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Backyard Vegetable Gardening with Asia Inspection employees and FPUA community

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Last September 22, more than 100 employees of Asia Inspection (AI) Philippines  spent their day tree planting and backyard gardening with the community in barangay Agujo, Daanbantayan, Northern Cebu.

The activity implemented by FPUA with its NGO partner Habitat for Humanity Philippines aims to create awareness among the families on the value of growing their own vegetables to improve their dietary intake and save money on household food budget.

It was a great and enjoyable experience for both the volunteers and the local residents of the FPUA rehabilitation site.

FPUA Privilege Partner Delfingen visits communities affected by typhoon Haiyan

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On August 17, 2018, french company Delfingen visited the FPUA community in barangay Agujo, Daanbantayan, Cebu and brought children’s books, teen’s book, pocketbooks, coloring books, learning books for beginners, and sets of crayons, pencils and pencil sharpeners. They also distributed chocolate bars for the kids to enjoy!

Moreover, Delfingen generously gave a computer for Saint Martin De Porres Academy for the use of our FPUA scholars.

After the visit to Daanbantayan, the volunteers went to Libaong Elementary School in San Remigio, Cebu where they gave a presentation on environmental protection and proper waste segregation. They also donated trash cans for proper waste segregation, computer sets, and distributed Jollibee meals to the pupils (Grade 1 to 6).

Similar to FPUA rehabilitation site, the Libaong village was chosen because it was a beneficiary of Delfingen’s relief operations after the Typhoon Yolanda in 2013. It was also the hometown of one of the employees of the company whose family and neighbors were heavily affected by the typhoon.

Republic Cement Advocates for Stronger Women

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Leading construction solutions company Republic Cement Services, Inc. does not only innovates for stronger building structures but also advocates for stronger women.

Picture from Republic Cement Services, Inc.

In a bid to give back and contribute to the society, leading construction-solutions company Republic Cement Services, Inc., spearheads a series of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) events under their flagship theme: “Lusog Tibay”. This is part of their dedication to strengthen their partner communities toward building a stronger Republic.

For their latest initiative, Republic Cement Services, Inc. partnered with their ready-mix contractor Dee Concrete Inc. / Premier Ready-Mix, Inc. for the Lusog Tibay Women’s Health Day. The program focused on reproductive health for the women of Pinagbuhatan Pasig, the hometown of Dee Concrete.

“More than being a company that helps build strong and reliable structures, we want to build the nation one community at a time. We can start by empowering our citizens, especially the women that takes care of their families,” shared Nabil Francis, President of Republic Cement Services, Inc.

Held last August 2, 2018 at the Multi-purpose hall and livelihood center of Barangay Pinagbuhatan in Pasig, the program that ran from 7am to 4pm helped about 250 women beneficiaries from the low to middle-income bracket. Pinagbuhatan is the oldest and biggest barangay in Pasig. It has a population of over 170,000 and 55% of which are women.

Republic Cement Services, Inc. opted to raise awareness on crucial issues that affect the country. For instance, Cervical and Breast Cancers are some of the top killers in the Philippines while HIV is also fast-growing. The Department of Health recently reported 11,103 new cases of HIV in a span of one year, increasing the numbers to 19.85% from 2016 to 2017. In addition to these health challenges, Family Planning is another problem that the company deemed important to be addressed.

“During the event, we have found out that Cervical Cancer is really not well known in PH. One of our beneficiaries, an 18-year old mother of a 6-month old infant is not familiar with pap smear so she grabbed the opportunity to be screened for free. We are very glad to be of service,” said Ms. Elizabeth Dee, Vice President for Sales of Dee Concrete Inc. / Premier Ready-Mix, Inc. 

Ms. Dee, officially opened the event through an inspiring message dedicated to all participants, “Kung semento ang nagpapatibay ng tahanan, ang pamilya ang nagpapatibay ng komunidad” (if cement strengthens a home, a family is what strenghtens a community.)

Implementing partners of this CSR event are France-Philippines United Action (FPUA), the Foundation of the CCI France-Philippines; and Friendlycare Foundation.

FPUA was created by the CCI France-Philippines and the French Embassy in the Philippines in 2013 after typhoon Yolanda. Since then, FPUA help companies in developing impactful and sustainable CSR projects in the Philippines. Republic Cement and FPUA have been working together since the creation of the Foundation.

Friendlycare Foundation on the other hand, has been delivering affordable health services especially reproductive health focused on Maternal and Child Health and Nutrition and Family Planning since 1999.

The CSR health mission was likewise supported by Barangay Captain, Maricar Asilo-Vivero and previous mayor of Pasig Mrs. Maribel A. Eusebio.

Lectures on Family Planning, Cervical Cancer, HIV/STI were given by Friendlycare doctors. Philhealth member benefits were likewise discussed during the event. Simultaneously, OB/GYN and family planning consultations and pap smear screening were offered. Pap smear is the most common procedure to screen cervical cancer.

Some attendees also won Republic Cement items on various games in the fun and informative program.

ARTICLE : Integrated CSR: Corporate Social Responsibility For Who

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By Gen Dela Cruz

Corporate social responsibility or CSR is encouraged as companies’ fair share of contribution in efforts towards social welfare. It is essentially seen as something one-way, that is; benefitting only those who are direct beneficiaries of the CSR programs. This is a common oversimplification of the nature of CSR, and frankly, CSR can offer a lot more than that. CSR done thoughtfully and meticulously can serve as a win-win for the firm and the beneficiaries. The upsides to taking CSR seriously are plentiful and among them include benefits to the society, employee morale, public image and many others, therefore, there is a case to be made that firms might want to put more thought and effort into their CSR programs.

In “The Marketing of Employee Volunteerism” by Peloza (2009), he discussed different ways on how firms heighten their investments in CSRs and how it yields a positive impact not only to the communities being served but also for the volunteers and the company as well. First, companies that present commitment to the causes they select, exert effort into participating in their own projects. Whenever they engage in volunteer work, people develop a deeper understanding of their advocacies which is the essence of CSR. Aside from this, the social impact of a company’s CSR volunteer program often leads to higher returns from their investment. Firms are expected to “receive increased rewards from the market” as a sign of support from those who also stand by their cause. It is a good mechanism that generates strong public trust and builds up a good image for the company. Moreover, companies that integrate their employees into CSR programs, appear to be “more desirable to potential employees  and report lower turnover costs.” This is because the employees are motivated by their ego, altruism, and organizational citizenship. Volunteer work is far different from the everyday mundaneness of the office life. Given participation in company CSR projects, employees are given the chance to engage with other people in their company outside of the workplace setting. Boosting their morale, they are given the opportunity to meet new people, represent their company, and satisfy their craving for new learning and social interaction. It also enhances the employees’ capacity for social exchange as they recognize the organizational citizenship among themselves, creating a mindset of working voluntarily for others.

Moreover, Peloza suggests that in order to craft an effective CSR program, firms must align it to their business model. He proposes that “firms can increase the value, and ultimately the competitive advantage, of their philanthropic investments through increased alignment between the charitable cause and business strategy; a more long-term partnership focus; and providing ‘in-kind donations’ such as equipment, expertise, and employee volunteers rather than more cash donations.” CSR programs that are in the same field where their business operates, allows a better communicative relationship between the company and the community. Given these, companies are encouraged to integrate their employees in their CSR programs through intra-organizational volunteerism wherein “an employer who develops the volunteer opportunity (including the selection of the charity partner) offers these opportunities to its employees.”

Companies that reach out to those in the grassroots and implement programs that are also in line with their businesses, create a nourishing process of development. It is suitable for the companies and communities to engage in long-term partnerships to form a more fruitful alliance geared towards sustainable development. Integrating employees into CSR activities is an ingenious way not only for companies fortifying public trust but also for the general public to gain consciousness of social realities.

It is clear that CSR is not just for the beneficiaries, nor is it just for the firms or employees. Under the right circumstances and direction, CSR can be for everyone involved. There is something positive to take away and to give on all sides and that is what is sometimes left out of the common conversation on corporate social responsibility.


Reference

Peloza, John, et al. “The Marketing of Employee Volunteerism.” Journal of Business Ethics, vol. 85, 2009, pp. 371–386. JSTOR, JSTOR, www.jstor.org/stable/40294847

Internship available : Project Coordinator

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Looking for an internship experience in International Development? Join us at FPUA!

Apply now!

Please note that this is an internship position and we are preferably looking for students as part of their OJTs to fill this position.

Responsibilities:

• Help in identifying and coordinating with partner communities, NGOs, and government agencies for the development of CSR projects
• Research data for the creation of CSR proposals (e.g. online tools, calls, emails, meetings if needed)
• Communicate progress to the Executive Director
• Update and maintain individual, foundations, NGOs, and corporate records.
• Research on Corporate Social Responsibility to create short articles for FPUA social media and website
• Handle FPUA email address
• Assist in the organization of events/activities: invitations, logistic, registration.
• Maintain confidentiality of all records and information in accordance with internal policies and privacy laws.
• The intern will also provide support to the Executive Director of FPUA when needed.

Send your resume at info@fpua.ph

ARTICLE:Facts on CSR in the Philippines

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By Gen Dela Cruz

Corporate Social Responsibility or CSR, aims to pioneer social change through an effective evaluation and implementation of projects aligned with the business’ operations and strategies. Beyond this, benevolent CSR programs are seen as beaming lights of hope as its objective is to help others with marginalized advocacies or those in vulnerable communities where social services are weak. It serves as an avenue where companies engage with their clients or even their personnel on a personal level, outside a corporate setting. In a developing country such as the Philippines, there is an incessant call to give aid to those who need it the most. Given the state of the country where there is a lack of support for social services, growing inflation rate for basic necessities, and underdevelopment, businesses must not be oblivious to the plight of our society. With the resources accumulated by companies, charitable CSR projects make a great impact on communities, giving them an opportunity to better themselves.

The first step to effective CSR is to analyze and reflect if the company is conscious of social realities. Corporate Social Responsibility does not require only external intervention. It can also be done in a company’s internal management. Ensuring the wellness of one’s labor force and adhering to fair and just labor practices also answer the call of social responsibility. Moreover, it is crucial that a company assesses the social impact of its business operations, whether it is on the environment or on society. When it comes to external intervention, it is important to take into account where the company’s competencies and abilities meet society’s needs to ensure maximum impact. This will be the ultimate starting point of all CSR endeavors as they strengthen public trust through intervention in vulnerable, underprivileged communities.

 

When and where do we begin?

 

There is an opportunity to associate a company’s CSR programs to focus on proactive projects that advocate for a holistic sustainable development to give the underprivileged an opportunity for social mobility and a better quality of life. The Philippines is currently faced with a plethora of challenges, among these are:

 

1.     Environment

 

In a country that ranks 3rd highest in terms of vulnerability to climate change and 4th most disaster-prone country in the world, the Philippines stands defenseless against the wrath of the environment that has already washed away lives of many Filipinos such as in 2015 when Typhoon Haiyan hit Leyte and took at least 6,000 lives.

 

2.     Health

 

There are also problems in health as for the growing HIV infection rate with 11,103 new reported cases in 2017 (DOH) and the significant rise in the suicide rate wherein at least six individuals commit suicide every day. In poverty-stricken areas, hunger and malnutrition remain to be the pressing problem among children. For the Philippines, general and even mental health which has become consequential concerns.

 

3.     Education

 

Despite the ability to produce quality and driven student, Filipino public schools are in deep need of classrooms and supplies to support their schooling. Because of the growing population and poverty, more and more children fail to grab the opportunity of going to school, which is why scholarships and donations are one of the main things that underprivileged people look forward to.

 

4.     Other sectors

 

Aside from the aforementioned, there is a myriad of sectors where help would be appreciated such as landless farmers who were slighted by the poor implementation of agrarian reform, indigenous people who are being harassed out of their ancestral lands, orphans, out-of-school youth, internally displaced people who came from conflict areas in Mindanao and many others. There is no shortage of sectors, areas, fields or regions that could use extra assistance.

With everything society is facing, the pressure to address these key issues and to aid these marginalized sectors is tremendous and although it will be a long arduous process, society has to act with urgency and attentiveness. Now is the best time to take part in helping others. If not now, then when?

 

Improving Corporate Social Responsibility

 

Given the ever-changing context of society, it is imperative that we craft a deeper understanding of CSR. Corporate Social Responsibility is usually thought of as outside intervention by a company; as philanthropic, but there is an argument to be made that CSR should become more developmental than philanthropic. Increasingly complex social issues have brought about the need to move past donation and philanthropy, and into CSR becoming an ethos of a business itself. This means that in line with the terms “social responsibility” companies should make sure that all their endeavors are socially responsible and that all their practices and work environment also promote social justice. When it comes to actual Corporate Social Responsibility projects, new CSR implementers should take the vast complexity of social issues into account and create dynamic, long lasting and sustainable solutions for the communities and sectors they engage.


References

Acuna, Melo. “Growing Number of Young Filipinos Committing Suicide.” UCANews, The Union of Catholic Asian News, 12 Mar. 2018, www.ucanews.com/news/growing-number-of-young-filipinos-committing-suicide/81759

Flores, Hele. “Climate Change Vulnerability: Philippines Ranks 3rd.” The Philippine Star, 21 Mar. 2018, www.philstar.com/headlines/2018/03/21/1798866/climate-change-vulnerability-philippines-ranks-3rd

Lapeña, Carmela. “SPECIAL REPORT: Suicide and the Pinoy Youth.” GMA News Online, 17 July 2015, www.gmanetwork.com/news/lifestyle/healthandwellness/524070/special-report-suicide-and-the-pinoy-youth/story/

Mogato, Manuel, and Michael Perry. “Philippines Has Highest HIV Infection Growth Rate in Asia-Pacific: U.N.” Reuters, 1 Aug. 2017, www.reuters.com/article/us-health-aids-philippines/philippines-has-highest-hiv-infection-growth-rate-in-asia-pacific-u-n-idUSKBN1AH3CW

Montenegrogma, Bea. “Philippines 4th Most Disaster-Prone Country in the World – UN Report.” GMA News Online, GMA News Online, 25 Nov. 2015, www.gmanetwork.com/news/scitech/weather/545760/philippines-4th-most-disaster-prone-country-in-the-world-un-report/story/

Regencia, Ted. “Philippines: HIV Cases up 3,147 Percent in 10 Years.” Israeli–Palestinian Conflict | Al Jazeera, Al Jazeera, 19 Feb. 2018, www.aljazeera.com/news/2018/02/philippines-hiv-cases-3147-percent-10-years-180219090618348.html

ESSILOR MANUFACTURING PHILIPPINES INC. won CSR Creative Award at CCI Business Awards 2018

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By Patrick Martinet (https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/essilor-manufacturing-philippines-inc-corporate-social-martinet/)

During the “Business Awards Night Ceremony” June 7th, 2018 organized by CCI France-Philippines, Essilor Manufacturing Philippines Inc (EMPI) was recognized for its Corporate Social Responsibility actions by France-Philippines United Action through their Executive Director, Ms. Elodie Turpin.

This Special Price and Award, recognizes Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) actions conducted in 2017 to contribute to eradicate uncorrected poor vision and “improving lives by improving sight.”

This 2018 Business Awards Night organized for the 30th anniversary of CCI France-Philippines has honored innovative actions across all industries as well as social contributions through their commitment to community and environment’s sustainability. This special award given to EMPI is in effect a recognition for all the actions done by Essilor companies in the Philippines.

Patrick Martinet, EMPI Managing Director, informed that among the 7.4 billion people around the world who need to protect and preserve their vision, if only from the harmful effects of the sun, more than 4.6 billion of them really need vision correction to improve their sight (due to myopia, presbyopia,, etc. ). But only 2.1 billion have access, leaving room for a large population of 2.5 billion people with uncorrected vision problems.

This is the reason why Essilor decided to eradicate uncorrected poor vision. So a broad program was launched through Essilor Vision Foundation and supported by the group’s different entities in more than 100 countries worldwide.

In 2017, around 20,000 people benefited from EMPI’s visual screening, about 40 % have needed vision correction, and destitute people as well as school children were awarded eyeglasses.

All these actions have been made possible with the strong support of local opticians and full involvement of many EMPI’s employees who are proud to contribute to the Essilor Group Mission.

Pernod Ricard Philippines conducts Responsib’All day in Taal Lake, Batangas

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June 7 2018, Pernod Ricard’s Responsib’All day sees its 18,500 employees spending a whole day away from their daily tasks to engage in over 100 local community projects. Pernod Ricard is one of the world’s leading wines and spirits companies.

For this 8th edition, the group chose to focus on SDG6 “clean water and sanitation” and SDG15 “life on land”. In line with Pernod Ricard’s commitment against plastic pollution, this year, 40 projects are dedicated to clean water where employees clean lakes, rivers and beaches, in various countries around the globe including the Philippines.

On this special day, Pernod Ricard Philippines spent the day cleaning Taal Lake and sharing convivialité with the local communities.

The purpose of the environmental activity, specifically the Taal Lake Coastal Cleanup was to increase awareness among communities and citizens on SDG 6 “Clean Water and Sanitation” , engage citizens to remove trash and debris from beaches and waterways, to identify the sources of the litter, and to change the behaviors that cause pollution, and provide assistance to the local fishing communities by providing technology and equipment to measure water viability.

Participants were divided into 5 groups with including Pernod Ricard employees and DENR representatives. Each group was assigned to clean a specific area previously identified by the implementing partners and given an hour and a half to complete the waste collection. The collected wastes were segregated and sorted per category by each participating group. All groups reconvened for the data analysis of the waste collected from the clean up.

Pusod Inc. provided a waste data checklist for the participants. The waste data collection and monitoring was supervised by representatives from the Department of Environment and National Resources (DENR).

The company also donated aquaculture kits to Taal Lake fisherfolk to help them assess water conditions for fish growth and water vitality.

This project was organized in partnership with France-Philippines United Action Foundation, the Bato-Balani Foundation and in cooperation with the local government of Taal, the Taal Lake Conservation Center or Pusod Inc.

Team David’s Salon races for FPUA

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Remember, last February, Team David’s Salon participated in the Tigasin Ronda Norte, a 600 km bike course from Manila-Pasig to Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte. Upon completion the team received Php 100,000 which they chose to donate to the France-Philippines United Action Foundation.

This course was actually just a warm-up for the team who is about to compete in the biggest challenge of their life. 3000 miles, 12 states, four rivers, three major mountains ranges, is what Team David’s Salon will be cycling through in taking part of Race Across America (RAAM). The race will start in Oceanside, California on June 17. The team has 9 days to reach the finish line in Annapolis, Maryland.

Impossible, you think? Nothing is for this first mixed relay team to represent Southeast Asia and the Philippines in the world’s toughest and longest time trial race. Team David’s Salon, is comprised of two males and two female cyclists: Guillaume D’Aboville, a Frenchman living in the Philippines for more than three decades, Colin and Carmela Pearson, a Filipino-British couple, and Vanessa Bandoy Hans, a young French-Filipina. They are strongly supported by David’s Salon, Inc., Fuji Haya Electric, and LS Korea.

 

More than just a test of strength, endurance, and team dynamics, team David’s Salon want to raise both awareness and funds for a cause. They chose to support France-Philippines United Action Foundation and our projects to help typhoon Haiyan’s victims. Even though it has been almost four years since its landfall, many are still living in extremely precarious conditions. Currently, FPUA is focused on building its third rehabilitation village in Bogo City, Northern Cebu which will benefit 46 families. The Foundation is committed to continue its mission to build resilient communities and provide safe, decent living for all. In line with this, FPUA also developed Health and Child Welfare programs for the communities.

 

We are so excited to follow them on their bikes! Stay tuned for more updates! Don’t forget to check our facebook page https://www.facebook.com/frenchunitedaction/?fref=ts

Follow Team David’s Salon on their website, click  https://raceacrossamerica2017ph.wordpress.com/home/  or on their facebook page https://www.facebook.com/raam2017tds/?fref=ts

To support the team and the Foundation you may contact us through email at:

elodie.turpin0@ccifrance-philippines.org

 

Team David’s Salon races for FPUA

By | Blog, Slider, Uncategorized | No Comments

Remember, last February, Team David’s Salon participated in the Tigasin Ronda Norte, a 600 km bike course from Manila-Pasig to Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte. Upon completion the team received Php 100,000 which they chose to donate to the France-Philippines United Action Foundation.

This course was actually just a warm-up for the team who is about to compete in the biggest challenge of their life. 3000 miles, 12 states, four rivers, three major mountains ranges, is what Team David’s Salon will be cycling through in taking part of Race Across America (RAAM). The race will start in Oceanside, California on June 17. The team has 9 days to reach the finish line in Annapolis, Maryland.

Impossible, you think? Nothing is for this first mixed relay team to represent Southeast Asia and the Philippines in the world’s toughest and longest time trial race. Team David’s Salon, is comprised of two males and two female cyclists: Guillaume D’Aboville, a Frenchman living in the Philippines for more than three decades, Colin and Carmela Pearson, a Filipino-British couple, and Vanessa Bandoy Hans, a young French-Filipina. They are strongly supported by David’s Salon, Inc., Fuji Haya Electric, and LS Korea.

 

More than just a test of strength, endurance, and team dynamics, team David’s Salon want to raise both awareness and funds for a cause. They chose to support France-Philippines United Action Foundation and our projects to help typhoon Haiyan’s victims. Even though it has been almost four years since its landfall, many are still living in extremely precarious conditions. Currently, FPUA is focused on building its third rehabilitation village in Bogo City, Northern Cebu which will benefit 46 families. The Foundation is committed to continue its mission to build resilient communities and provide safe, decent living for all. In line with this, FPUA also developed Health and Child Welfare programs for the communities.

 

We are so excited to follow them on their bikes! Stay tuned for more updates! Don’t forget to check our facebook page https://www.facebook.com/frenchunitedaction/?fref=ts

Follow Team David’s Salon on their website, click  https://raceacrossamerica2017ph.wordpress.com/home/  or on their facebook page https://www.facebook.com/raam2017tds/?fref=ts

To support the team and the Foundation you may contact us through email at:

elodie.turpin0@ccifrance-philippines.org