Mentors from East-West Seed Foundation joined the Philippine Partnership for Sustainable Agriculture (PPSA) in the Scaling Up Sustainability (SUS) Project: Farmers Fair, held on July 16–17, 2025, in Cagayan Valley. The event brought together farmer champions, mentors, and partners to support climate-smart farming and farmer entrepreneurship.
The SUS Project, funded by a GlobalGiving grant in partnership with Corteva, aims to train 100 Filipino farmers through two key phases. The first phase focuses on mentoring women farmer champions to strengthen their knowledge and skills, while the second phase empowers them to become resource speakers, sharing their learnings with fellow farmers in their communities.
Partners from PLDT & Smart Communities, Harbest Agribusiness Corporation, and DA Region 2 also took part in the event, supporting PPSA’s mission to cultivate leadership and sustainability in Philippine agriculture.
KITA (Kapital at Ipon Tungo sa Asenso) Mo Na! —a financial education program of BDO Foundation—was recognized as Financial Inclusion Initiative of the Year at the Asian Banking & Finance (ABF) Retail Banking Awards 2025. The program aims to support the agricultural sector by improving the financial literacy, productivity, and income-generating capabilities of farmers nationwide.
This ongoing program was developed by BDO Foundation in partnership with the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas and Agricultural Credit Policy Council (ACPC).
“The recognition serves as an inspiration for us to keep moving forward as we support national efforts toward financial inclusion. We share this award to our partners that share the same mission of empowering farming communities with the right knowledge to pursue a more secure future,” shared BDO Foundation president Mario Deriquito.
KITA Mo Na! adopts a gamified approach in teaching farmers important know-hows on managing finances. A game master leads the sessions where farmers are given real-life scenarios that influence their daily financial decisions.
As of end 2024, the KITA Mo Na! program has reached 870 farmers and livestock raisers in different parts of the country. Beneficiaries are taught basic personal finance topics like saving, budgeting, debt management, basic financial products, ways to earn additional income, financial consumer protection, and scam prevention.
Recognized at the Retail Banking Awards 2025. BDO Capital & Investment Corporation president Eduardo Francisco received the award on behalf of BDO Foundation (Photo courtesy of Asian Banking & Finance)
Championing other interventions
BDO Foundation and its partners developed several interventions to ensure the success and sustainability of the program.
The conduct of training of trainers is one essential strategy that the organizations continue to implement to cascade the program to different farming communities all over the Philippines. As of end 2024, there are already 49 trainers from all regions that are capable of teaching the KITA Mo Na! program to their respective farming communities. They are supplemented with a trainer’s guide and game kits to ensure a standardized cascade of the program.
“We are hopeful that through the shared efforts of the foundation, our partners, and the trainers, more and more farmers are equipped with the right knowledge and tools to make sound financial decisions – that no one is left behind in rebuilding a financially literate citizenry,” shared Marikit Naguiat, BDO Foundation’s manager for financial inclusion.
Ensuring the program’s resilience, BDO Foundation, BSP, and ACPC have established a monitoring and evaluation framework to assess the impact and effects of KITA Mo Na! on the beneficiaries.
BDO Foundation stays committed to supporting similar efforts that contribute to the BSP’s National Strategy for Financial Inclusion and the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals.
A fin ed program for farmers. KITA Mo Na! highlights real-life situations farmers face—a conscious effort of BDO Foundation and its partners to ensure that the shared knowledge resonates with its target communities.
When strong typhoons like Rolly and Ulysses hit Legazpi City, Albay, many families in Brgy. Bigaa were affected due to extensive damage to properties, roads, and power lines. But in the midst of the storm, one building stood strong, the school building donated by Security Bank Foundation, Inc. (SBFI) at Bigaa Integrated School.
“The SBFI school building became our evacuation center,” shared School Principal Dr. Conchita G. Bartolay. “It’s elevated and sturdy, so it protects people from floods and possible lahar flow. It also became a relief center.”
More than a learning space, the building served as a lifeline for the community. Even after the storm passed, its role in the lives of students and teachers remained strong.
Over the years, the school building had sustained damages from typhoons. Recently, it got a fresh start. From April to July 2025, Security Bank Foundation, Inc. (SBFI) repaired nine of its previously donated school buildings, including the one in Bigaa. In total, 60 classrooms were restored across five cities and municipalities, benefiting around 3,000 students and their communities.
At Bigaa, eight classrooms were repaired. Walls and floors were repainted, broken windows and doors were replaced, and damaged roofs, ceiling and toilets were fixed.
Dr. Bartolay, with 25 years of experience in education, knows how crucial a safe and well-built classroom is. The improvements meant so much.
“Since the building was renewed, students have become more excited to go to their classrooms,” said Dr. Bartolay. “And our teachers feel more motivated, knowing they’re teaching in a safe space.”
As part of its commitment to the Build a School, Build a Nation program, SBFI has been doing major repairs of donated school buildings every five years, or earlier if schools are affected by disasters.
“Thank you, Security Bank Foundation. You gave us more than just classrooms. You gave us a place to learn, a place to grow, and a place to survive. Dios mabalos,” Dr. Bartolay added.
Bigaa is just one of many schools that benefited from its first batch of classroom repair this year along with Tikay Elementary School in Malolos, Bulacan; Washington National High School and University of Eastern Philippines – High School in Catarman, Northern Samar; Cabagñan Elementary School in Legazpi, Albay; New Ormoc City National High School and Ipil Central School in Ormoc, Leyte; and Tagbilaran City East and Central Elementary Schools in Tagbilaran, Bohol.
The second batch includes twenty more classrooms that are still being repaired and are expected to be finished by September 2025.
Beneficiary schools are empowered to care for their donated buildings through regular upkeep like derusting windows, declogging pipes, and trimming trees that may cause damage. Security Bank Foundation also guides them through online assemblies on proper building care because lasting building impact relies on shared responsibility.
SBFI welcomes partnerships with like-minded organizations that share its commitment to improving public school infrastructure. To learn how you can support, visit https://bit.ly/SBFIPartnershipPage
The League of Corporate Foundations (LCF) recognized outstanding corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives during its 2025 CSR Conference and Expo, conferring the Guild Awards and Medal of Recognition to organizations driving meaningful impact across communities. These honors underscore how strategic CSR is in enabling businesses to lead in innovation, resilience, and inclusive development.
Business and foundation leaders and CSR advocates gathered at the Dusit Thani Hall for the 2025 CSR Guild Awards and Medal of Recognition. Photo from League of Corporate Foundations.
Held under the theme “Diversity, Equity, and Inclusivity for Shared Prosperity,” the event provided an avenue for leaders from the private sector, development organizations, and civil society to explore how businesses can embed CSR and Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) practices into their core operations to address inequality and foster more resilient, inclusive communities.
Austere Panadero, President and Executive Director of Zuellig Family Foundation and LCF Trustee, delivered an opening message at the Guild Awards during the 2025 CSR Conference and Expo. Photo from League of Corporate Foundations.
As part of the conference, the CSR Guild Awards, presented to LCF member organizations, honored programs that demonstrated excellence across CSR focus areas, including education, arts and culture, environment, health, disaster resilience, and enterprise development.
Among this year’s CSR Guild Award recipients were:
Ayala Foundation, Inc. (Enterprise Development), recognized for its Iraya Mangyan weaving program supporting indigenous artisans;
Vivant Foundation, Inc. (Education), honored for Project Liadlaw, which brings solar power to off-grid schools;
Metro Pacific Investments Foundation, Inc. (Environment), awarded for expanding its MPIC Guardians Program to strengthen coastal conservation in Siargao and Mabini;
Oscar M. Lopez Center for Climate Change Adaptation and Disaster Risk Management Foundation, Inc. (Disaster Resilience), acknowledged for developing inclusive preparedness tools for the deaf community; and
Aboitiz Foundation, in partnership with the Hedcor Group (Arts and Culture), recognized for reviving traditional textiles through Project Tahi ‘Ta.
Other finalists include Knowledge Channel Foundation, Inc., ABS-CBN Lingkod Kapamilya Foundation, Inc., Joy Nostalg Foundation, Inc., Jollibee Group Foundation, Inc., Gokongwei Brothers Foundation, Inc., Manila Water Foundation, Inc., Pilipinas Shell Foundation, Inc., PLDT-Smart Foundation, Inc., and Aboitiz Foundation, Inc., & Aboitiz Land, Inc.
In addition to its member foundations, LCF also honored non-member organizations through the CSR Medal of Recognition, awarded to programs demonstrating high impact across LCF’s CSR focus areas. This year’s awardees included:
Pioneer Adhesives Foundation, Inc. (PAFI) (Disaster Resilience), for Angat Sining Tibay at Galing (ASTIG)
First Gen Corporation (Enterprise Development), for Threads of Change, supporting indigenous weavers in Jabonga;
Fluor Daniel Inc., Philippines (Environment), for Commitment to Sustainability: Environmental Stewardship, promoting environmental conservation through mangrove reforestation, coastal cleanups, and education initiatives.
Pascual Laboratories (Environment), for the SEED program on environmental education and sustainable agriculture; and
Pioneer Adhesives Foundation, Inc. (PAFI) (Education), for WRAP in School, which promotes waste reduction and sustainability through student engagement and environmental awareness;
Juanito I. King Foundation, Inc. (Health), for Project Healthy Smile at Bittang Elementary School, providing dental health education and services to underserved children.
Other finalists included Fluor Daniel Inc., Philippines; First Gen Corporation; Rex Education; Philippine Manufacturing Co. of Murata Inc., and Cebu Mitsumi, with special citations awarded to Sentinel Upcycling Technologies, The Teacher’s Gallery, Inc., and Philippine Manufacturing Co. of Murata Inc.
Shem Jose Garcia, LCF Chairperson, highlighted in his message how this year’s Guild Awards winners embody diversity, equity, and inclusion through their work with marginalized groups, and stressed the role of collaboration in driving shared prosperity.
“It’s encouraging to see that many of this year’s winners are working closely with marginalized groups—including Indigenous communities and persons with disabilities—truly reflecting our theme of diversity, equity, and inclusion,” said Shem Jose Garcia, LCF Chairperson. “Further, this creates space for collaboration and leveraging our collective strengths, especially in today’s society, where true success goes beyond efficiency and optimization to nurturing people and the communities we affect. That is how we achieve shared prosperity.”
With increasing adoption of sustainability and inclusion in business practices, LCF regards this as a prime opportunity for the private sector to drive transformative change—prompting companies to shift their view of CSR from a charitable obligation or regulatory requirement to a strategic priority critical for national development.
The League of Corporate Foundations (LCF) gathered business and industry leaders at the 2025 Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Conference and Expo on July 1 at Dusit Thani Manila, to promote inclusive growth as a key driver of sustainable development. Held during National CSR Week, the event highlighted how diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) are reshaping business strategies—reflecting the shift in CSR from traditional philanthropy to strategic, systemic efforts that contribute to society and support nation-building.
Business and foundation leaders, and CSR advocates gathered at the Dusit Thani Manila for the 2025 CSR Conference. Photo from League of Corporate Foundations.
With the theme “Diversity, Equity, and Inclusivity for Shared Prosperity,” the conference highlights DEI as a core strategy for companies seeking to promote development and economic resilience as the country recovers from recent economic setbacks and global uncertainties.
Shem Jose Garcia, LCF Chairperson and Executive Director of Vivant Foundation, Inc., delivered his opening message at the Guild Awards during the 2025 CSR Conference. Photo from League of Corporate Foundations.
According to Shem Jose Garcia, Chairperson of LCF and Executive Director of Vivant Foundation, Inc., inclusion requires recognizing how identities like gender, ability, ethnicity, and income overlap and affect people’s experiences. “As CSR practitioners, most of our projects seek to uplift those left behind in poverty, finding solutions that would benefit the greatest number of people. However, when creating and implementing projects that aim to benefit the many, there remains a challenge that this can often leave behind those with special needs or limited capability to benefit from these programs,” he said. “It is important not just to identify these groups as a category on their own, but to understand the importance of intersectionality – that a person may be disadvantaged not just because of one category to which they belong but how those categories overlap.”
Sen. Risa Hontiveros, Chairperson, Senate Committee on Women, Children, Family Relations, and Gender Equality delivered her keynote session entitled “Shared Prosperity, Shared Responsibility: The DEI Mandate in Nation-Building” during the 2025 CSR Conference and Expo. Photo from League of Corporate Foundations.
In her keynote session titled “Shared Prosperity, Shared Responsibility: The DEI Mandate in Nation-Building,” Senator Risa Hontiveros, Chairperson of the Senate Committee on Women, Children, Family Relations and Gender Equality, underscored the need to embed DEI into nation-building efforts across all sectors. She discussed that working towards equity and social justice is not only right but also good for business. For example, women in leadership foster inclusive work environments that value diversity and equality—principles essential for sustainability and growth.
Opening day sessions featured discussions on inclusive corporate supply chains, enterprise development for underserved groups, and the shift toward measuring CSR performance based on community-level outcomes. Speakers emphasized that inclusive practices are not simply acts of goodwill—they are strategic approaches that strengthen business resilience, drive innovation, and contribute to long-term national development.
Left to right: Enrique S. Canoy, VP for Operations & Corporate, Communications Head, RMN Networks, Inc.; Ramon Derige, Executive Director, SEAOIL Foundation, Inc.; Ronn Astillas, Chairperson, Philippine LGBT Chamber of Commerce; Shem Jose Garcia, Chairperson, League of Corporate Foundations and Executive Director, Vivant Foundation, Inc.; Sen. Risa Hontiveros, Chairperson, Senate Committee on Women, Children, Family Relations, and Gender Equality; Rudy P. Guiao, Jr., CIO Lead for PH and Managing Director for IT (PH, SEA, and China), Accenture Technology; Edric Calma, Vice Chairperson, League of Corporate Foundations and Vice President, Knowledge Channel Foundation, Inc.; Ryan Vidanes, Executive Director, Conrado & Ladislawa Alcantara Foundation, Inc.; Austere Panadero, President and Executive Director, Zuellig Family Foundation, Inc.; and, Philip Francisco Dy, Trustee, League of Corporate Foundations, Executive Vice President of Metrobank Foundation, Inc. Photo from League of Corporate Foundations.
This call for systemic inclusion carried over into the first plenary session, “The Intersection of Financial Inclusion & Resilience: Protecting the Vulnerable and the Marginalized Sectors in the Philippines,” where its featured Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Deputy Director Mynard Bryan Mojica, Philippine Insurers and Reinsurers Association Deputy Executive Director Michael “Mitch” Rellosa, and Insurance Commission Deputy Commissioner Atty. Reynaldo Averilla Regalado.
The discussion highlighted how access to credit, savings, and insurance can help marginalized communities reduce long-term risk and build resilience to disasters—reinforcing the broader message that inclusive systems are not just equitable, but essential to national development.
The CSR Expo welcomed guests at Glorietta Activity Center in Makati City with interactive booths of impactful, community-focused initiatives in health, education, environment and more. Photo from League of Corporate Foundations.
Alongside the conference kick-off, LCF opened the CSR Expo 2025 at the Glorietta Activity Center in Makati, where member organizations and partners showcased high-impact programs across education, health, livelihood, environment, and disaster resilience. Designed as an interactive and educational space, the Expo engaged the public with grassroots initiatives—from youth skills training and education access to coastal conservation and social enterprise development—demonstrating how responsible business practices respond to social and environmental needs.
LCF also highlighted key milestones of its flagship league-wide program called ”LCF’s Initiative for Food Security, Nutrition, and Empowerment” or LIFE at the Expo, including one of its first programs inaugurated in Basilan last June 26—the Busog, Lusog, Talino (BLT) Community Kitchen. Designed to prepare 600 to 1,000 nutritious, Muslim-friendly meals daily, the kitchen serves as a centralized facility for food to be distributed to schools in alignment with local feeding programs. Present during the inauguration were Former Governor of Basilan Jim Hataman Salliman, Dr. Joyce Ann Arandia-Viar, Project Manager of the Zuellig Family Foundation, and LA Cruzat, Senior Program Manager of the Jollibee Group Foundation.
At the 2025 CSR Expo, Edric Calma, Vice Chairperson of League of Corporate Foundations and Vice President of Knowledge Channel Foundation, Inc. underscored the League’s commitment to inclusive development like LIFE encouraging deeper corporate involvement in community resilience. Photo from League of Corporate Foundations.
According to LCF, this pilot effort is an opportunity for more corporate foundations to take part in the LIFE program and for the private sector to be involved in community development. “Inclusion and sustainability should be built into how companies operate, grow, and engage with communities,” said Edric Calma, Vice Chairperson of LCF and Vice President of Knowledge Channel Foundation, Inc..
The 2025 CSR Conference and Expo is co-presented by Cebuana Lhuillier Foundation, Inc. and co-organized with Metro Pacific Investments Corporation Foundation, Inc., and The SM, Henry Sy, and Felicidad T. Sy Foundations, Inc. It is also made possible through the support of BPI Foundation, Inc., Manila Water Foundation, Inc., Metrobank Foundation, Inc., Pilipinas Shell Foundation, Inc., and Vivant Foundation, Inc., with special thanks to Energy Development Corporation, Inc., Lopez Group Foundation, Inc., and Jollibee Group Foundation, Inc. LCF also thanks Ayala Foundation, Inc., BDO Foundation, Inc., and Citizen of the World Philippines Foundation, Inc. and acknowledges Aboitiz Foundation, Inc., Don Antonio O. Floriendo Sr. Foundation, Inc., Gokongwei Brothers Foundation, Inc., ICTSI Foundation, Inc., Ronald McDonald House Charities, SEAOIL Foundation, Inc., Security Bank Foundation, Inc., Toyota Motor Philippines Foundation, Inc., Unilab Foundation, Inc., and Zuellig Family Foundation, Inc. for their support. These and other partners help foster collaboration and knowledge-sharing on sustainability and inclusivity.
The League of Corporate Foundations (LCF) and the Armed Forces of the Philippines officially signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) on June 3, 2025, at Camp Aguinaldo Col. Boni Serrano Avenue, Quezon City, marking their partnership aimed at fostering collaboration and working together for the country, most especially the underserved and those affected by calamities.
The MoA signifies a commitment of both parties to work together on meaningful projects that align with their shared mission to build more resilient communities. Through this partnership, both AFP and LCF will work closely to bring member-driven initiatives to identified priority areas and sectors, to provide initiatives and activities related to disaster response and rehabilitation, health, education, environment, arts and culture, financial inclusion and enterprise development.
“It is important to include people who often feel unseen or unheard, not only because we want to address the daily tragedies they face, but because by doing so, we prevent the potential tragic outcomes of division and unrest in our country,” said Garcia.
Present during the signing were;
From LCF:
Board of Trustees
Shem Jose Garcia, LCF Chairperson, Executive Director, Vivant Foundation, Inc.;
Edric Calma, LCF Vice-Chairperson,Vice President, Knowledge Channel Foundation, Inc.; and
Ryan Vidanes, LCF Trustee, Executive Director, Conrado & Ladislawa Alcantara Foundation, Inc.
Secretariat
Celine Santillan, Executive Director;
Amber Garma, Membership Officer;
Remy Tubig, Program Officer;
Hannah Mortel, Communications Assistant; and
Zea Bagasbas, Program Assistant
From the Armed Forces of the Philippines:
LTGEN Rommel P. Roldan (PAF);
COL Rex T. Armeña CHS (GSC) and;
LTC Aldemar A. Usman PAF (GSC)
The League of Corporate Foundations (LCF) celebrates CSR Week every year in the first week of July, as stated in EO 299, series of 2000. LCF has more than 90 Corporate Foundation and CSR Unit members across the country providing programs and initiatives to help uplift and better the lives of marginalized sectors and those most at risk. The public is invited to the CSR EXPO at the Glorietta Activity Center on July 1 and 2, 2025.
The LCF CSR Institute successfully concluded the 2025 PDIMEAL Workshop. The event was held in person at EDC Office, 5th Floor, Rockwell Business Tower 3, Ortigas Ave., Pasig City, Metro Manila, hosted by Energy Development Corporation last May 19-23, 2025. It was also held virtually via Zoom last May 22, 2025.
This year’s main facilitator was Ms. Maria Pamela Castro, Senior Program Manager of Pilipinas Shell Foundation, was again joined by Ms. Raiza Cusi, Program Excellence Unit Manager of the same foundation.
“What resonated the most in this workshop is the importance of program planning in terms of alignment between your organization’s overall goals and realizable or attainable outcomes and impact. The workshop brings us back to the basics of problem analysis and solutioning with helpful and updated tools such as PDIMEAL to bring back to our teams. I am looking back to echoing the exercises with my teammates who will benefit from this knowledge. Thank you to LCF, and to Raiza and Pam for facilitating this valuable learning opportunity which is highly recommended for any organization that hopes to bring impactful programs to the communities where they serve and operate” – Gizelle Camua from St. Luke’s Medical Center Foundation, Inc.
A non-member participant from Sikat Solar Challenge Foundation shared that he really appreciated the workshop,
“…learning by doing makes me appreciate it even more, especially the Problem tree to become a solution tree. I also learned the 4 components of a MEAL framework – Decision making, planning, data utilization and data collection.”
28 participants representing 17 organizations took part in this year’s workshop, wherein 5 organizations were non-members.
The participants were as follows:
Rebisco Foundation, Inc. – Ms. Christal May O. Marcelino and Ms. April Charmaigne M. Macaranas
Energy Development Corporation – Ms. Soleil Micah O. Acu, Ms. Abegail Y. Gatdula, Ms. Christine Jamiana, Ms. Marisol dG. Pedregosa, Ms. Edelyn O. Orillan, Ms. Goldee Ann G. Aquino, and Ms. Ma. Sybil C. Villegas
As they say, for every dark cloud there is a silver lining. This is the optimistic outlook of the League of Corporate Foundations (LCF) as far as impact of development projects in the midst of the potential abolition of the United States Agency for International Development as part of the government reorganization undertaken by President Donald Trump.
Edric Calma, vice president, Knowledge Channel Foundation and vice chairperson, LCF said a Canadian development agency is interested to fill in the gap and help in financing the country’s development projects in health, education, gender development, among others. Calma, however, declined to identify the Canadian aid agency.
“We just found out this Canadian aid agency is willing to sustain the projects for some of the education projects that the USAID had started. It is worthwhile mentioning that the European Union wants to help us too. And then there are the local grant giving organizations which haven’t gotten huge attention because there are bigger grants like the USAID,” Calma told reporters in an interview on the sidelines of the launching of the 2025 Conference and Expo launch held in Makati City.
Shem Jose Garcia, executive director, Vivant Foundation and LCF chairperson, said local foundations think the current number of laws covering corporate social responsibility are sufficient to keep it growing.
“We just have to be very creative. We actually have a lot of good laws in place. The question is about executing and making sure it’s done. Every sector requires more depth in order to look at, Garcia said.
Garcia said the laws need to be specific to address the concern of stakeholders. For instance, students with disabilities need to have their needs addressed. “There’s a lot of good intentions, but there aren’t a lot of specifics,” Garcia said.
And what I saw in our own case in Cebu for this one sector, and again, the whole point of diversity is that each sector is different, so it would require more in depth research. But like in the case of like, say, deaf students, I would encourage more resources to make sure that you know, in an island would also benefit from the program,” he said.
Garcia said the LCF is also urging businesses to go beyond the traditional CSR initiatives by combining diversity, equity and inclusivity (DEI) into their programs.
MANILA, Philippines — Funding for corporate social responsibility projects in the Philippines is expected to continue flowing, amid the continued support for programs focused on diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI).
Citing a recent study from the Boston Consulting Group, the League of Corporate Foundations (LCF) highlighted the significant growth of diversity programs in the Philippines over the past several years.
According to the study, 43 percent of Southeast Asian companies, including those in the Philippines, now have diversity initiatives in place, a notable increase from just 26 percent in 2020.
This rise, the LCF said, highlights the growing regional commitment to fostering more inclusive workplaces and reflects a broader shift toward DEI across the region.
This is in stark contrast to the situation in the United States, as the Trump administration has openly attacked DEI programs, with DEI offices, positions and programs in the federal government ordered terminated. Equity-related grants and contracts were likewise terminated.
The Philippines, however, is expected to continue funding these programs as corporate funds for corporate social responsibility (CSR) projects remain intact.
“The Philippines has a very strong [CSR] context,” said Shem Jose Garcia, chair of the LCF, during a press conference in Makati for their upcoming 2025 CSR Expo, scheduled for July 1 to 3.
Garcia noted that this is despite some CSR networks within the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) being shut down following the pandemic.
“I think the Philippines has one of the strongest in terms of corporate giving in the Asean region … So, we’re less affected by some of the international grant givers,” he added.
Child development
LCF vice chair Edric Calma also emphasized that this funding strength was particularly evident in programs for early childhood development.
“There are many who are providing opportunities and grants that we wanted, not just from the private sector but also from government agencies,” said Calma.
He said they were exploring ways to harness opportunities and make the most of available resources to create the impact needed in the sector.
To support this growth and elevate CSR excellence, the LCF will host the Guild Honor Awards during their July expo, recognizing outstanding initiatives by its members.
Manila, Philippines — The League of Corporate Foundations (LCF) encourages the corporate sector to integrate Diversity, Equity, and Inclusivity (DEI) into their business strategies and their social responsibility (CSR) initiatives. To help drive this shift, LCF launches the 2025 CSR Conference and Expo, providing a platform for corporate leaders to collaborate, innovate, and advance sustainable growth.
The Conference will be held from July 1 to 3 at Dusit Thani Manila, while the Expo will take place from July 1 to 2 at Glorietta Activity Center in Makati City. With the theme, “Diversity, Equity, and Inclusivity for Shared Prosperity,” it highlights the vital role of businesses in embedding DEI into their core strategies, ensuring CSR initiatives are a catalyst for systemic change, sustainability, and shared prosperity.
“Integrating DEI into business strategies is not only about corporate responsibility,” said Shem Jose Garcia, Chairperson of LCF and Executive Director of Vivant Foundation, Inc. “Businesses that prioritize DEI do more than adapt, they lead. By embedding DEI into their core strategies, they unlock new opportunities, drive meaningful change, and contribute to a more equitable and sustainable future for all. This includes intentional efforts to ensure the inclusion of under-represented groups, particularly women, persons who are differently abled, senior citizens, and indigenous people and people of various faiths and beliefs, and others.”
McKinsey & Company emphasizes that DEI should go beyond representation and be embedded in a purpose-driven strategy to drive inclusive leadership, innovation, and long-term success. A Boston Consulting Group study found that 43% of Southeast Asian companies, including those in the Philippines, now have diversity programs which shows an increase from 36% in 2020, reflecting growing regional commitment.
Attendees of the 2025 CSR Conference and Expo can look forward to thought-provoking discussions, networking opportunities, and actionable insights on integrating DEI into both CSR initiatives and overall business operations.
Recognizing Outstanding CSR Initiatives
As part of LCF’s commitment to elevating CSR excellence, the 2025 Guild Awards will honor outstanding initiatives of its members that have significantly impacted communities. These awards will be presented during the 2025 CSR Conference and Expo, highlighting best practices in corporate social responsibility.
Additionally, the Medal of Recognition will celebrate the impactful interventions of non-LCF members. This special award acknowledges businesses and corporate foundations that have made a difference across seven thematic areas: Arts and Culture, Disaster Resilience, Education, Environment, Enterprise Development, Financial Inclusion, and Health.
The Expo will showcase CSR innovations that highlight how the tight integration of DEI into core organizational and business strategies has brought about change for the better for the communities they work with, providing a space for businesses, NGOs, academe, youth groups, and government agencies to engage and collaborate.
LCF will also highlight key milestones of its flagship effort called ”LCF’s Initiative for Food Security, Nutrition, and Empowerment” or LIFE at the Expo. LIFE combines nutrition support, livelihood programs, and local capacity-building to combat child malnutrition. Through targeted interventions, LCF aims to reduce stunting among Filipino children.
In line with the Philippine Plan of Action for Nutrition (PPAN), LIFE takes a province-by-province approach, starting with Basilan, where it is working alongside the provincial government and key stakeholders.
Left to right: Edric Calma, Vice Chairperson, League of Corporate Foundations and Vice President, Knowledge Channel Foundation, Inc.;Shem Jose Garcia, Chairperson, League of Corporate Foundations and Executive Director, Vivant Foundation, Inc.; and, Jonathan Batangan, Executive Director, Cebuana Lhuillier Foundation, Inc. Photo from League of Corporate Foundations.
Through the 2025 CSR Conference and Expo, LCF calls on businesses to take action, rethink their CSR strategies, and champion DEI-driven growth to create lasting impact. “LCF stays committed to promoting responsible CSR, helping members and businesses embrace DEI as a key driver of sustainable development in our country,” added Garcia.
LCF, composed of operating and grant-making corporate and family foundations, is the Philippines’ leading network for fostering environmental, social and governance driven initiatives.
League of Corporate Foundations 