RP ENERGY SPONSORS CSR TRAINING FOR FREEPORT LOCATORS

Redondo Peninsula Energy, Inc. (RP Energy) has partnered with the Subic stakeholders for the first training on Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) as it pushes for inclusive growth, one of the key discussion in the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation Summit held late last year.

A total of 83 managers, business students and professors participated last January 20 in the activity that was held at the Subic Bay Exhibit and Convention Center located within the Subic Bay Freeport Zone (SBFZ).

The training – which was done in partnership with Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) and the Subic Bay Freeport Chamber of Commerce – was aimed at enhancing awareness, understanding and promote the practice of CSR among SBFZ locators and professionalize the practice of CSR, moving beyond philanthropy towards sustainable practices.

RP Energy’s External Affairs Head Victor Persius Chan challenged the participants to do away with traditional dole-out projects and instead focus on doing strategic CSR.

Mr. Chan cited RP Energy’s CSR program called “Usapang Babae,” which focuses on helping trafficked women by providing them with knowledge on women’s rights and access to anti- Violence Against Women and Children (Anti-VAWC) programs. It also established the first Women’s Health and Wellness Center in Subic.

Melody Del Rosario, Vice President for Corporate Communications of the Metro Pacific Investments Corp. (MPIC), for her part, said: “In order to make your projects sustainable, you have to cultivate relationships.”

She noted the importance of formalizing each stakeholders’ commitment to avoid potential conflict, which MPIC has been doing in its own CSR programs like its “Shore It Up Campaign.”

This campaign mobilizes a community of volunteers in doing coastal clean-ups in various parts of the Philippines.

“You must communicate the value of your project. By doing so, you can engage more partners. In our case, the success we built from one Shore It Up event has led to creating more partnerships among local government units around the country,” shared Ms. Del Rosario.

The power of social media to help a cause, meanwhile, was emphasized by Rappler.com Operations Manager Rupert Ambil.

“Even one post on Facebook can change a person’s life,” said Mr. Ambil.

He recalled one particular experience during the onslaught of a typhoon when Rappler was flooded with requests to help link typhoon victims to their families amid limited access on the situation on the ground.

“This made us understand how important information is during disasters. This has been the inspiration for Project Agos. It is a platform where both government, civil society groups, volunteers can share information and mitigate the risks of disasters,” he added.

Pia Bernal, Manager for Social Enterprise Investments at Kickstart Ventures, underlined the importance of clarifying your value proposition.

“Integrity is important. Funders must know how you make use of their money. They are not only investing on your idea, but on you. Build a good reputation,” said Ms. Bernal.

During the event, RP Energy also launched its “Unang Hakbang” Mobile Program, a mobile library project that aims to promote literacy in surrounding Aeta communities and in Olongapo.

“Hopefully, our fellow locators will join us in executing sustainable CSR programs around the Freeport. RP Energy is willing to assist SBMA locators if they need help in the planning and executing their CSR programs,” RP Energy’s Mr. Chan said.

To which, SBMA Public Relations Department Manager Armina Llamas added: “Our goal is to cultivate a culture of corporate social responsibility in the Freeport Area. We understand that many of you are doing community projects in their own companies. Some of you are interested to help but don’t know where to start. We would like to offer our help in matching you with our adopted communities.”

“As SBMA businesses grow, so does the community. We hope that through CSR 101, businesses will create a ripple effect in society. This in essence, is what inclusive growth means to us,” Mr. Chan concluded.