Today, May 24, 2024, this year’s iteration of the Program Development, Implementation, Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability, and Learning (PDIMEAL) Workshop concluded with a whole-day session held at the Palm Grove Room at the Rockwell Club, Rockwell Center, Makati City.
The session was well-attended by 25 attendees who represented 16 organizations—7 LCF members and 9 non-LCF members:
PDIMEAL is a five-day workshop that is designed to develop the capacity of CSR practitioners to develop and implement CSR initiatives, projects, and programs. intended to develop the competencies of CSR practitioners in the design, integration, and implementation of monitoring and evaluation, as well as social impact measurement systems from program/project initiation to close-out. PDIMEAL is designed to enhance participants’ understanding of M&E with the view to improving implementation, decision-making, and management capacities through learning and action.
Today, May 16, LCF organized the conclusion and “graduation rites” of the 7th batch of the Learning Journey program at the Customer Focus Room at the 32nd floor of the Jollibee Plaza in Ortigas Complex, Pasig City.
Joy~Nostalg Foundation, Inc.: Paul Charlie O. Cenizal, Jacob Lim, Ramon Bong O. Guevara, Jr.
Jollibee Group Foundation, Inc.: Franchez Lynette B. Torres, Maria Lissa Victoria C. Nuesca, Frances Mae S. Mata
Jesus V. del Rosario Foundation, Inc.: Elmor John A. Sususco, Nelmer A. Cabus
San Miguel Foundation, Inc.: Ray-An D. Ong, Canico Rafael S. Iriberri, Abigail Marie C. Reyes
TELUS International Philippines Foundation, Inc.: Jessica Evangelista, Daniel Joseph C. Unico
East-West Seed Foundation, Inc.: Divina B. Rivera, Michelle P. Dela Cruz, Julie Ann D. Ocfemia
The participants presented insights and lessons learned from each other during the various Learning Journey sessions, as well as action plans to take these learnings forward. Participants took questions and received feedback from a panel of reactors as well as their peers to help refine and streamline their plans.
The panelists were:
Ma. Elena Primicias van Tooren, Managing Director, East-West Seed Foundation, Inc.
Rona Mei Y. Tanchico, Project Head, San Miguel Foundation
Gina Bulanhagui, Executive Director, Jesus V. del Rosario Foundation, Inc.
Jon A. Layson, CSR Analyst, TELUS International Philippines Foundation, Inc.
Jan Marvin Bernedo, Head, Home Development Institute, Joy~Nostalg Foundation, Inc.
Milette Belen, Director for Engagement and Advocacy, Jollibee Group Foundation, Inc.
The Learning Journey program provides participants the opportunity to take deep dives into each others’ work by visiting other members’ offices, programs, and/or beneficiary areas, and to find opportunities for collaboration and share knowledge and best practices as well.
De La Salle University and the League of Corporate Foundations Commemorate the Graduation of 2nd Batch of the Certificate Program on the Covenant for Shared Prosperity
Manila, Philippines — May 10, 2024
LCF and De La Salle University’s School of Lifelong Learning are proud to announce the graduation ceremonies for the second batch of trainees from the Certificate Program on Implementing the Covenant for Shared Prosperity (CSP). This milestone event took place on May 10, 2024, at the Roofdeck of the Henry Sy, Sr. Hall at the De La Salle University Manila campus.
The executives who graduated completed a rigorous curriculum that covers cutting-edge principles and methodologies for promoting and implementing inclusive business practices. These practices align with the DLSU and LCF’s social transformation mission and the Covenant for Shared Prosperity, a groundbreaking initiative launched in November 2020 by the Management Association of the Philippines and more than two dozen other prominent business associations, including the Makati Business Club (MBC), the American Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines (AMCHAM), and the Shareholders Association of the Philippines (SharePHIL).
The distinguished graduates include:
Saleah Joy S. Uclusin from Megawide Corporate Foundation Inc
Warren Lim from WRLD Capital Holdings Inc
Shem Jose Garcia from Vivant Foundation
Additionally, the following individuals will receive module certificates:
Edwin Padillo from Isla Lipana & Co.
Marie Angeline Castillejos from Jollibee Group Foundation
Br. Bernard Oca FSC, President of De La Salle University, said, “Our graduates are equipped to drive positive change and create shared prosperity within their organizations and communities.”
Sebastian C. Quiniones, Jr., Chairperson of LCF and Executive Director, Pilipinas Shell Foundation, Inc., added, “Having the same frame and vision are key to ensuring collaboration that is not just effective but impactful.”
Shem Garcia, Vice Chairperson of LCF and Executive Director, Vivant Foundation, Inc., a graduate of the program, expressed his appreciation for the program’s emphasis on “empowering voices from under-represented sectors in the pursuit of equity and inclusion.”
Registration for the third batch of the program starts in August with a briefing session in late August. Registration starts in October 2024 and the Program proper starts in January 2025, 2025.
To be invited to the briefing, please contact: Remy Alyssa Tubig, Program Officer, CSR Institute, League of Corporate Foundations, Email: theleagueincsr@gmail.com, Phone: +63 976 268 0708
About De La Salle University: De La Salle University, founded in 1911, is a leading institution of higher education in the Philippines. Committed to academic excellence, social responsibility, and ethical leadership, the university serves as a catalyst for positive change in society.
About the Certificate Program on Implementing the Covenant for Shared Prosperity: This 6-module online program equips professionals with the knowledge and skills needed to drive inclusive business practices, fostering sustainable growth and social impact. It is a collaborative effort between De La Salle University and the League of Corporate Foundations.
Click to view the 2024 CSR Conference and Expo AVP
In the face of rapid technological advancements and innovations including Artificial Intelligence (AI), the League of Corporate Foundations (LCF) has embarked on a mission to help corporates harness the vast potential of technology, using Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and Environment, Social and Governance (ESG) reporting, for the benefit of society.
LCF is gearing up for the 2024 CSR Conference and Expo—the highly anticipated annual event—which will take place on July 3 to 4 at Dusit Thani Manila, Makati City. A Press Launch was held on April 25, 2024 at the SGV Hall, ACCEED, Asian Institute of Management in Makati City.
Reimagining technology and its impact
Aptly themed “Reimagining a New and Inclusive Future”, this year’s CSR Expo will delve into technology, AI and digitalization and will explore how the principles of CSR and ESG can be utilized by corporates to make these technologies truly inclusive. This event aims to help corporates work to ensure that the positive impacts of technology outweigh the negative, in order to benefit the 51% of Filipinos living in poverty.
The LCF CSR Expo will also provide corporates the opportunity to understand and discuss how AI and other revolutionary technologies can contribute to societal and national development, particularly in advancing health services, resilience, livelihood, education, and financial and cultural diversity and inclusivity.
“The 2024 Conference will imagine a future where people and communities can harness the power of technology, AI, and the digital space, including the careful implementation of AI and other new technologies to form a truly new and inclusive future if aligned with CSR and ESG principles at the outset,” said Sebastian C. Quiniones, LCF Chair and Executive Director, Pilipinas Shell Foundation, Inc.
The Press Launch featured the participation of PCI Innovations Tech Center, a tech solutions provider that focuses on making technology more inclusive and accessible. Engr. Sergio Ramos III, President, and his team demonstrated their virtual reality (VR) device and software that provides an immersive learning experience.
A venue for cross-sectoral collaboration
The 2024 CSR Expo expects to bring together over 200 participants, including corporates, actors in social development space, and technology firms that will co-create solutions aimed at achieving meaningful and collective impact.
“The League’s stand is that technological innovations can be properly harnessed, such that their ill effects upon society can be mitigated; and that technology offers an abiding opportunity for corporate collaboration, whether between corporates or with other sectors, to achieve monumental and lasting impact upon societal challenges both new and old,” said Shem Jose W. Garcia, LCF Vice-Chair and Executive Director, Vivant Foundation, Inc.
Outstanding CSR initiatives
LCF is also set to announce the winners of the 2024 Guild Awards on the evening of July 3 at Dusit Thani Manila. The awards program upholds exemplary CSR initiatives undertaken by LCF members.
For the first time, the League will also be awarding the CSR Medal of Recognition to non-members to acknowledge the work and effort they provide in their respective communities. The Medal of Recognition celebrates the interventional activities of non-members, including Chambers of Commerce, Jaycees, Rotary, Kiwanis, and Top 1000 companies, among others. This special award will recognize the efforts of businesses in seven thematic areas: Arts and Culture, Disaster Resilience, Education, Environment, Enterprise Development, Financial Inclusion, and Health.
The 2024 CSR Expo will also have a concurrent exhibit at the Glorietta Activity Center on July 4 to 5, highlighting exemplary CSR initiatives undertaken by LCF members and non-members alike. At least 50 exhibitors are to participate in the exhibit. The Medal of Recognition Awarding Ceremony will also be held at the conclusion of the exhibit.
Established in 1991, LCF is a network of operating and grant-making corporate and family foundations and corporations in the Philippines. The League has continued to be at the forefront of promoting and enhancing CSR practice among its members and the larger business community in the country.
PHINMA Corporation has brought back the Service Awards after eight years to honor individuals who have impacted their communities outside of work.
“The PHINMA Service Awards not only honor our employees, but also celebrate the spirit of service that defines our Company,” said Ramon R. del Rosario, Jr., PHINMA Chairman and CEO during the awarding ceremony last March 22, emphasizing the priority isn’t tenure but the recognition of individuals for their initiatives benefiting communities outside the workplace—whether through volunteerism, advocacy, or innovative problem-solving within the broader community.
This year’s event also combines PHINMA’s Service Awards and PHINMA Foundation’s Making Lives Better (MLB) Award into one award-giving initiative moving forward. To recall, the MLB Award has two categories: PHINMA National Scholarship (PNS) Scholar, and the newly introduced Big Brother/Big Sister (BBBS) Hero.
“I am extremely pleased with these two developments as we finally recognize the crucial work that our Big Brothers and Big Sisters do for the success of the PNS Program and we further strengthen the integration of Phinma Foundation’s activities into the core of the PHINMA Group,” said PHINMA Foundation President Roberto Laviña.
The PNS Scholar category highlights a new graduate of the PNS who was likewise recognized as an exemplary student, an excellent leader, and an outstanding scholar. To qualify for this award, one must have a grade point average (GPA) of at least 2.25 without any failing or incomplete remarks in their transcript of records; completed all four modules of the Leadership Camp; and serve a leadership role in at least one organization within or outside campus.
This year’s PNS Scholar awardee is Maribel Esguerra, who graduated cum laude with a bachelor’s degree in social science education from Philippine Normal University Manila. Also a part of PNS Batch 2023, she is now a college instructor and a Remote and Distance (RAD) Learning Program coordinator at PHINMA Saint Jude College – Manila.
“My most sincere gratitude to all of the remarkable individuals in the PHINMA National Scholarship program. Thank you for giving us, scholars, avenues that brought us closer to opportunities not only to grow, but to also make a meaningful difference in the lives of others,” said Esguerra during her acceptance speech.
The BBSS Hero category, meanwhile, pays tribute to an exemplary mentor who has significantly contributed to their mentees’ growth and development through impactful guidance and leadership. To qualify for this award, one must have been an active BBBS for School Year 2022-2023; finished a cycle with at least one mentee, meaning said mentee must have graduated; consistently meets up for K25 sessions; consistently answers the portfolio and attends BBBS workshops or the PNS Lead Camp.
Recognized this year under this category is Aida Santamaria, Human Resources Manager of PHINMA for over two decades, who has served as a Big Sister to PNS scholars since 2008. Her 16-year mentorship saw the graduation of six PHINMA scholars.
Santamaria said the BBBS program was very close to her heart, as it was about building relationships, mentoring, listening, and journeying with the country’s future leaders.
“Honestly, I think I was the one who benefited from being an Ate to my little sisters. Why? Because I did not only get to test my patience, but I also learned from the stories they shared with me,” Santamaria said during her acceptance speech. “Together we were able to overcome so many kumustahan sessions and the challenges that come with them.”
The BBBS category likewise had the ff. criteria: 30% Effective Mentorship; 30% Commitment; 20% Impact on Scholar/s; and 20% Demonstrated Leadership.
Meanwhile, the PNS Scholar category had these rubrics: 10% Scholars’ Votes; 25% Scholarship, pertaining to academic performance and other awards; 15% Mentorship, referring to consistency of K25 meet-ups; 25% Leadership, or their performance in terms of leadership activities, submission of portfolio and other requirements, plus commitment to community services; and 25% Exemplar of Core Values, referring to integrity, love of country, professionalism, and competence.
Apart from Esguerra and Santamaria, this year’s PHINMA Service Awards were also given to David John Cadiao (PHINMA University of Pangasinan – Urdaneta), Jejomar Quiros (PHINMA Saint Jude College), and Ron Ranier Reyes (PHINMA Corporation).
5th Metrobank Foundation Award for Continuing Excellence and Service (ACES). For exemplifying “A Heart that Serves”, MBFI conferred 32 exceptional individuals consisting of teachers, police officers, soldiers, artists, journalists, and scholars with ACES. Joining them on stage (middle, from left to right) are MBFI president Aniceto M. Sobrepeña, GT Foundation president Alfred V. Ty, and Metrobank president Fabian S. Dee.
Celebrating its 45th year this 2024, the Metrobank Foundation, Inc. (MBFI) continues to carry on the legacy of generosity of the late Dr. George S.K. Ty, founder of both the Metropolitan Bank & Trust Company (Metrobank) and MBFI. With the vision to become the country’s premier corporate philanthropic foundation, MBFI is determined to engage and empower communities toward nation-building through its various corporate social responsibility programs on excellence recognition, visual arts, education, disaster response, and grant-giving.
To commemorate the milestone occasion, MBFI recognized exceptional individuals from its roster of awardees and scholars who continued performing their duties with excellence and contributing positively to their respective institutions and communities. They were conferred the 5th Metrobank Foundation Award for Continuing Excellence and Service (ACES), having exemplified “A Heart that Serves”—the foundation’s anniversary theme for this year.
“A Heart that Serves” is a philosophy that defines the foundation’s advocacies. MBFI believes that hearts at work symbolize the untamable Filipino character−sincere and selfless. The foundation takes pride in dedicating its energies to the empowerment of others, knowing that nation-building becomes an easy task when all hearts are working together towards its fulfillment. This has been MBFI’s mission since 1979.
This same heart can be seen in the enduring commitment of the exemplary individuals that MBFI honored during their anniversary celebration held at Marquis Events Place in Bonifacio Global City, Taguig last February 29, 2024.
“A heart that serves is powerful and transformative as we have seen through the last 45 years of Metrobank Foundation’s work. We celebrate it as the legacy of Dr. George S. K. Ty, the man who started it all. It was his corporate vision that the Metrobank conglomerate would pursue nation-building by serving the people who have been an integral part of the company’s acceleration. Service to the community is enshrined in the core values of the Metrobank Group, a payback, as much as a paying forward, the collective success of the business,” said MBFI president Aniceto M. Sobrepeña in his message.
More than 30 individuals were recognized during the event, each receiving the ‘Spiral’ medallion created by 1984 Metrobank Art & Design Excellence (MADE) awardee, Roberto Feleo.
The honorees were chosen among the previous awardees of the Metrobank Foundation Outstanding Filipinos (OF), which recognizes exemplars from the academe, military, and the police, as well as of the Metrobank Art & Design Excellence (MADE) program, which honors the talent and hard work of young Filipino artists. Also included in the roster are the Metrobank Foundation Journalists of the Year (JOY) awardees and Metrobank Foundation scholars.
ACES awardees from the roster of the Metrobank Foundation OF are: Roy B. Basa, Ph.D. (2016), Allan Moore S. Cabrillas, Ph.D. (2014), Allan M. Canonigo, Ph.D. (2004), Ernelea P. Cao, Ph.D. (2016), Thomas Edison E. Dela Cruz, Dr Rer Nat (2015), Ernani S. Fernandez Jr., Ed.D. (2015), Rowena R. Hibanada, Ph.D. (2008), Glendale B. Lamiseria, MS (2007), Lourdes L. Matan, Ph.D. (2009), Rejie F. Palmos, Ph.D. (2015), Samuel R. Soliven, Ph.D. (2003), Mark Anthony J. Torres, Ph.D. (2016), Catherine P. Vistro-Yu, Ed.D. (2012), Col. Wilfredo B Manalang Jr, GSC (2016), BGen Pedro Ramon L Sinajon Jr, AFP (Ret) (1999), PSMS Aida L Awitin (2018), PMAJ Helen L Dela Cruz (2011), PBGEN Joel B Doria, Ph.D. (2017), PMGEN Edgar Alan O Okubo (2013), PCPT Shiela May S Pansoy, MPsy (2017), PMAJ Anna Lisa R Reyes (2008), and PCOL Jemuel F Siason, MPA (2016).
ACES was also presented to MADE awardees: Leslie E. De Chavez (2003), Christopher L. Gomez (2012), Felix M. Miguel (1989), and Heidrun Milan, IDr (2010); to JOY awardees: Rodrigo “Jiggy” D. Manicad Jr. (2013), Horacio “Howie” G. Severino (2015), and Maria Teresa “Marites” D. Vitug (2015); and to former Metrobank Foundation scholars Mary Rachelle C. Batanes, MA, Maria Rosario P. Ilao, and Brian Gil S. Sarinas, Ph.D.
Institutional partners were also honored during the special gathering, under the 4th Metrobank Foundation Award for Partners in Empowerment, Advocacy, and Commitment to Excellence (PEACE) to acknowledge their collaborative efforts with MBFI toward nation-building.
“We encourage you to continue with us in this noble call to nation-building, leveraging our modest resources, and amplifying your work as our partners to be there for the disadvantaged and the marginalized. Let us not get tired of doing what is right,” said Sobrepeña, addressing the partners of the foundation.
Thirty (30) institutions that include national government agencies, non-government and socio-civic organizations, international organizations as well as the academe, business, and media received the ‘Kapit-Bisig’ trophy created by Architect Jonathan Dangue, 2011 MADE awardee.
From the National Government Agencies, MBFI acknowledged partners from the Department of Education, the Philippine National Police, the Cultural Center of the Philippines, the Armed Forces of the Philippines, and the Philippine Postal Corporation.
From Non-Government and Socio-Civic Organizations, MBFI honored Got Heart Foundation, Inc., Linangan Art Residency, BAYO Foundation, Inc., International Care Ministries, Metrobank Foundation Network of Outstanding Teachers and Educators, BINHI English Literacy Foundation, Inc., Food for the Hungry, Inc. Branch Office, Philippine Business for Education, World Vision Development Foundation, Inc., and Knowledge Channel Foundation, Inc.
Partners recognized from the business sector include City Savings Bank, Inc., China Bank Savings, BDO Network Bank/BDO Foundation, PLDT-Smart Foundation, Inc., Globe Telecom, and Manila Doctors Hospital.
The PEACE award was also presented to SEAMEO INNOTECH and Manila Tytana Colleges, as well as to media partners GMA Network, Inc., DWIZ (Aliw Broadcasting Corp.), and The Manila Times, and COVID-19 intervention partners, Ronald McDonald House Charities Philippines, DZRH (Manila Broadcasting Co.), Manila Water Foundation, and Ateneo de Davao University.
4th Metrobank Foundation Award for Partners in Empowerment, Advocacy, and Commitment to Excellence (PEACE). Metrobank Foundation honored 30 institutional partners from various government agencies, non-government and socio-civic organizations, international organizations, academe, business, and media with the PEACE award to acknowledge their collaborative efforts with MBFI toward nation-building. Joining them on stage (middle, from left to right) are MBFI president Aniceto M. Sobrepeña, GT Foundation president Alfred V. Ty, and Metrobank president Fabian S. Dee.
Another highlight of the occasion was the presentation of the gallant members of armed forces and police—Metrobank Foundation Outstanding Filipinos Soldiers and Police Officers who are promoted as star-rank generals. They were: GEN Romeo S Brawner Jr (2013); BGEN Elmer B Suderio PA (2017); BGEN Antonio Z Francisco Jr PAF (2012); BGEN Eliglen F Villaflor PA (GSC) (2016); PMGEN Eric E Noble (Ret) (2009); PMGEN Belli B Tamayo (2012); PMGEN Edgar Allan O Okubo (2013); PMGEN Ronald O Lee (2008); PMGEN Leo M Francisco (2010); PBGEN Alden B Delvo (2009); PMGEN Sidney N Villaflor (2010); PBGEN Wilson Joseph F Lopez (2007); and PBGEN Joel B Doria (Ret) (2017).
Star-rank Generals. Metrobank Foundation Outstanding Filipinos Soldiers and Police Officers who were promoted as star-rank generals were presented during Metrobank Foundation’s 45th anniversary celebration. They were joined on stage by MBFI president Aniceto M. Sobrepeña and GT Foundation president Alfred V. Ty (middle).
Recently, MBFI also recognized its internal stakeholders who were instrumental in helping realize its mission of corporate philanthropy through the Seal of Trust for Allies in Responsive Service (STARS).
MBFI was established on January 8, 1979, sixteen (16) years after Dr. Ty founded Metrobank. It is the corporate social responsibility arm of the Metrobank Group, implementing various programs on education, facilitating excellence recognition among key professions in the civil service and visual arts, and extending grants to address disaster relief and response needs, as well as social development gaps.
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The Metrobank Foundation, Inc. (MBFI) was established on January 8, 1979 by Dr. George S. K. Ty, sixteen (16) years after he founded the Metropolitan Bank & Trust Company (Metrobank). MBFI envisions to be the country’s premier corporate philanthropic foundation contributing a significant impact on social development. Its flagship programs include the Metrobank Foundation Outstanding Filipinos; Metrobank Art & Design Excellence (MADE); Metrobank Scholarship Program (MSP); Metrobank MTAP-DepEd Math Challenge (MMC); Grants and Social Development Partnerships, Disaster Response, National Teachers’ Month (NTM) celebration, and the Metrobank Foundation Professorial Chair Lectures. MBFI is also the principal owner of the Manila Doctors Hospital (MDH), one of the leading centers of wellness in the country.As a development organization, MBFI aims to uplift individuals and the sectors they represent and strategically link with institutions for a shared purpose. By creating and propagating a culture of excellence and providing solutions to stakeholder’s needs, the Foundation continuously expands its scope of reach to be at the forefront of serving communities. As the heart of the Metrobank Group, “Excel. Engage. Empower” or the 3Es remains its roadmap.
General Santos City, March 8, 2024—From 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. yesterday, LCF held its CSR on the Go Gen San session at the Grand Summit Hotel in General Santos City.
“LCF created the VisMin Regional Chapter in 2022, recognizing that building partnerships across regions is essential for the practice of CSR,” said Shem Jose W. Garcia, LCF Vice-Chairperson, LCF-CSR Institute Chairperson, and Vivant Foundation, Inc. Executive Director. “General Santos is the second city in Mindanao that we are bringing CSR on the Go to. Despite our name, membership is not limited to corporate foundations but all companies who engage with their communities to build shared value through programs that invest in different sectors of society and the environment.”
In support of nation-building, LCF promotes and enhances Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) practice among its members and the larger business community. In keeping with this thrust, LCF organizes CSR on the Go sessions to reach out to and promote CSR to non-member corporate foundations, organizations, private companies, and business communities.
CSR on the Go Gen San includes two University Lecture Series sessions, which will be conducted at Mindanao State University (MSU) – General Santos City and Notre Dame of Dadiangas University (NDDU). The CSR Lecture Series aims to inculcate basic CSR concepts and principles as well as best practices in university students, particularly business and social sciences students, and is offered free of charge to support the implementation of CHED Memo 39. This is a 2006 directive that mandates universities offering business administration courses to include three units of social responsibility and good governance subjects in their business administration curricula.
LCF’s first stop for CSR on the Go is in General Santos City. This is co-hosted by LCF member Conrado and Ladislawa Alcantara Foundation, Inc. (CLAFI). Aside from this leg, LCF will hold succeeding CSR on the Go sessions in Bohol and Cagayan de Oro City.
Yesterday in General Santos, LCF also announced its inaugural Medal of Recognition. Through this new initiative, the organization seeks to recognize and uphold projects and programs which bring about positive change in local communities and which are undertaken by organizations that are not members of LCF. This is in parallel with the CSR Guild Awards through which LCF celebrates exemplary CSR initiatives organized by member organizations. The Medal will honor exemplary initiatives across the seven thematic areas of Arts & Culture, Disaster Resilience, Education, Environment, Enterprise Development, Financial Inclusion, and Health.
LCF is now accepting entries to the Medal of Recognition. The top three applicants per thematic area will be notified and invited to the 2024 CSR Conference and Expo, the culmination of LCF’s government-mandated celebration of CSR Week 2024, which will take place from July 3-4 at the Mayuree Ballroom of the Dusit Thani Manila in Makati City. Medal of Recognition winners will be announced and awarded at a ceremony to be held on July 5 at the Glorietta Activity Center, Makati City, as part of the CSR EXPO during which leading CSR initiatives will be showcased to the general public.
“The Gensan Chamber of Commerce partners with the League of Corporate Foundations to promote social responsibility within the regional business sector,” said Miguel Rene A. Dominguez, President, General Santos City Chamber of Commerce, Inc. (GSCCCI). “Today’s understanding of corporate contributions to social issues and nation building will motivate business leaders in the region to not only focus on business but also to become responsible citizens who collaborate with local stakeholders to benefit their communities.”
Dr. Albarracin, a former UPERDFI chairman, was among the institution’s “Legacy Donors” or top ten benefactors since 1972 honored during the Thanksgiving Dinner on Feb. 7 at the Makati Sports Club.
The UPERDFI also recognized Dr. Albarracin as a Platinum Donor and PHINMA Foundation as a Gold Donor from December 2022 to November 2023 during the event.
To recall, Dr. Albarracin worked with PHINMA Foundation in providing funding for 11 professorial chairs for the UP CoE — of which six are still being used today.
Just last year, he donated P50 million for the upgrade of the Electrical and Electronics Engineering Institute laboratories. He also contributed to the Technology Development and Strategic Studies Fund, the Student Wellbeing Program, and the UPERDFI administration.
Dr. Albarracin also led a matching fundraising campaign in 2008 for the construction of the Engineering Centennial Dormitory Building 1, now known as the Concordia Albarracin Residence Hall, which caters to male graduate students of UP Diliman.
A UP electrical engineering alumnus himself, Dr. Albarracin believes in the importance of using business as a force for good by investing in the engineers of tomorrow.
“Education plays a crucial role in nation-building, which is why businesses and leaders like myself must take the lead in investing in our students. The future of our nation lies in these aspiring engineers who will map out the blueprint for progress and chart the course for further development,” said Dr. Albarracin.
The PHINMA Foundation has been empowering high school students from 13 different regional and science high schools, as well as college engineering students from 10 various colleges and universities across the Philippines since the inception of its Science Education and Engineering program in 2006 — a testament to its enduring commitment to fostering the potential of Filipino youth.
This academic year, the Foundation proudly supports 87 high school and 44 college students by ensuring they have the necessary resources and support to pursue and complete their college education.
Manila Water Foundation partnered with Odyssey Foundation, Inc. (OFI), the CSR arm of CDO Foodsphere Inc. for a WASH Pamayanan session in the Municipality of Cuenca, Batangas.
WASH Pamayanan encourages community members to be WASH advocates, enhancing knowledge, skills, and attitudes on hygiene and sanitation for healthier homes and communities. WASH Pamayanan was part of OFI’s Gabay Kalusugan Family Enrichment Seminar and concluded with the distribution of OFI’s VitaBun, a vitamin-fortified bread for undernourished children.
The parent-participants received gift bags from Manila Water Foundation’s partner, Philusa Corporation. Each gift bag contains bottles of Cleene Antibacterial Foaming Handsoap and other essential hygiene items. The mothers and fathers also received Ascorbic Acid Poten-Cee vitamin supplements from Pascual Laboratories. The WASH Pamayanan session is part of a series of WASH events in celebration of MWF’s 19th anniversary.
Pilipinas Shell Foundation, Inc. (PSFI), known for its dedication to advancing science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education, has been recognized as a ‘Champion of Change’ by the Department of Science and Technology – Technology Application and Promotion Institute (DOST-TAPI) during the 37th Anniversary of DOST-TAPI, held at The Heritage Hotel on January 30, 2024.
DOST Secretary Renato Solidum, Jr., DOST Undersecretary Maridon Sahagun, and DOST-TAPI Director Marion Ivy Decena presented the prestigious award to PSFI, along with the 12 esteemed ‘Champions of Change’ chosen from their extensive network of partners nationwide. PSFI’s Program Manager for Education, Kath Valentin-Ringor, and Senior Program Officer for Education and Innovation, Crisille Villaluna, received the plaque for PSFI’s commitment to elevating the quality of STEM education and contribution to enterprise development through innovative initiatives such as Shell NXplorers and Shell LiveWIRE.
These programs have empowered young minds and contributed to cultivating a culture of scientific excellence in the Philippines. Since 2020, Shell LiveWIRE Philippines has supported almost 200 entrepreneurs creating more than 700 local jobs within the sectors of energy, environment and circular economy, and local prosperity. Meanwhile, Shell NXplorers has reached over 2,000 students and trained 300+ teachers nationwide since the program started in 2019 to cultivate STEM Habits of the Mind to address relevant community challenges on food, water, and energy.
As the social arm of Shell Companies in the Philippines, the Foundation has been a crucial instrument in partnering with DOST-TAPI to further youth capacity building, nurture bright ideas, support tech startups, and make technology accessible to underserved communities. Through DOST-TAPI’s mentoring programs including the promotion of Intellectual Property Rights, Shell NXplorers participants can be equipped with skills and mindset necessary to drive innovative idea generation. Moreover, the Institutes’ programs for inventors and startup founders present opportunities for Shell LiveWIRE cohorts to enhance their product and business development. The collaboration between PSFI and DOST-TAPI seeks to instill a passion for science among Filipino youth and entrepreneurs.
Shell LiveWIRE, the flagship enterprise development program of Shell, supports entrepreneurs and helps new business leaders grow. Similarly, NXplorers, Shell’s Global STEM Program, introduces young individuals to the complex and creative thinking needed for making meaningful change.
DOST-TAPI celebrated its 37th Anniversary with the theme: “Defying Boundaries, Celebrating Victories, and Sharing the Glory in Making History!,” which resonates with the achievements of PSFI and its fellow ‘Champions of Change’. We at PSFI extend our heartfelt gratitude to our partners. Our collective efforts made this first milestone of 2024 possible. Just as the theme says, let us continue to push the boundaries of possibility and make more societal impacts on moving the Filipinos forward in the pages of history.
League of Corporate Foundations 