MANILA, Philippines — MR.DIY Philippines marked the opening of its 1,000th store with a series of initiatives centered on education and community development, including the groundbreaking of its first classroom donation in partnership with HOPE and the Philippine debut of the STEM Discovery on Wheels program.

Following the opening of its 1,000th store at Ayala Malls Circuit Makati on May 29, the retailer launched Life Levelled Up: Building Classrooms, Building Curiosity, a two-part education initiative under its corporate social responsibility platform, Acts of Kindness (AOK).

The first initiative was the groundbreaking of the company's first classroom donation at Salacot Elementary School in San Miguel, Bulacan, in partnership with HOPE, the Department of Education (DepEd), and the local government, held July 3.

Designed with elevated flooring and improved drainage to address recurring flooding, the classroom is expected to benefit around 690 students upon completion later this year.

"Opening our 1,000th store is a proud milestone, but what makes it truly meaningful is the opportunity to give back in Bulacan, the province where MR.DIY first started in 2018, in a way that creates lasting impact," said MR.DIY Philippines Chief Executive Officer Roselle Andaya.

"We believe every child deserves a safe and inspiring place to learn. Through this classroom, we hope to help create an environment where curiosity is encouraged, confidence is nurtured, and dreams are given the space to grow."

Last July 4, MR.DIY Philippines brought the Philippine debut of STEM Discovery on Wheels to Nemesio I. Yabut Integrated School in Makati City, where nearly 1,000 public elementary students participated in hands-on science activities.

The mobile learning program, first introduced by the company's Malaysia-based foundation YAYASAN MR.DIY, introduced students to interactive STEM concepts through projects such as voice-activated dollies, solar-powered helicopters, and parachute kits, encouraging experiential learning and problem-solving.

"At Yayasan MR D.I.Y., we are proud to support the launch of our program, STEM Discovery on Wheels in the Philippines by MR.DIY Philippines, and are hopeful that this initiative will create a lasting impact by inspiring curiosity, nurturing future innovators, and expanding access to STEM learning for children across the country," said Mohd Fadzrel Bin Abu Bakar, Manager, HRM, MR.DIY Malaysia and Lead of YAYASAN MR.DIY.

Reflecting on the experience, one student participant said, "This was my first time joining an activity like this. I learned that science can be fun and exciting, and now I want to discover and create more things in the future."

A MR.DIY employee volunteer, known as a “VolunDIYer,” shared, “Being able to assist the students throughout the activity—from registration, to the STEM kit-making session, and the distribution of kits and meals—was a fulfilling experience. Seeing their smiles, excitement, and eagerness to learn reminded us that even simple acts of kindness can bring joy and make a meaningful difference.”

“VolunDIYers” proudly gather at Nemesio I. Yabut Integrated School, embodying the spirit of teamwork and community service during the outreach activity. 

As part of the program, MR.DIY Philippines also collected 11 kilograms of PET bottles from participating students and turned them over to HOPE's plastic collection points for recovery, extending the program's impact from STEM education to plastic stewardship.

"Reaching 1,000 stores is not just a business achievement—it belongs to every employee, every partner, every customer, and every community that has been part of our journey," Andaya added.

"We have consistently celebrated every milestone with Acts of Kindness to create value beyond our stores. Whether it's building classrooms or inspiring young minds through STEM education, we hope to continue making a meaningful difference in the communities we proudly serve."

Since opening its first Philippine store in Bulacan in 2018, MR.DIY Philippines has expanded to more than 1,000 stores nationwide, making it one of the country's largest home improvement retailers. The company said it intends to continue pairing its business growth with initiatives that support education and communities.

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