CHAPTER 197: THE PROJECTS

TG Tower’s lobby was quieter than usual, but only because security had expanded the controlled area. The building was hosting another press briefing, and this time the media presence was larger. The announcement of the TG Foundation had created momentum, and everyone expected the next steps to either reinforce or undermine the public trust Timothy had earned.

It was nine forty-eight in the morning. Reporters from GMA, ABS-CBN, CNN Philippines, Manila Bulletin, and several regional stations stood in front of the press wall set up beside the main escalators. Camera crews adjusted equipment. Microphones were tested. Voices echoed across the marble flooring.

On the second-floor balcony, Hana reviewed her outline one more time. She had prepared the announcement for days, checking numbers, descriptions, and timelines. Timothy insisted on simple language. No corporate jargon. No sweeping claims. Just concrete plans.

Timothy walked toward her, adjusting the cuffs of his shirt. He looked rested, but Hana knew that he had barely slept. Meetings with architects, planners, and provincial education offices had filled the past two days. He read every draft. He corrected every vague promise. He refused to present anything that was not viable.

"Ready?" Hana asked.

"As ready as I can be," Timothy said.

She handed him a printed copy of the final statement. He glanced at it, then folded it and placed it in his jacket pocket.

"I will not read it," he said. "But it is good to have."

"You should follow the structure," Hana reminded him.

"I will," he said. "The details matter."

At ten o’clock, the communications director stepped onto the small stage erected in the lobby.

"Good morning," she said into the microphone. "Mr. Timothy Guerrero will be announcing the first wave of TG Foundation projects. Please take your positions."

The reporters pressed closer. Camera operators tightened their frames. The lights on the rigs brightened.

Timothy stepped forward.

The room quieted.

"Good morning," he said. "Thank you for being here. Last week, we introduced the TG Foundation and its purpose. Today, we will present the first projects that will move from planning to implementation."

He paused, letting the recording devices settle.

"These are long-term investments in education. They are not temporary repairs or symbolic donations. They are structural changes focused on science, engineering, and community development."

The room leaned in.

Timothy continued.

"We begin with schools. In our assessment of infrastructure gaps, we identified several regions where public education is hindered by unsafe facilities, overcrowded classrooms, and lack of laboratories. The TG Foundation will build ten new public school complexes across the country in the next three years. Five elementary, three high schools, and two specialized technical senior high schools."

A reporter raised her hand, but Timothy gestured for her to wait.

"We will finish the briefing first. Questions after."

He continued.

"The elementary schools will be built in Eastern Samar, Nueva Vizcaya, Bukidnon, Negros Occidental, and Zamboanga del Sur. Each will have standard classrooms, proper ventilation, durable materials for typhoon resilience, and dedicated rooms for science and computer literacy."

Slides appeared on the screen behind him. Floor plans. Renderings. Site layouts. The details were practical. No futuristic designs. No glass-heavy structures. Just functional buildings meant to withstand real conditions.

"The three high schools will be located in Ilocos Norte, Bohol, and Sultan Kudarat. These will include full science laboratories, engineering workshops, and digital resource centers."

Camera shutters clicked rapidly.

Timothy continued.

"The two specialized senior high schools will focus on engineering and applied sciences. One will be built in Laguna. The other in Davao del Norte. Their programs will include electronics, mechanical technology, renewable energy systems, and basic semiconductor manufacturing training."

That last part drew murmurs. Journalists exchanged looks.

Timothy clarified.

"We are not building factories. We are building skills. We want students from rural provinces to have access to the same foundational knowledge that students in major cities receive. These schools will partner with TG Mobility, TG Semiconductor, and TG Energy Systems for curriculum support and internship opportunities."

He stepped aside as another slide appeared. A graph showing projected enrollment capacity.

"Next," he said, "we move to higher education."

Reporters straightened. This was the part they expected to be a headline.

"The TG Foundation will establish two state-partnered public colleges. These will not be private institutions. They will be public colleges supported by private funding with transparent governance. The first will open in Nueva Ecija. The second in Misamis Oriental. Each college will focus on engineering, computer science, agriculture technology, and sustainable energy."

He described the structure clearly.

"These colleges will charge minimal tuition. They will operate under government oversight but with private management support. Our goal is to create models that can be reproduced by other provinces if funding allows."

A few reporters nodded. It was one of the rare times a private entity invested in public higher education without absorbing control.

Timothy continued.

"Alongside these colleges, the TG Foundation will launch a national scholarship program. The Horizon Scholarship will cover full tuition, living allowances, and equipment requirements for deserving students from low-income families. Scholarships will prioritize engineering, science, teaching, and technical fields."

He let the words settle.

"For the first year, we will fund five hundred scholars nationwide. This number will grow as the foundation’s revenue grows. Scholars will not be required to work for TG Holdings after graduation. We are not recruiting. We are supporting talent."

He moved to the next slide.

"Additionally, every scholar will have the option to participate in internships and project collaborations with our companies. These are opportunities, not obligations."

A few reporters lowered their phones to listen more carefully. It was unusual for a major conglomerate to explicitly avoid binding scholarship recipients to employment contracts.

Timothy continued.

"The foundation will also support teachers. Beginning next year, we will provide grants for teaching materials, science kits, and training programs. These will be awarded through an application system evaluated by independent reviewers."

He looked around the room.

"The teachers we met in rural areas are resourceful and dedicated. They do not lack passion. They lack support. We intend to change that."

The last slide displayed a simple list.

Ten new school complexes Two specialized science and engineering senior high schools Two public colleges Five hundred Horizon Scholars Teacher support grants Transparent reporting and open audits

Timothy closed his notebook.

"All these projects are fully funded for their initial phases. Construction surveys begin next month. We will publish quarterly reports. Every project will be tracked publicly. Anyone can verify progress."

He stepped back from the podium.

"Now we take questions."

Hands shot up.

A reporter from Manila Bulletin spoke first. "Mr. Guerrero, why focus heavily on engineering and science?"

"Because those fields build industries," Timothy said. "If we want the country to progress, we need people who can design, maintain, and improve systems. Science and engineering are multipliers."

Another reporter asked, "Why partner with the government for the new colleges instead of building private universities?"

"Because education should not be a luxury," Timothy answered. "Public institutions reach more people. If we can strengthen them, we strengthen the entire system."

A journalist from CNN Philippines asked, "Are you concerned that these projects will create political friction?"

Timothy replied, "Improving education should not create friction. If it does, then the friction is not about education."

Questions continued. Funding stability. Scholarship selection criteria. Regional balance. Potential political interference. Timothy answered each with calm precision.

After twelve more minutes, the communications director closed the session.

"Thank you, everyone. Further documents will be emailed."

The reporters began packing. Some stayed to take additional photos. Others hurried to send early drafts to editors.

Hana approached Timothy.

"It went smoother than expected," she said.

"It is only the announcement," Timothy replied. "The real test is execution."