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The LCF CSR Institute (CSRI) successfully concluded the 2025 Navigating the ESG Journey: Strategies for Corporate Foundations and Parent Companies Workshop. The event was held virtually on November 20-21, 2025, and in person from November 24-26, 2025, at The Company Manila Makati, Frabelle Business Center, Makati City.

The workshop aimed to develop sustainable practices, community engagement strategies, ethical leadership principles, and learn effective strategies for engaging stakeholders, building coalitions, and addressing concerns.

The workshop brought together seasoned practitioners and leaders in the development sector. Facilitating the sessions was Dr. Arnel Onesimo Uy, Professor, Department of Accountancy, RVR College of Business, De La Salle University. He was joined by resource speakers: Ms. Marivic Españo (Independent Director, Maybank Philippines, Inc.), Mr. Jun Cabochan (Managing Director, Pandayan Bookshop), Ms. Ginggay Hontiveros-Malvar (Chief Reputation & Sustainability Officer, Aboitiz Equity Ventures, Inc.; President, Aboitiz Foundation), Ms. Philea Mostrales (Sustainability Officer, Aboitiz Equity Ventures, Inc.), Mr. Paulo Gooco (Head, Environmental Management Department, Energy Development Corporation), Mr. Joaquin Campos (World Wildlife Fund for Nature (WWF) – Philippines), Ms. Vickie Tan (Executive Director, Group Risk Management and Sustainability Unit, Ayala Corporation), and Mr. Mhycke Gallego (Practice Leader, Advisory Services; Knowledge Management Head, P&A Grant Thornton; Incoming Member, Philippine Sustainability Reporting Committee).

Mr. Cenen Milan, Operations and Mobilisation Manager for Corporate Citizenship & Volunteerism Program, Ayala Foundation, Inc. and the Chair of LCF’s Disaster Resilience Committee, gave the Opening Remarks.

Participants expressed their appreciation for the training workshop, which equipped them with real-life insights and valuable skills for navigating today’s evolving CSR and ESG landscape. 

“Every speaker is masterful in their own respective fields. We only have one common goal, sustainability in everything we do, consider the environment in every way, include social perspectives in all aspects and improve governance in internal and external workplace.” – Kristian San Diego, Environment Program Supervisor, AboitizPower GMEC and GNPD 

10 participants representing 7 organizations took part in this year’s Navigating the ESG Journey: Strategies for Corporate Foundations and Parent Companies Workshop, wherein 6 organizations were members and member-affiliates, while 1 was a non-member organization.

The participants were as follows:

1. Felicidad T. Sy Foundation, Inc./ Henry Sy Foundation, Inc. – Ms. Jenalyn B. Quintana
2. Vivant Foundation, Inc. – Mr. Shem Jose W. Garcia and Mr. Benjamin Y. Chiu
3. Metro Pacific Tollways Corporation – Ms. Arlynn B. Papio and Mr. Segis Quintin R. Borja
4. AboitizPower GMEC & GNPD – Mr. Kristian A. San Diego and Mr. Patrick Alexis R. Collantes
5. SN Aboitiz Power Group – Jennifer R. Pevidal
6. PhilSeven Foundation, Inc. – Israelita F. Lequin
7. Evident Integrated Marketing & PR – Ms. Mef Marzan

For inquiries on LCF – CSR Institute’s training workshop offerings, you may send an email to Ms. Marga Hernandez, CSRI Program Officer at programs.lcf@gmail.com

Security Bank Corporation, together with its Corporate Social Responsibility arm, Security Bank Foundation Inc. (SBFI), has committed to plant 10,000 seedlings at the La Mesa Watershed over the next five years, contributing to reforestation efforts that began in 1999.

To kick off the five-year commitment, Security Bank employees planted 2,000 seedlings of Lago and Malapapaya trees at the watershed. This was in partnership with the ABS-CBN Foundation’s Bantay Kalikasan Program, which has been serving the community in protecting one of the biggest sources of clean water in Metro Manila.

The La Mesa Watershed is the largest rainforest in Metro Manila and the region’s major source of potable water. The activity involved more than 200 employee volunteers and generated 1,600 volunteer hours. SBFI was also honored to be this year’s top private donor for La Mesa Watershed reforestation.

“We know and understand that protecting the environment is critical to uplifting the quality of lives. Our commitment represents 45% of the La Mesa Watershed’s remaining area for reforestation. By planting these seedlings, we will help increase the country’s forest cover, offset carbon emissions that affect global warming, prevent flooding, and ensure the cleanliness of Metro Manila’s water supply,” said Melissa Aquino, Trustee and Corporate Secretary of SBFI.

The commitment to plant 10,000 trees in five years will be complimented by environmental education efforts, which is also in line with the Bank’s education advocacy. This will be led by Security Bank’s Sustainability Unit.

“Security Bank Foundation’s adoption of 25 hectares of the La Mesa Watershed for five years is proof of their long-term commitment to protecting and preserving the environment; the ABS-CBN Foundation is honored to be a partner in their advocacy,” said Joal Ascalon, Head of Bantay Kalikasan Program.

Prior to the tree-planting event, SBFI and Security Bank’s Sustainability Unit conducted virtual learning session with employees on the importance of climate change, the Bank’s sustainability efforts, and how employees can contribute to achieving the Bank’s sustainability goals.

“At Security Bank, we are determined to build a society that values sustainability and the protection of our natural resources to ensure the future of the coming generations. Through this landmark project with the La Mesa Watershed and the ABS-CBN Foundation, we are one step closer in fulfilling the reforestation target set for La Mesa,” says Nikki Lizares, Sustainability Head at Security Bank.

Apart from its five-year commitment, SBFI continues to support education through its flagship program, Build a School, Build a Nation: The Classrooms Project where new classrooms are built to address infrastructure shortage.

To know more about the Bank and SBFI’s sustainability and corporate social responsibility initiatives, visit www.securitybank.com/sustainability or Security Bank’s Facebook page at www.facebook.com/Securitybank.