Diwa strengthens CSR involvement of employees

Corporate social responsibility (CSR) begins at the heart of a corporation. Recent studies show that employees’ involvement in CSR projects strengthens the company’s social commitment and develops a corporate culture that enhances corporate values and strengthens employee morale.

Thus, Diwa Learning Systems Inc. (DLSI) embarked on efforts to reinforce its employees’ CSR participation and launched its initial effort, an employee donation program called the "Diwa Christmas Love Box" program. Launched last December 2006, the project comprised of a three-week collection of gifts from DLSI employees and a two-day gift giving program in cooperation with the Bato Balani Foundation Inc., Kythe Foundation and the Gawad Kalinga Sibol Schools.

Creating CSR Projects is a network-wide effort for all companies that belong to the First Asia Venture Capital Inc Group of Companies (FAVCI), which includes Diwa Learning Systems Inc., First Asia Institute of Technology and Humanities, First Asia Venture Capital Inc., Diwa Distrinet Inc, Diwa Scholastic Press Inc.; AFreight and Fastech Manufacturing.

Company management aims to integrate CSR into the core business practices and culture of each of the companies, regardless of the nature of the business, its market or clientele. It aims to develop a CSR culture and increase CSR awareness among its employees.

To prepare the employees, all DLSI employees underwent a CSR orientation to improve their understanding of the subject. The orientation was led by Ching Jorge, Director for Programs and Research of the Bato Balani Foundation Inc., a non-profit organization focused on developing and implementing research and education programs. Bato Balani Foundation Inc. is an active member of the League of Corporate Foundations and the Association of Foundations.

A CSR working committee, composed of Diwa department representatives was formed to work on future employee-led CSR programs of the company.

Aside from the internal CSR program launched, the company has also achieved significant success in its other CSR programs that focus on uplifting the quality of education in the country. Some of these activities include Tribute to Teachers, the Many Faces of the Teacher Campaign, Tulong sa Paaralan, Tulay sa Kaunlaran and nationwide Teacher Training Programs.

For more details about the company, log on to www.diwa.ph.