LCF conducted its first CSR On The Go-Bohol session from 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on January 30, 2025, at the 925 Maxi Hotel & Events Center in Tagbilaran, Bohol City.
Ms. Marietta “Mayette” Gasatan, Vice-President for External Affairs of Bohol Chamber of Commerce, Inc., and Mr. Shem Jose Garcia, Executive Director of Vivant Foundation, Inc., and LCF Chairperson, delivered the welcome remarks. Ms. Celine Santillan, Executive Director of the League of Corporate Foundations; Ms. Maria Pamela Castro, Senior Program Manager of Pilipinas Shell Foundation, Inc.; Ms. Emma Linda Ibarra, Branch Head of BDO Bohol-Tagbilaran Branch; Ms. Noemi Sulla of BDO Network Bank Bohol-Jagna Branch; and Dr. Lloyd Lyle Ravidas, Municipal Health Officer of Dimiao Primary Care Facility spoke and presented during the session.
16 attendees representing 7 organizations attended the session.
Through CSR on the Go, LCF provides Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) education to private firms, business communities, corporate foundations, and groups outside of Metro Manila. Participants can network and form partnerships through the program, making it easier to learn and share best practices for implementing social investments. It also seeks to entice more businesses to adopt CSR practices.
The Aboitiz Future Leaders, the college scholarship program of Aboitiz Foundation, went on a learning visit to AP Renewables Inc. MakBan Geo, one of the geothermal powerplants managed by the Aboitiz Power Corporation on November 9. Organized by Aboitiz Foundation, the activity is an opportunity for the scholars to see firsthand the operations of a key player in the Philippine energy industry. The activity is also a part of the learning sessions provided by the Foundation to its scholars.
One of the scholars who joined the plant tour is Lance Esrac Matthew Calamiong, an Aboitiz Future Leader – Impact Team Intern and a graduating mechanical engineering student from the University of the Philippines, Diliman.
Lance has always been captivated by the energy sector, believing the massive influence and impact it holds over the country. “One of the sectors I am really interested in joining is the energy sector. I have always wanted to serve the Filipino people and positively influence the lives of those living here in the country. As an engineer, what better way to impact the lives of the Filipinos than to help facilitate the electricity that aids the country’s continuous development,” Calamiong said.
The chance to navigate and survey a geothermal power plant is a chance that a mechanical engineering student cannot miss. Before the tour, a mandatory briefing was conducted, which included a safety orientation and an overview of the MakBan Power Plant – its history, operation, and importance. The bulk of the plant visit was conducted via a guided bus tour, where the scholars explored the inner workings of the geothermal facility. The scholars were also able to enter the control room of one of the generators. They were able to see up close massive infrastructure and equipment that they might one day be able to operate.
“I am really happy with the tour. It was a great experience to be able to personally see the things that were taught to me in class. The equipment is a lot more massive than I thought – the cooling towers are as big as advertised but the scale of the turbines is bigger than I expected.
I felt like a kid that was finally able to see up close and understand the reality of the stories that my teachers kept telling me about,” Calamiong added.
Being an Aboitiz Future Leader, Lance is very thankful for the overwhelming support and encouragement the Aboitiz Foundation has given their scholars. He is extremely grateful for the opportunities they have continuously provided him.
“I have always appreciated the effort that the foundation has put forth in ensuring that their scholars are presented with opportunities they would not have found elsewhere. And I am truly blessed to be a part of a program where they are never reluctant to give you that window of opportunity.”
“The Aboitiz Future Leaders learning visit to the MakBan Geothermal Power Plant is more than just a tour; it’s an immersive experience that bridges academic knowledge with real-world applications. By witnessing the operations of a geothermal facility, our scholars gain invaluable insights into renewable energy and sustainability, inspiring them to think critically about their role in building a better future for the country,” said Jowelle Ann Cruz, Aboitiz Foundation’s Impact Lead for Education.
The Aboitiz Future Leaders college scholarship program is a gateway to a brighter future for young, talented individuals with exceptional leadership potential. Beyond covering tuition fees, the Aboitiz provides personal and professional development opportunities to help Aboitiz scholars become future leaders.
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About Aboitiz Foundation
Aboitiz Foundation, the CSR arm of the Aboitiz Group, is committed to shaping a brighter future for the nation. With 35+ years of empowering communities and driving sustainable development, the Foundation of the Philippines’ first techglomerate is expanding its impact to contribute to nation-building.
Committed to advancing social development, Aboitiz Foundation focuses on three key pillars:
Future Leaders: Ensuring Filipino learners of all ages have access to resources, facilities, and scholarships to prepare them for a rapidly changing world.
Jobs: Empowering Filipinos with digital tools and skills training to thrive in the global digital economy, fostering an entrepreneurship mindset.
Climate Action: Developing and implementing environmental programs to construct climate-resilient communities and foster a more sustainable future through nature-based solutions.
Since 1988, the Foundation has shifted from one-time donations to Aboitiz Foundation’s flagship programs, which empower beneficiaries to reach their full potential. By partnering with strategic partners, the foundation creates projects that are scalable, impactful, and aligned with the company’s expertise, benefiting communities throughout the Philippines.
For further queries on this Press Release, please contact:
The Philippine Council of Associations and Association Executives (PCAAE) and SustainablePH (SPH) jointly organized the Collectively Driving Sustainable Impact Summit on November 27, 2024 at the Philippine International Convention Center. The Summit fostered meaningful discussions and offered a platform for knowledge exchange. By addressing critical challenges and opportunities, it underscored the importance of collective efforts in achieving sustainable development goals. The Summit brought together leaders from associations and sustainability advocates to exchange insights, foster collaboration, and celebrate innovation.
Among the many impactful sessions, the League of Corporate Foundations (LCF) stood out with its session on “Global Citizens: Corporates that Embody both CSR and ESG”, showcasing its commitment to advancing sustainable development through collective action. The session featured the following esteemed speakers: Michelle Santos, Head of Corporate Affairs of BASF Philippines; Janet Marcellana, Application Advisor of Pilipinas Shell Corporation; and Ana Margarita “Ginggay” Hontiveros-Malvar, President and Chief Reputation and Sustainability Officer of Aboitiz Foundation Inc. The session was moderated by Celine Santillan, LCF Executive Director.
LCF’s speakers at the session reinforced its advocacy as a thought leader in the space, leaving a lasting impression on participants and affirming the value of collaboration in driving impactful change.
The Alcantara Foundation, in collaboration with Sarangani Energy Corporation (SEC) and Siguil Hydro Power Corporation (SHPC), recently hosted a meaningful “Kapehan” session with Indigenous Peoples (IP) elders from the communities of Barangay Nomoh and Kablacan. This gathering brought together 32 participants, including 23 IP elders, leaders, the esteemed Maasim Chieftain and other Indigenous Peoples Mandatory Representatives (IPMR), and representatives from the Foundation and power companies.
The Kapehan session, a casual gathering over coffee, was organized as part of the Watershed Enhancement Project (WEP) to foster open dialogue and collaboration between the IP communities and project stakeholders. By engaging with IP elders, the project aims to leverage their invaluable knowledge and practices to promote sustainable environmental practices and ensure the long-term health of the watershed.
During the session, IP elders shared their wisdom on traditional and customary agricultural practices that emphasize the importance of maintaining ecological balance, planting endemic species, and utilizing indigenous knowledge to promote sustainable land use. By basing these practices on traditional knowledge, the project aims to develop sustainable and resilient agricultural practices that meet the basic needs of families, including education, and benefit both the environment and the community.
This Kapehan session is a crucial step towards crafting a Watershed Protection Plan, a vital blueprint that will guide the stakeholders’ engagement with the community and strengthen the collaboration. This underscores the importance of honoring Indigenous wisdom and integrating it into modern conservation efforts. By working together with IP communities, the Alcantara Foundation and its partners aim to create a sustainable future for the region.
The LCF CSR Institute (CSRI) successfully concluded the 2024 Navigating the ESG Journey: Strategies for Corporate Foundations and Parent Companies Workshop. The event was held virtually on November 15, 2024, and in person from November 19, 2024, at the Makati Sports Club, and on November 21-22, 2024, at the PSFI Finance Center in BGC, Taguig City.
16 participants representing 9 organizations (7 LCF member-organizations and 2 non-member organizations) took part in this year’s Workshop, as follows:
Dr. Arnel Onesimo Uy, Professor, Department of Accountancy, RVR College of Business, De La Salle University
Mr. Paulo M. Gooco, Department Head for Environmental Management, Energy Development Corporation
Dr. Benito “Ben” L. Teehankee, Corazon C. Aquino Professor of Business and Management, Ramon V. del Rosario College of Business, De La Salle University
Ms. Ma. Victoria C. Españo, Trustee, Institute of Corporate Directors
The Navigating the ESG Workshop aims to help its participants understand the core components and importance of ESG in corporate foundations and parent companies; explore best practices in ESG frameworks, reporting standards selection, and materiality assessment; develop sustainable practices, community engagement strategies, and ethical leadership principles; design and initiate sustainability protocols within the corporation aligned with organizational goals; and learn effective strategies for engaging stakeholders, building coalitions, and addressing concerns.
To learn more about CSRI’s program offerings, contact Ms. Remy Alyssa Tubig, CSRI Program Officer at programs@lcf.org.ph, or click HERE.
The League hosted the 2024 LCF Annual Members’ Meeting and Year-End Get-Together on November 14, 2024, at the Ayala Banquet Hall at Makati Sports Club in Makati City. . The distinguished members of the LCF Board of Trustees and Steering Committee (STEERCOM), as well as special guests, were among the 118 attendees, who represented 55 of LCF’s member organizations.
Following the completion of preliminary procedures and the determination of a quorum, the event began with a business meeting. Sebastian C. Quiniones, Jr., the Executive Director of the Pilipinas Shell Foundation, Inc. and the Chairperson of the LCF Board, led the delivery of the Chairperson’s Report, certain segments of which were presented by other members of the Board of Trustees. The League’s accomplishments and actions throughout the past year are described in detail in the Chairperson’s Report.
Members expressed gratitude to Sebastian C. Quiniones, Executive Director of Pilipinas Shell Foundation, Inc., an outgoing member of the Board of Trustees (BOT), for his exceptional contribution to LCF as the Chair and Board Oversight of the LCF Enterprise Development Committee.
Philip Francisco Dy, Executive Vice President of Metrobank Foundation, Inc., was also welcomed by attendees as a new member of the LCF Board.
Certificates of Appreciation were awarded to the leadership of the seven Membership Committees in recognition of their exceptional service.
The members of the LCF COMELEC were also honored for having ensured a seamless and efficient BOT election. They were COMELEC Chair Marie Angeles, Executive Director of Ronald McDonal House Charities; Phoebelyn Carrera, CSR Manager of TELUS International Philippines Foundation, Inc.; and Sebastian C. Quiniones, Executive Director of Pilipinas Shell Foundation, Inc.
Honored as well were this year’s batch of 13 Loyalty Awardees. They are:
Following lunch, members took part in a year-end get-together where they performed numbers to the enjoyment of their fellow members, enjoyed one other’s company, and competed for prizes by playing entertaining activities like “Human Bingo,” “Guess the song,” and dancing to Bee Gees’ “Stayin’ Alive.”
Typhoon Kristine struck hard in the Bicol Region and the province of Batangas in October 2024. Many houses were damaged and submerged in the flood, and many people were left stranded on their route to and from the Visayas and Bicol Region.
After the typhoon passed, some towns in the province of Camarines Sur and some roads remained submerged for several days causing heavy traffic along the Maharlika Highway from Quezon province to Bicol Region.
The RMN Foundation team was one of those who were stuck in traffic for two days, but this did not cause aid to be brought to the affected areas in Camarines Sur.
In partnership with RMN DWNX Naga and Metrobank Foundation, RMN Foundation conducted Oplan Tabang relief operations on October 29-31, 2024 in the following areas of Camarines Sur province where homes were submerged in the flood, and electricity and communication signals were lost:
Municipality of Camaligan: Barangay San Francisco
Municipality of Gainza: Barangay Sampaloc
Municipality of Milaor: Barangay Balabag, Barangay Del Rosario, Barangay Flordeliz
Naga City: Barangay Sabang
One thousand five hundred (1,500) affected families received food packs containing rice, coffee, biscuits, and canned meatloaf. The Municipality of San Fernando also received rice packs in collaboration with Pfizer (Philippines).
According to Ms. Eden Torallo, Barangay Captain of Brgy. San Francisco, Camaligan, the flood has reached the roof of the house, and the people are still on top of their homes. She also requests assistance with other necessities, such as medicines and clothing, in addition to food. The affected families express gratitude for the assistance they received.
Aside from Bicol, the RMN Foundation in partnership with Inner Wheel Club of Las Piñas Shining Diamonds District 383 and Pfizer Philippines also distributed aid to the following areas in Batangas.
Municipality of Cuenca: Barangay Lumampao, Bungahan Evacuation Center
Municipality of Talisay: Barangay Caloocan, Barangay Sampaloc, Barangay Leynes
The RMN Foundation is grateful to the following partners, donors, and volunteers who have helped make the Oplan Tabang relief operations successful:
RMN DWNX Naga
Metrobank Foundation
Metrobank Naga
Inner Wheel Club of Las Piñas Shining Diamonds District 383
902nd Coast Guard Auxiliary Squadron
Municipal Government of San Fernando
Pfizer (Philippines)
FNK General Merchandise
Doña Pacita Resort
Office of Senator Francis Tolentino
Other Volunteers and Donors
There are still many families who need assistance. In addition to food, they need sleeping bags, hygiene kits, medicine, and shelter repair kits.
A teacher’s influence extends beyond the four walls of the classroom. Recognizing the role of teachers in guiding the youth, the Department of Education (DepEd) and BDO Foundation organized a financial literacy session for the benefit of 20 teachers from Naga, 20 teachers from Iriga, and 60 teachers and nonteaching personnel from Camarines Sur in commemoration of this year’s National Teachers’ Month. This was hosted by Schools Division Office – Camarines Sur.
Designed to empower teachers in the early stages of their career, the session focused on essential financial management lessons like budgeting, saving, financial planning, debt management, and fraud and scam prevention.
“As teachers, we are responsible for setting a positive example to our students – we are their second parents after all,” said Norma Samantela, Camarines Sur schools division superintendent. “This training initiative enables us to be better role models as we make sound financial decisions and secure our futures and those of our families.”
DepEd and BDO Foundation work closely to help improve the financial literacy levels of beneficiaries in the education sector. Together with the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas, the partners currently implement a financial education program for public schools across the country.
Veteran business journalist and staunch fin ed advocate Salve Duplito facilitated the learning session held at Lotus Blu Hotel. Raised by a mother who was also an educator, she related to the common struggles of teachers, especially those with family responsibilities.
“Sharing the gift of knowledge that hones the minds of the youth is what teachers do best. We want to give back to them in the same way – through financial education,” she shared.
Financial inclusion is one of the program pillars of BDO Foundation, the corporate social responsibility arm of BDO Unibank. The initiative in Naga is one of the many efforts of the organization to spearhead actions that aim to help improve the economic well-being of Filipinos in different sectors of society.
On October 9, 2024, the Liveable Cities Philippines hosted an impactful event focusing on Food Security and (Mal)nutrition. The event brought together leaders in agriculture, nutrition, and community development, with insightful contributions from various resource speakers. Among them was East-West Seed Foundation‘s Executive Director, Ms. Ma. Elena P. van Tooren, who spoke on improving food security and nutrition through shortening the vegetable supply chain.
The East-West Seed Foundation’s mission is to increase appreciation, availability, and consumption through sharing of knowledge on vegetable production and health benefits. Through community-based programs like VeggiEskwela, Gulayamanan and VeggieSapat, EWSF helps communities across the Philippines secure their food sources and improve family nutrition.
Other resource speakers highlighted complementary strategies aimed at addressing food security and malnutrition:
Mr. John Echauz, Convenor and Chairman of the Scaling Up Nutrition (SUN) Business Network Philippines, emphasized the role of innovative solutions in advancing the Philippine Plan of Action for Nutrition, working toward a well-nourished country.
Mr. Henry Sison, Chief Farming Officer of Agro-Digital PH, introduced a platform that links small-scale farmers directly to markets, ensuring they can thrive by reaching broader audiences and delivering quality produce.
Mr. Jomar Fleras, Executive Director of Rise Against Hunger Philippines, discussed global partnerships that combat hunger by connecting communities with vital resources through the support of international NGOs and health organizations.
Ms. Celerina Amores, Senior Director for Corporate Citizenship and Volunteerism at the Ayala Foundation Inc., highlighted efforts in the Planting for Productivity (P4P) and Food for Work programs, which strengthen regional food security through partnerships with local stakeholders.
Ms. Jirah Asa Sideco, Nutrition Program Coordinator of Quezon City, presented the city’s pioneering Calories Labeling Policy, which has positioned Quezon City as a leader in Southeast Asia for innovative nutrition initiatives.
Collaborative Action Toward a Food-Secure Future
The event reinforced the need for multi-sectoral collaboration to address the challenges of food security and malnutrition. Through collective efforts, the Liveable Cities Lab on Food Security and (Mal)nutrition highlighted how leaders in agriculture, nutrition, and community development are creating meaningful change. Their contributions will continue to stand out as a model for empowering the community and promoting sustainable food systems in the Philippines, complementing the broader initiatives, and all are working together to create a healthier, more resilient Philippines.
When typhoon Julian (Krathon) hit the country including the Ilocos Region, many of our compatriots were devastated in the province of Ilocos Norte. Some of the affected areas were submerged in floods and their livelihoods were affected.
In aid, the RMN Foundation along with its radio station iFM 99.5 Laoag conducted an ‘Oplan Tabang’ relief operation in partnership with the Metrobank Foundation on October 10-11, 2024 to deliver aid to affected families from twenty-one (21) barangays of the following areas in the province:
Municipality of Paoay, Ilocos Norte
Brgy. Nalasin
Brgy. Paratong
Brgy. San Agustin
Brgy. San Roque
Batac City, Ilocos Norte
Brgy. Aglipay
Brgy. Biloca
Brgy. Cangrunaan
Brgy. Caunayan
Brgy. Dariwdiw
Brgy. Nalupta
Brgy. Quiling Sur
Laoag City, Ilocos Norte
Brgy. 3 Nuestra Señora del Rosario
Brgy. 4 San Guillermo
Brgy. 7-A Nuestra Señora del Natividad
Brgy. 7-B Nuestra Señora del Natividad
Brgy. 30-B Santa MariaBrgy. 36 Araniw
Brgy. 37 Calayab
Brgy. 38-A Mangato East
Brgy. 38-B Mangato West
Brgy. 42 Apaya
Two thousand (2,000) families received food packs containing rice, biscuits, instant coffee, and canned meatloaf. The Laoageños also received hygiene kits from the DSWD through the local government of Laoag City.
The beneficiaries who received the aid were very grateful. The Municipal Government of Paoay, City Government of Batac, and City Government of Laoag also extended their thanks to the RMN Foundation, Metrobank Foundation, and iFM 99.5 Laoag for the assistance provided to their residents.
On behalf of the RMN Foundation, many thanks to the Metrobank Foundation, IFM 99.5 Laoag for the support and help to make the Oplan Tabang relief operation successful.
We are also grateful to the Municipal Government of Paoay, City Government of Batac, and City Government of Laoag for their support during the relief operations.
League of Corporate Foundations 