Creating lasting impact often starts with listening to what communities truly need. For Vena Energy, that insight led to a simple yet powerful solution on Talim Island. Through its “Seats for Sustainability” initiative, the renewable energy company recently turned over 1,000 handcrafted school armchairs to public elementary schools, addressing both education gaps and livelihood challenges in the process.
Vena Energy, a leading green energy solutions provider in the Asia-Pacific region, officially completed the turnover in January 2026 through its Philippine subsidiary, Island Wind Energy Corp. The project supports schools in the municipalities of Binangonan and Cardona, two areas where access to basic school infrastructure remains a daily challenge.
Improving Learning Spaces Where It Matters Most
For many students on Talim Island, a comfortable learning environment is not always guaranteed. Limited resources and logistical hurdles often delay the delivery of school furniture, leaving classrooms overcrowded or under-equipped.
The “Seats for Sustainability” initiative directly responds to this need. A total of 1,000 DepEd-compliant armchairs were distributed to Kasile Elementary School, Bombong Elementary School, Kinagatan Elementary School, and Lambac Elementary School. These chairs are expected to benefit thousands of learners, offering proper seating that supports focus, posture, and overall classroom experience.
Turnover ceremonies were held on January 22 at the Kasile Covered Court in Binangonan and on January 23 at the Lambac Covered Court in Cardona. Local officials, school administrators, parents, and community members attended the events, underscoring the shared commitment to improving education outcomes on the island.
More Than a Donation, A Community Partnership
What makes this project stand out is how the chairs were made. Instead of purchasing furniture from outside suppliers, Vena Energy worked directly with the local community to produce every armchair.
Residents of Talim Island underwent carpentry and craftsmanship training through the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority, or TESDA. After completing their training, these same individuals were employed by Vena Energy to build the 1,000 chairs from start to finish.
This approach ensured that the furniture met quality and safety standards while also creating meaningful income opportunities for local families. By turning skills training into paid work, the initiative helped strengthen the local economy and demonstrated how corporate social responsibility can move beyond one-time donations.
For many families, the project provided more than financial support. It gave parents and neighbors a sense of pride, knowing that their craftsmanship would directly benefit their own children and schools.
Supporting Education Through Sustainable Development
“Seats for Sustainability” reflects Vena Energy’s broader commitment to responsible development in its host communities. The company’s CSR strategy focuses on three key pillars: education, infrastructure development, and community well-being.
By involving residents in the solution, Vena Energy reinforces the idea that sustainable progress is most effective when communities are active participants rather than passive recipients.
“We believe that empowering a community means giving them the necessary tools to build their own future,” said Samrinder Nehria, Head of The Philippines at Vena Energy. “This project is special because the fathers and neighbors of these students built the very chairs their children will sit on. It is a story of pride, resilience, and sustainability.”
The presence of IWEC representatives, local government units from Binangonan and Cardona, school leaders, and island residents during the turnover events highlighted the strong collaboration behind the project.
A Model for Meaningful Corporate Social Responsibility
At a time when businesses are increasingly expected to deliver measurable social impact, initiatives like “Seats for Sustainability” show how thoughtful planning can create multiple layers of value. Students receive better learning environments, parents gain livelihood opportunities, and communities benefit from skills development that can extend beyond a single project.
For business leaders and sustainability advocates, this initiative offers a practical example of how CSR programs can align with long-term development goals. Investing in education does not only mean building classrooms. It also means strengthening the people and systems that support learning every day.
Internal linking opportunity: Related articles on renewable energy projects in the Philippines, community-based CSR initiatives, or education-focused sustainability programs can further enrich this story for readers.
As Vena Energy continues to expand its presence in the region, projects like this serve as a reminder that clean energy companies can play a vital role not just in powering homes, but also in shaping stronger, more resilient communities.