TCS Philippines: Empowering youth through technology
When Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) Philippines Inc. brought its goIT program to underserved schools across the country, many students sat down for their first session having never written a single line of code.
But by the end of the exercise, they were building digital solutions for real-world problems and seeing, perhaps for the first time, that technology could be a tool for change in their own communities.
This transformative impact recently earned TCS top honors at the Inquirer ESG Edge Impact Awards 2025, where the company won the Grand Prize for Most Outstanding ESG Initiative among publicly listed companies (PLCs) and a Gold award for Social Initiatives in the PLC and large companies category.
As a Gold winner, TCS is also qualified to represent the Philippines at the Asia ESG Positive Impact Awards 2025 in Kuala Lumpur on Nov. 6, where it will compete with leading sustainability projects across Southeast Asia.
‘Proud milestone’
For Shiju Varghese, country head of TCS Philippines, the recognition was more than just a corporate achievement.
“Winning the Inquirer ESG Edge Award is a proud milestone,” Varghese said in a written response to the Inquirer. “It recognizes our deep commitment to sustainability and responsible business practices, while reaffirming our role as a trusted partner in advancing the global sustainable development goals.”
Varghese explained that TCS’ ESG journey is rooted in a long-standing commitment to ethical responsibility, transparency, and sustainable value creation. The company believes technology and innovation can bridge social divides, protect the environment, and create opportunities for inclusive growth—an approach that has guided its projects in the Philippines, from digital literacy programs to disaster relief support.
Among its many sustainability efforts, Varghese said TCS is “most proud” of the goIT digital innovation and education program, calling it a flagship initiative that equips underprivileged youth with critical skills for the digital economy.
The program teaches not only coding but also design thinking, problem-solving, and collaboration, empowering students to create practical solutions for issues in their own neighborhoods.
For many, it’s the first step toward pursuing STEM education and future careers in technology.
Community engagement
“This initiative has helped inspire young learners in underserved communities to pursue STEM education,” said Varghese.
“GoIT helps young learners in underserved communities gain confidence in using technology to solve problems that matter to them,” he noted. “It turns curiosity into creativity, and creativity into real-world impact.”
The initiative also draws strength from TCS employees, who volunteer as mentors and facilitators, guiding students through the innovation process while contributing to the company’s broader culture of community engagement.
For TCS, sustainability is not an afterthought. Varghese emphasized that the company goes beyond compliance by setting ambitious, measurable goals such as reducing office carbon emissions, publishing transparent impact reports, and aligning programs with community priorities like digital inclusion and disaster resilience.
Leadership, he said, provides strategic direction and champions ESG values, while employees bring this vision to life through grassroots initiatives—from coastal cleanups and blood donation drives to education outreach projects that directly benefit local communities.
This collaborative model ensures that ESG is not just a corporate mandate but a shared responsibility across the organization.
Catalyst for growth
Looking ahead, TCS aims to achieve net-zero emissions across its global operations ahead of the 2030 target and expand its digital education programs to reach more schools, teachers, and students in underserved areas.
The company also plans to deepen partnerships with local NGOs, government agencies, and industry partners to scale its impact across the Philippines.
Varghese’s advice to companies starting their own ESG journey: Begin early, set ambitious goals, stay transparent, and view ESG as a catalyst for growth rather than just a compliance requirement.
Many young Filipinos leave goIT workshops with new skills and often their first taste of coding. The experience often plants the seed for bigger dreams.
Varghese said this is where true sustainability begins: “When technology, education, and innovation come together to create opportunities for people and communities, the impact goes far beyond the classroom.”
