Two companies join PBSP

CEBU, Philippines - More and more companies strengthen their mission towards promoting corporate social responsibility and reaching out to the community.

In the recent 24th Visayas Annual Membership of Philippine Business for Social Progress, the foundation which has over 230 corporate members nationwide welcomed and recognized two new member companies – the Venus Group of Companies and Talleco.

Venus Group of Companies is a manufacturer and exporter of handicrafts, furniture, coco-based items and accessories while Talleco is a business process outsourcing company and advertising industry.

Revolving in its current theme “Develop, Nurture, Align”, Jose Antonio Aboitiz, Board of Trustee and Chairman of PBSP Visayas Executive Committee said that corporate social responsibility must also be inculcated in each company’s DNA.

“DNA is life’s blueprint. In the same way, CSR is also essential in PBSP and in companies. It builds concrete bridges of work accomplished in communities and companies. We develop, nurture and align corporate citizenship in your core business in which we also share innovative citizenship approaches,” Aboitiz said.

He added that PBSP positions itself as an organization of choice that bridges the gap between profitability and economic sustainability. He also gave acknowledgement for the contribution of the member companies to the organization’s success.

PBSP Visayas committee has approved P112 million for projects in Bohol, Cebu, Guimaras, Leyte and Samar focusing on sustainable livelihood and enterprise, health, environment and education.

The foundation has strategically extended its assistance to subcontractors and companies such as Jojie’s Bakeshop, Andy’s Crunchicken, Bon Ace Fashion Tools Inc., Wellmade Corporation, Philippine Associated Smelting and Refining Corporation and even the Buhisan watershed.

Rafael Lopa, PBSP Executive Director, noted that PBSP aims to establish models of change through successful projects with the help of their donors, members, advisers and volunteers.

“We hope to learn more form each other by scaling up big solutions from big problems. We are geared towards more projects that answer the need for access of financial and human resources. We value the continuing trust and confidence of our financial contributors to PBSP,” he said. — By Grace Melanie I. Lacamiento

In its “DNA” theme, PBSP plans to develop key agents of social change for sustainable growth, nurture institutions for positive transformation and align companies and communities for a mutually-beneficial relationship.

This year, the corporate-led social development organization awarded 13 volunteer advisers form different sectors of the society who shared their knowledge and expertise to the companies and communities.— (FREEMAN)