Miss ERDA, Miss Concentrix and Miss World Philippines

Miss World Philippines 2022 Gwen Fourniol celebrated Women’s Day with ERDA and Concentrix Philippines on March 27, 2023.

Rizza Salondro-Esplana is one of the former ERDA Staff who gave the best of her youth to the Foundation. She worked as a Technical Assistant (TA) to the then-President Fr Pierre Tritz, SJ. He was also the Founder of ERDA.

As TA to Fr Tritz, she would carefully gather the data and diligently write reports on the education status of children being supported by the ERDA funders. And the latter were pleased to receive these reports via mail. Urgent communications were even done through facsimile at that time.

Having given her best to ERDA, Rizza eventually decided to fly her wings and explore possibilities. Then, she found Concentrix. This is a technology-solutions company that employs 100,000 staff around the Philippines. It is the largest private company in the country.

Although she left ERDA, she has not forgotten the mission of the Foundation. During the Covid-19 pandemic, there was even a chance where ERDA invited one of Rizza’s daughters (Nicole) to be part of the panel of judges in the ERDA PaLiGSining 2021.

The PaligSining were art competitions participated by ERDA beneficiaries. Rizza and Nicole gladly said “yes” to the request.

ERDA could also imagine the growth challenges that Rizza faced and the triumphs she experienced with her family and with her workplace. And the time became ripe for her to go back and initiate a joint project of ERDA and Concentrix.

She became the bridge between ERDA and Concentrix especially for its first engagement which was the ERDA Women’s Day with Concentrix on March 27, 2023. During the preparation of this event, she also introduced Concentrix VP Tonichi Parekh and Executive Assistant to VP Parekh, Ms Erlyn Ferrer.

The three of them became the force that pushed the consecutive engagements of ERDA with Concentrix.

Photos on this feature are from Concentrix Philippines.

Forty (40) ERDA Women Leaders from two areas (Manila 1 – SaBaNa and Manila 2 – Brgy 20) were welcomed at the Concentrix – San Lazaro; and participated in the trainings offered in the ERDA Women’s Day – financial literacy and online selling.

Forty-five (45) ERDA SaBaNa Mothers received their Mother’s Day treat from Concentrix – San Lazaro. They had Zumba, games and goodies with them on May 17, 2023.

And on May 20, 2023, 40 ERDA college, senior high students and ALS learners took lessons on preparing a curriculum vitae (CV), going for an interview and managing stress from Concentrix – Ayala North Exchange.

In most events, Concentrix would engage Miss World Philippines 2022 Gwendolyne “Gwen” Fourniol because she has been doing advocacy work for the education of children through ERDA Foundation.

ERDA has seen how Concentrix appreciates the efforts of Gwen for the ERDA children and their parents. Concentrix knows that it is not easy but it seems effortless for Gwen to be present in events for the sake of the children.

And ERDA has also recognized the hard work of all Concentirx Staff especially VP Tonichi, Ms Erlyn and of course, Rizza. Concentrix developed their capacities and honored their power to make significant change in the lives of the ERDA children and women.