LG and Good Neighbors Build Skills, Shape Futures
LG and Good Neighbors Build Skills, Shape Futures
A Partnership That Means Business (and Hope)
When LG Electronics Philippines signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Good Neighbors International Philippines on July 28, 2025, it wasn’t just another CSR handshake—it was a strategic move with real-world impact. Backed by a Php 1.2 million donation, LG is fueling the Learn and Grow vocational training program, which equips Filipino youth with the skills to thrive in the real world. Think less charity, more career prep. LG and Good Neighbors Build Skills, Shape Futures
The signing ceremony wasn’t short on suits or substance. LG’s Managing Director Mr. Nakhyun Seong and CFO Mr. Hongseok Chang joined forces with Good Neighbors’ leadership, including Country Director Mr. Jaechoon Lee and Senior Manager Ms. Visitacion Apostol. Their shared goal? Empower Care Leavers—young adults aging out of sponsorship programs—with tools, training, and a shot at self-reliance.
The Reality Check: Youth Need More Than Optimism
Let’s talk numbers. As of 2023, youth unemployment in the Philippines sat at 6.85%. That’s not just a stat—it’s a signal. With 17.5 million Filipinos living below the poverty line, many young people are stuck in survival mode, juggling part-time gigs with little hope of upward mobility.
In places like San Isidro, Rodriguez, Rizal—a resettlement zone for displaced urban migrants—educational access is limited, dropout rates are high, and vocational training is rare. Enter Learn and Grow, a program designed to flip the script. It’s not a magic wand, but it’s a solid wrench in the toolbox.
Learn and Grow: From RAC Units to Real Careers
Good Neighbors, a South Korean NGO active in the Philippines since 2008, knows how to build programs that stick. Their Learn and Grow initiative focuses on refrigeration and air conditioning (RAC) servicing—a skill set that’s not just practical, but increasingly in demand.
With tourism booming and temperatures rising (literally), RAC services are essential. From January to October 2024, the Philippines welcomed 4.87 million foreign tourists. That’s a lot of hotel rooms needing cool air and cold drinks. Learn and Grow trains youth to meet this demand, giving them a path to employment and a reason to stay in school—or at least stay skilled.
LG’s Role: Not Just Cool Tech, But Cooler Futures
LG isn’t just throwing money at the problem. They’re investing in solutions. With decades of experience in appliance innovation and after-sales service, LG understands the value of technical expertise. Their support includes tools, training materials, and a belief that real change starts with real skills.
“Passion meets purpose,” said Mr. Seong, LG’s Managing Director. And for once, that corporate slogan actually lands. LG’s involvement isn’t just about branding—it’s about building a pipeline of talent that can repair, install, and innovate.
Good Neighbors’ Mr. Lee echoed the sentiment, calling the partnership a “strategic beginning.” Translation: this isn’t a one-off. It’s the start of a long-term collaboration aimed at creating measurable impact in underserved communities.
Discover more at https://www.lg.com/ph and stay connected by following LG Philippines (@lgphilippines) on https://www.linkedin.com/company/lg-electronics-philippines-inc/, www.facebook.com/LGPhilippines/, www.instagram.com/lgphilippines/ and www.tiktok.com/@lgphilippines.
