Innovation is gaining significance in changing how companies do business and transform peoples’ lives for the better. To further elevate the standards of corporate social responsibility programs and how they deliver sustainable positive difference in communities, the League of Corporate Foundations put innovation at the centre of this year’s CSR Conference that was recently held at the New World Hotel in Makati City.
The two-day forum aimed to form a community of learners, engage new groups, companies and institutions and uphold a culture of collaboration and development in discussing and opening new opportunities and possible solutions to pressing issues such as poverty, inequality and climate change.
This year’s theme, “Innov8 for a Better World”, highlighted the importance of innovating on CSR programs to more effectively build inclusive growth for the benefit of all Filipinos amid changes and challenges in the Philippine socio-economic and environmental conditions.
Topics during the plenary sessions focused on innovations in CSR leadership, CSR as a business strategy, CSR excellence, reviewing community relations and grassroots development, and discussions on public and private partnerships, educational innovations and environmental stewardship.
Chito Maniago, vice chairperson of the LCF Board of Trustees, chair of the CSR Expo 2018 and executive director of Cemex Philippines Foundation, noted how social movements are helmed by a community of CSR leaders to become a collaborative force for shaping a sustainable future for individuals and communities.
The need for business leaders to be “change agents” that explore new perspectives in CSR with focus on environment, sustainability and economics in their business strategy was highlighted during the first plenary discussion.
From the leaders to employees working on the ground, CSR practitioners know firsthand how authentic relationships with communities are the foundation of successful social development programs. At the forum, innovations on communications, brand integration and reputation building were enforced—reiterating values and a corporate commitment to be a good neighbor as vital components in making lasting positive change among lives in communities.
New perspectives on addressing specific sectors’ unmet needs such as those of women, youth, and soldiers, among others, were also undertaken during the conference and how they are being addressed through public and private sector collaboration for grassroots development.
From its humble beginnings in the early 90s, the LCF has grown into a network of almost 100 corporate foundations and corporations in the Philippines and remained at the forefront of promoting, enhancing and synergizing CSR innovations among its members.