Far Eastern University (FEU) has been recognized as one of three national winners of the People Program of the Year at the 49th People Management Association of the Philippines (PMAP) Awards, held during the 2025 PMAP Annual Conference at Nustar Resort & Casino, Cebu City.
The award honors Bread of HOPE, a community extension initiative that empowers female persons deprived of liberty (PDLs) with practical bakery skills, psychosocial support, and livelihood opportunities. Implemented by FEU’s Community Extension Services (CES) in partnership with the Institute of Tourism and Hotel Management (ITHM), the program equips participants with the tools to rebuild confidence, foster resilience, and prepare for a productive life after release.
“At FEU, education goes beyond the classroom,” said Dr. Luzelle Anne Ormita, Director of CES. “Bread of HOPE integrates livelihood skills with psychosocial learning, helping women in confinement regain purpose and self-reliance.”
Aligned with UN Sustainable Development Goals 8, 10, and 16, the initiative bridges academic expertise with community needs, promoting decent work, reduced inequalities, and inclusive institutions. Inside the Manila City Jail Female Dormitory, participants run a functioning bakery, earn income, and support their families while gaining skills in breadmaking, jam-making, and product development. FEU Psychology faculty and students also provide sessions to nurture emotional resilience and self-worth.
By connecting academic knowledge with social impact, Bread of HOPE exemplifies how universities can drive inclusive development, transforming classrooms into catalysts for human empowerment.
The People Program of the Year is among PMAP’s most prestigious distinctions, celebrating organizations that prioritize people-centered innovation and social responsibility. FEU’s recognition reflects its long-standing dedication to nation-building and its commitment to the core values of fortitude, excellence, and uprightness.
