In commemoration of Mother’s Day, Converge ICT Solutions Inc. recently organized its inaugural silent auction aimed at providing essential support to underprivileged mothers and infants enrolled in Caritas Manila’s Unang Yakap Program.
The event, held as part of Converge’s woman-to-woman mentorship initiative, featured a collection of high-value items generously donated by senior leaders within the company. These items, ranging from pre-loved luxury goods to high-grade products, were showcased for employees to browse at the company’s headquarters, with the auction itself conducted via an online platform. Among the items up for bidding were shoes, bags, and clothing, with a significant portion contributed by Converge President and Co-Founder Maria Grace Uy, a staunch advocate of the MentorSHE mentorship program and the first cohort of mentors and mentees.
“At Converge, we strive to empower the communities through our services and our sustainability initiatives. The Unang Yakap auction is the commencement activity of the first batch of MentorSHE ladies. We are proud that our women leaders are taking steps to reach out to fellow women to ensure their welfare. However, our work is only beginning. Soon, we hope to also provide livelihood opportunities to these mothers in underprivileged communities,” said Uy.
MentorSHE, an initiative spearheaded by Converge’s Human Resources and Corporate Communications and Public Relations departments, pairs senior female leaders with younger female managers, fostering professional development and leadership skills.
Caritas Manila’s Unang Yakap program, on the other hand, is dedicated to supporting mothers and infants from conception through their first two years of life. Initially launched in Metro Manila, the program has since expanded to encompass areas in Bulacan, Cavite, and Laguna.
“This project is also aligned with the Sustainability Commitment of Converge, particularly on its pledge to create a positive community impact,” according to Jay-Anne Encarnado, Vice President and Head of Corporate Communications and Public Relations at Converge, emphasizing the auction’s alignment with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly Goals 2 (Zero Hunger) and 3 (Good Health and Wellbeing), highlighting Converge’s commitment to social responsibility.
Converge has maintained a partnership with Caritas Manila since August 2023, marked by collaborative efforts such as charity donation drives and, most recently, an in-kind Segunda Mana campaign in December.
“We’re not just celebrating the money we’ve raised for Caritas Manila’s Unang Yakap program; we’re celebrating what makes us who we are. It’s about our people coming together, showing kindness, and making a real difference in the community. Every bid, every donation, it’s all part of our shared commitment to do good,” said Enrique Reyes, Converge Head of Talent and Organizational Capability Development (TOCD).
The silent auction saw nearly 100 items auctioned off, resulting in over PHP100,000 in donations, marking a significant contribution towards the welfare of mothers and infants enrolled in the Unang Yakap program.