SB Finance and the Center for Culinary Arts (CCA Manila), together with the Asian School of Hospitality Arts (ASHA), have launched the Education Assistance Program to help more Filipinos pursue quality culinary and hospitality education through flexible financing options.
The partnership addresses one of the biggest barriers in pursuing a culinary career affordability. By offering accessible financing solutions, the program aims to open doors for aspiring chefs, hospitality professionals, career shifters, entrepreneurs, and parents who want to invest in skills development without the burden of paying full tuition upfront.
Under the Education Assistance Program, eligible students can finance up to the full tuition fee amount with no collateral required. Repayment terms are flexible, with options of 12, 18, 24, or 36 months, subject to credit evaluation and approval. Loan proceeds are released directly to CCA Manila, simplifying the enrollment process and allowing students to focus entirely on their studies.
Students who enroll through this program will also receive an exclusive tuition fee discount from CCA Manila, making world-class culinary education even more attainable.
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Ron Romo, SB Finance Head of Personal Loan and OR/CR for Cash Sales and Distribution, highlighted the significance of the initiative: “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. 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 timing of the launch aligns with growing demand for skilled culinary and hospitality professionals in the Philippines. Beyond traditional employment, many graduates are using their training to launch entrepreneurial ventures such as cafés, restaurants, bakeries, and food brands.
Badjie Trinidad, CEO of CCA Manila, welcomed the collaboration, “At CCA, we’ve always believed that talent should never be limited by financial capacity. 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".
A notable feature of the program is its inclusivity. Parents, guardians, or family members can also avail of the financing to support 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 to embed financing solutions into key life milestones from education and healthcare to mobility and personal aspirations. Patrick Felizardo, SB Finance Business Development Head, explained: “Financing should do more than provide access to funds. It should create opportunities. 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".
For more than three decades, CCA Manila and ASHA have built a strong reputation for producing graduates who become award-winning chefs, restaurateurs, hospitality leaders, and successful food entrepreneurs both locally and internationally.
The partnership reinforces the growing importance of skills-based education in the evolving job market. As industries demand more specialized talent, programs like this help remove financial obstacles and encourage lifelong learning.
By combining CCA Manila’s expertise in culinary and hospitality training with SB Finance’s flexible financing solutions, the Education Assistance Program aims to empower more Filipinos to turn their passion for food into a sustainable and fulfilling career.
Aspiring culinary professionals now have fewer barriers standing between their passion and their profession.
