers program has made it possible for beneficiary schools to integrate computer learning into their curriculum, and improve students’ exposure to information technology.

Bigfoot Teacher Training Centers

In partnership with the Department of Education (DepEd), the Bigfoot Asia Pacific Foundation has established a Teacher Training Center in Cebu City to strengthen the computer and IT training of teachers. Equipped with networked computers, server, printers, multi-media projector, public address system, tables, chairs, and air conditioning, the training program provides teachers with updated techniques and methodologies to effectively teach IT to students. The success of the Teacher Training Center program has encouraged the establishment of four additional centers in Cebu province for teachers in more remote locales, including Bogo, Alcoy, Dumanjug and Balamban.

Bigfoot English Learning Program

Addressing the need for better English proficiency among Filipino students, the Bigfoot Asia Pacific Foundation donated 20,000 CleverCourse accounts to the Department of Education (DepEd) to supplement English language lessons. CleverCourse is an online English learning course developed by Bigfoot Global Solutions Inc. for Cleverlearn Ltd.

According to the Bigfoot Asia Pacific Foundation President, Joe Mercado, “As the Philippines endeavors to be a globally competitive region, the Bigfoot Asia Pacific Foundation recognized the importance of English proficiency, as English is the international language of business and is an indispensable tool in the development of our country.”

“By introducing the Cleverlearn English learning system, the foundation strives to help students enhance their business qualifications, especially in an English-driven market,” added Mr. Mercado.

In 2006, the foundation further expanded its commitment to improving the quality of English by establishing the Bigfoot Mobile English Learning Centers, two trailer-mounted transportable classroom built and outfitted with servers, computers, printers, tables, chairs and air conditioning. The foundation funded the hiring and training of teachers to facilitate the English lessons and to manage the learning center, and installed Cleverlearn Premium English learning software in the centers. The computer-based modules are blended with classroom time with a teacher for enhanced learning, while a database management system monitors the students’ progress. Dumanjug and Daanbantayan were the pilot locations for the centers.

Scholarship Programs

Through the Bigfoot Asia Pacific Foundation’s scholarship programs, children of prisoners, theology students, orphans, and disadvantaged children have an opportunity to continue and finish their education. Since 2002, more than 150 students have received scholarship assistance from the foundation.

Bigfoot Mentorship Program

Each month, Bigfoot Asia Pacific Foundation employee volunteers play “big brother” or “big sister” to children under the care of the Albert Schweitzer Familienwerk Foundation. Foundation volunteers organize a variety of activities, ranging from field trips and arts workshops, to flu vaccinations and coastal clean-ups, to supplement the children’s formal education, and to help their social and interpersonal skills.

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Technology Grants

Through the Bigfoot Asia Pacific Foundation’s technology grants, numerous government offices, non-profit organizations and schools have benefited from the foundation’s information technology training. The following have been some of the Bigfoot Asia Pacific Foundation’s technology beneficiaries:

  • Albert Schweitzer Familienwerk Foundation
  • Dilaab Foundation Inc.
  • First High School for Hearing Impaired
  • Goodwill Industries of the Philippines (Cebu) Inc.
  • Religious of Virgin Mary Immaculate
  • Adam Jennie’s Christian Center
  • M. Teresa Carmelites
  • Mt. Kanlaon Parish
  • The Ho Chi Minh City Child Welfare Foundation
  • CRIBS, Philippines.
  • TESDA – Cebu City and Daanbantayan offices

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Community Engagement

The Bigfoot Asia Pacific Foundation strives to create vibrant local communities through a variety of financial grants, outreach programs, disaster and police assistance and socio-civic projects throughout the Philippines.

Financial Grants

As part of its commitment to widening children’s access to education, the Bigfoot Asia Pacific Foundation also provides financial assistance to like-minded non-profit organizations who hold similar goals. The foundation has contributed to various education, literacy, and feeding programs at many organizations, including:

  • Cebu City YLAC Free School Foundation
  • Special Child Association of Cebu Foundation
  • Rotary Club of Gloria Maris
  • Labangon BLISS Elementary School
  • Cebu City Task Force on Street Children
  • AMAWZI School of Media Arts
  • Dr. Reese Parker Memorial Scholarship Fund
  • Chi Heng Foundation

Bigfoot Community Outreach Program

Sharing joy and cheer with orphaned children during Christmas, the Bigfoot Asia Pacific Foundation has launched the “Bigfoot Plays Santa” program, which has benefited more than 20 orphanages and 1,000 children per year since 2006. Each year, the foundation allocates funds to distribute Bigfoot Santa Bags containing personalized gifts, such as school bags and supplies, shoes, toys and other items, and holds Christmas parties for children in need. The “Bigfoot Plays Santa” program also distributes funds for infrastructure and other site improvements to specific orphanages.

Disaster Assistance

The Bigfoot Asia Pacific Foundation actively responds to calls for relief and recovery during disasters, emergencies and other social issues that need immediate action.

During the SARS (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome) outbreak in Asia, the foundation donated radio commuication equipment to the Emergency Rescue Unit Foundation, as well as produced Anti-SARS information and educational materials to boost SARS preparedness in cooperation with the Cebu City government.

Support for the Philippine National Police

The Bigfoot Asia Pacific Foundation engages with its communities by responding to their immediate needs. Since its creation, the foundation has donated a firetruck to the Lapulapu Fire Station and a mobile patrol car to the Cebu-Fuente PNP station. Improving the reporting and recording of PNP records, the foundation developed and deployed a comprehensive criminal ID system for the Cebu Province PNP. The foundation also provided Cebu’s City Traffic Management Office with a mobile computer for recording traffic accidents and preparing reports.

Socio-Civic Projects

The Bigfoot Asia Pacific Foundation regularly financially supports, donates goods and sponsors various socio-civic activities including reforestation projects, disability rehabilitation, student leadership training, sports, photo exhibits, religious events and other humanitarian works.

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