[In Photo] CSR Practitioners, and Xavier Ateneo faculty, formators and students engaged in meaningful discussion
on sustainable business practice and good governance during the CSR University Lecture Series.
As it strives to pursue the mission of shaping future leaders of character, Xavier Ateneo, in partnership with the League of Corporate Foundations Inc (LCF), hosted the forum Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) University Lecture Series: Basic Concepts, Principles, and Best Practices of CSR on 4 September 2024 and the XU AVR. Organized by the Social Development Office in collaboration with the Advancement Office, Economics Department, Development Communications Department, and the Business Administration Department, the forum brought together CSR practitioners, faculty, and students to converse on the evolving role of corporations and businesses in the society. Hosted by Ms Samantha Nicole Enad, a Development Communications student, the forum centered on social responsibility and good governance, aiming to inspire young students to become responsible business leaders who understand that profit and sustainable business practices can go hand in hand.
[In Photo] Fr Mars Tan SJ, Xavier Ateneo President, welcomed the forum attendees, as he emphasized the vital role of
industry and business practitioners in building a just and sustainable society.
In his opening remarks, Fr Mars Tan SJ, Xavier Ateneo President, emphasized the vital role of industry and business practitioners in building a just and sustainable society. He shared the university’s collaborative engagement with Pilipinas Shell Foundation Inc (PSFI) for the mangrove rehabilitation in the Macajalar Bay, underscoring the importance of fostering dialogue and collaboration between the business sector, academia, and the community partners to build a more ethical and sustainable future. He further noted that CSR is a vital component of responsible leadership, which aligns with Xavier Ateneo’s mission of shaping men and women for and with others.
Mr Sebastian Quiniones, Chairperson of LCF and Executive Director of Pilipinas Shell Foundation, further welcomed the forum attendees. He highlighted that CSR is not just a strategy for public relations but an integral part of long-term business success. He emphasized that businesses should take their social and environmental responsibilities seriously, thus building a society where both company and community thrive. In support, Ms Celine Santillan, Executive Director of LCF, provided an introduction on the mission, vision, and programs of LCF. Speaking to students, she reiterated the forum’s goal to inspire responsible future business leaders. “In the future, you will be in this space – in business. And so, we want to plant the CSR seed in you”, she added.
[In Photo] Mr Ryan Vidanes, Executive Director of the Conrado and Ladislawa Alcantara Foundation Inc, shared on the
basic concepts and principles of CSR.
The Forum featured prominent speakers from the business sector. Mr Ryan Vidanes, Executive Director of the Conrado and Ladislawa Alcantara Foundation Inc, shared on the basic concepts and principles of CSR. He provided a brief background on how CSR has evolved in the Philippines, highlighting the innate Filipino values that contribute to and drive CSR. He underscored the commitment of corporate foundations to respond to the call for corporate citizenship and strategic CSR in building not only economic development, but contributing to the development of the quality of life of its workforce. He also shared some best practices that his corporate foundation is doing to contribute to pressing societal problems in the area of education and environment.
Representatives from several corporate foundations also shared the actions taken by the private sector in relation to ethical and sustainable business practices, to wit: Ms Bella Victoria Gonzales-Quimpo, Executive Director of Del Monte Foundation Inc, Mr Garret Nolasco, Senior Manager and Mindanao Location Lead of Ayala Foundation Inc, Ms Rebeka Paller, Program Officer of Jollibee Group Foundation, and Mr Shem Jose Garcia, Executive Director of Vivant Foundation Inc. The speakers shared how responsible business practices are integrated into their operations to make a more sustainable impact: from supporting local farmers in the company’s supply chain, providing education and science and technology support to adopted schools, to renewable energy projects and providing livelihood projects to underprivileged communities.
[In Photo] The forum participants engaged in meaningful discussion with the resource persons during the open forum.
As the forum came to a close, a panel discussion that delved into different aspects of CSR was facilitated. The panel discussion, moderated by Mr Jhon Louie B Sabal, Chairperson of the XU Economics Department, highlighted how the business sector and the academic community can work together in addressing local issues through CSR initiatives that align with community needs. The CSR forum provided an avenue for Xavier Ateneo students to engage with industry leaders, learn about best practices, and gain insights on how CSR can be implemented across various sectors, further inspiring new generation of business leaders who can champion responsible business practices and contribute to the development of their communities.