Coolaire Consolidated Inc., the country’s leading refrigerated truck supplier, has officially launched its charitable arm, the JRT Foundation Inc., on October 14, 2025, at the Left Wing, Celebrity Sports Plaza.
The event marked a significant milestone for the Coolaire family as it formalized its long-standing commitment to community building, quality education, and environmental sustainability through a foundation that embodies the legacy of the late Jerry R. Tugade, Coolaire’s visionary president.
Named after Mr. Tugade’s initials, the JRT Foundation Inc. was formally established in 2024 to serve as Coolaire’s platform for social responsibility and common shared value-advancing programs aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). A highlight of the event was the Partners Signing Ceremony between the JRT Foundation and like-minded organizations that share its vision, marking the beginning of a collective effort to create meaningful and lasting change. The foundation acknowledged its partners Gokongwei Brothers Foundation (through its Iskolar ni Juan Tech Voc Program) and Akioshi Insurance Services and Consultancy whose generous support and common advocacy for education, empowerment, and sustainability will help in driving the JRT Foundation’s programs nationwide — particularly its flagship initiative, the Tikyo Scholarship Program, which continues to support students and families across the country. “This foundation is a reflection of Mr. Tugade’s heart — a man whose leadership went beyond business and extended into genuine care for others,” said Patrick Joseph E. Tugade, JRT Foundation Vice President. “Through the JRT Foundation, we continue his mission to preserve dreams and build communities for generations to come.”
A Legacy of Leadership and Service
Jerry R. Tugade was known not only as an engineer and entrepreneur but also as a civic leader deeply rooted in faith and service. A University of the Philippines Mechanical Engineering graduate, he transformed Coolaire Consolidated Inc. into a major player in the fields of fire protection and refrigeration. His passion for innovation and community empowerment earned him recognition among the Letran Quadricentennial Grandes Figuras Awardees, a testament to his lifelong pursuit of excellence, service, and faith-driven leadership. He was involved in various church, business and civic organizations where he actively participated in programs and projects that reflected his dedication to uplifting communities and safeguarding the welfare of the least, the last and the lost.
First Major Program: The Tikyo Scholarship
Among its first initiatives is the Tibay ng Isip bunga ng Karunungang Yaman at Oportunidad (Tikyo) Scholarship Program, launched in 2021 under Coolaire’s Caring Campaign Initiatives (CCI). The program was named in memory of a fallen Coolaire employee whose child became its first scholar. Starting with 19 beneficiaries, it has now expanded to 66 students nationwide, covering Metro Manila, Bulacan, Visayas, and Mindanao with the goal of expanding further to at least 100 in the next 3 months.
Through monthly educational subsidies, the Tikyo Scholarship supports students in both basic and tertiary education — empowering families and communities to rise above economic barriers.
“Each scholar represents a dream preserved, a family sustained and a future strengthened,” shared Joel Ryan E. Tugade, JRT Foundation Vice Chairman . “This is just the beginning of the JRT Foundation’s mission to reach more lives and communities so that we leave no one behind.”
A Living Legacy
The launch concluded with the debut of the JRT Foundation Official Video, which highlighted the life and vision of Jerry R. Tugade and featured stories of Tikyo Scholars whose lives have been transformed through the foundation’s initiatives.
As the JRT Foundation embarks on its journey, it carries with it a promise — to turn compassion into action, and to continue preserving dreams and building communities for generations to come.
Be part of our mission to uplift lives and build sustainable communities. For more information about JRT Foundation Inc. and its ongoing programs and possible collaborations and partnerships, you may contact:
- Ms. Marianne Estacion, Lead Coordinator for Programs and Partnerships – 0917 134 5226
- Mr. Gerald Orbe, Executive Director – 0917 137 3318
