MANILA, Philippines - A birthing facility that provides free services to pregnant mothers living in far-flung villages, watershed environmental modules to save our denuded forests, carpentry and masonry training for jobless men, and holistic health programs for poor children and senior citizens depict corporate social responsibility (CSR) at work in the Philippines.
These initiatives are not simply funded by big companies and conducted by ordinary volunteers. These are well-planned and organized by professionals trained in CSR work.
Helping make the CSR campaigns of more than 80 companies in the country successful and sustainable is the League of Corporate Foundations (LCF). Formed in 1991 by several corporate foundations engaged in social development in the Philippines, LCF was formally registered in 1996 as a non-profit organization to address better the needs of its members and the sustainability of the organizations..
LCF conducts relevant research studies, publications, workshops and forums at its Corporate Social Responsibility Institute (CSRI) established in 2007. The LCF secretariat also has five committees that promote arts and culture in nation-building, conduct education and training together with the Department of Education, train out-of-school youths to become entrepreneurs, tackle environmental issues, and conduct health awareness lectures and medical missions.
CSR, as a societal discipline, should improve the quality of life of a company’s workforce, the community where it operates and the environment. The LCF promotes and enhances the effective practice of CSR among its members and the larger business community by teaching CSR standards, best practices and benchmarking; sharing relevant information and trends; and building capacity and partnerships.
On July 24, LCF will hold its 13th CSR Expo Conference at the Dusit Thani Manila hotel in Makati City.
Business leaders, society movers and changemakers will discuss the importance of CSR in the country and what in can do to promote inclusive growth for all Filipinos.
With the theme “Commit. Strenghten. Rebuild,” the conference is part of the activities lined up for July as the country celebrates the Philippine CSR month. Other events include the CSR Expo Trade Exhibit slated from July 29 to 31 at the Glorietta 2, 3 and 4 Activity Centers. It will feature the development work of corporations, corporate foundations, and other organizations. LCF will likewise conduct the CSRI Lecture Series for university students and teachers on July 7 and 18. LCF’s five committees will also mount special events from health fora to environmental awareness sessions and education trends discussion in the country.
LCF chairman Jeffrey O. Tarayao said these initiatives are part of the organization’s way to strengthen its goal of developing CSR leaders.
“We are convinced that the benefits of these programs and its adaptation will not only create a pool of more competitive and efficient corporations/corporate foundations but a stronger League and also a more resilient and prosperous Philippines,” Tarayao says.
For information on LCF and list of activities, visit www.lcfcsrexpo.com.