SB Finance and Center for Culinary Arts (CCA) Manila launched the Education Assistance Program which aims to give aspiring culinary and hospitality professionals a more flexible way to finance their education through a cooking event with the media. Present during the event are (from L-R) SB Finance Head of Personal Loan and OR/CR for Cash Sales and Distribution Ron Romo, CCA Manila Business Development Manager Chamen Manalo, Sales and Marketing Manager May Pacia, Baking and Pastry Chef Instructor Chef Dang Adrias, CEO Badjie Trinidad, SB Finance President and CEO Abigail Dans-Casanova, CCA Manila PR and Communications Director Bea Trinidad, SB Finance Chief Business Officer Gerard Betita, and Business Development Head Patrick Felizardo.
Pursuing a culinary career often begins with passion, but for many aspiring chefs, the biggest challenge isn't talent but affordability. Recognizing this, SB Finance and the Center for Culinary Arts (CCA Manila) have joined forces to help more Filipinos pursue world-class culinary education through flexible financing solutions.
The partnership marks the launch of SB Finance's Education Assistance Program at CCA Manila and the Asian School of Hospitality Arts (ASHA), giving aspiring chefs, hospitality professionals, career shifters, entrepreneurs, and parents a more manageable way to finance quality education without the burden of paying tuition in full upfront.
Through the program, eligible borrowers may access financing of up to full tuition fee amount with no collateral required and flexible repayment terms of 12, 18, 24, or 36 months, subject to credit evaluation and approval. To simplify the enrollment process, approved loan proceeds are released directly to CCA Manila for tuition payment, allowing students to focus on their education while managing repayments over time.
As an added advantage, students who enroll through SB Finance’s Education Assistance Program will receive an exclusive tuition fee discount from CCA Manila, further reducing financial barriers to quality education and enabling more Filipinos to gain the skills and credentials needed to thrive in their chosen careers.
The partnership underscores both organizations' commitment to supporting skills development and preparing the next generation of culinary and hospitality professionals.
"Education is one of the most meaningful investments anyone can make, but financial barriers often prevent people from pursuing opportunities that can change their lives," said SB Finance Head of Personal Loan and OR/CR for Cash Sales and Distribution Ron Romo. "Through this partnership with CCA, we're making it easier for more Filipinos to pursue their passion, develop valuable skills, and build meaningful careers in the culinary industry."
The launch comes as demand for skilled culinary and hospitality professionals continues to grow. Beyond traditional employment, culinary education has also become an avenue for aspiring entrepreneurs looking to establish cafés, restaurants, bakeries, food concepts, and homegrown brands.
For more than three decades, CCA Manila and ASHA have produced graduates who have gone on to become award-winning chefs, restaurateurs, hospitality leaders, hotel professionals, and food entrepreneurs in the Philippines and around the world.
"At CCA, we've always believed that talent should never be limited by financial capacity," said CCA Manila CEO Badjie Trinidad. "This partnership with SB Finance allows more aspiring chefs and future food entrepreneurs to access quality culinary education and confidently pursue careers they are passionate about."
Unlike traditional student financing, the Education Assistance Program may also be availed of by parents, guardians, or family members financing a student's education, providing greater flexibility for Filipino families investing in their children's future.
The initiative forms part of SB Finance's broader strategy of embedding financing into life's most important milestones—from education and healthcare to mobility and personal aspirations.
"Financing should do more than provide access to funds. It should create opportunities," SB Finance Business Development Head Patrick Felizardo said. "When we help someone gain an education, we're not simply financing tuition. We're helping build careers, strengthen families, and contribute to the country's future workforce."
The partnership also reinforces SB Finance's growing portfolio of purpose-driven financing ecosystems, following initiatives in healthcare, electric mobility, and employee financial wellness.
As industries continue to evolve and demand for specialized skills grows, SB Finance, CCA Manila, and ASHA hope this collaboration will encourage more Filipinos to invest in lifelong learning and pursue careers they once thought were beyond reach.
Through the Education Assistance Program, aspiring culinary and hospitality professionals now have one less barrier standing between passion and profession.