Beyond bottom lines: Why businesses become good corporate citizens

When Fernando Zobel de Ayala looked for people to lead the Philippines’ participation in World Leaders Build, a worldwide event commemorating Habitat for Humanity International’s 25th anniversary, he did not have to go far to find the right people for the job. He found them right in the heart of the country’s business district.

Here are the thoughts on corporate citizenship of some members of the World Leaders Build national steering committee. The World Leaders Build will take place simultaneously in five continents from Aug. 6 to 11.

Fernando Zobel de Ayala, chairman of Ayala Land Inc. Recent events have shown that much more work is needed to genuinely bridge the social gap in our country. We cannot rely on government alone. The private sector must continue to do its part. We, in the Ayala Group, are committed to this effort to uplift the lives of every Filipino.

Pedro Roxas, chairman and chief executive officer of Central Azucarera de Don Pedro. The ultimate goal of social responsibility is to improve the quality of life and the income levels of the targeted communities. In doing so, economic growth is spurred, giving businesses more opportunities for growth. The involvement of the private sector insures a more efficient utilization of limited resources. Lead time is shorter and goals are attained with less bureaucratic red tape.

Rina Lopez-Bautista, executive director of Sky Foundation, Inc. Business operates as part of a large community which can affect businesses positively or negatively. It is in their best interest to be socially responsible, whether they reap the benefits of this directly or indirectly. This is what social responsibility is about, a moral accountability to those in need.

Roberto Aboitiz, senior vice-president of Aboitiz & Co. We call it building social capital or goodwill in the community.