IT’S indeed heartwarming to see that many individuals and private companies are into corporate social responsibility (CSR). There are many advocacies that one can support to make a difference. Among the popular causes that people and companies delve into are poverty eradication, education, health, and the environment.
We can do CSR all year round but the Christmas season, perhaps, could be the most opportune time to spread awareness of one’s CSR advocacy, especially if that person is a celebrity or a public figure.
Pres. Aquino took the lead by raising awareness and calling on the public to support the Children’s Hour Philippines, Inc. (CHPI), where his mother, former Pres. Cory Aquino, served as honorary chair in 2002. The president’s eldest sister Ballsy Cruz is now the current honorary chair.
PNoy will donate a portion of his P65,000 net monthly salary to the organization, which encourages donors to give the peso equivalent of one hour of their monthly salary. The President’s daily pay is approximately P2,500 and dividing this further by eight working hours, his hourly pay would be P312.50.
For those who would like to support this cause, you may log in to http://www. childrenshour.org.ph and donate even if it’s not the equivalent of your hourly rate.
I am also elated to know that many moviestars today lend their names, time and efforts to a worthy cause. Some even put up a foundation to advance their advocacy. One of these socially-conscious celebrities is Luis Manzano.
But there is something about the legions of his fans. They have, in fact, inspired Luis to put up his own foundation (Luis Manzano Foundation) in September 2009. “It was all started by the Luisters and the Luckygels. They gave me the perfect opportunity to give back whatever blessings I have received,” Luis said. (I have to thank Myla Ross Tinoy for following up with Luis the set of questions I’ve sent via Facebook.)
While other fans and supporters content themselves by watching their idols’ movies and other gigs, Luis’ fans did the extra mile by organizing CSR activities to help the less fortunate.
Today, Dec. 19, the actor and his supporters are at the Quezon City Jail Female Dormitory in Camp Karingal for a Christmas gift giving activity. With the support from individuals and several private companies extended to the LMF, Luis hopes to bring the Christmas cheer to some 250 female inmates.
Luis shares that among LMF’s future activities would be the provision of free medical, surgical and dental relief missions, scholarship grants to poor children, and assistance to calamity victims. “Likewise, we will continue the gift-giving and thanksgiving parties, and also continue supporting the Bantay Bata 163,” he said.
He is also thankful that the Vilmanians, his mom’s loyal fans are extending full support to his undertaking. Aside from today’s Camp Karingal activity, Luis and his friends have conducted outreach programs at the East Avenue Medical Center and the National Children’s Hospital since the LMF was established in September 2009.
For more details about LMF, please go to http://luismanzanofoundation.blogspot.com.
For companies that are looking for a very good CSR undertaking, one that is worth considering is the “Adopt an Estero” project of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR). Our waterways, especially in Metro Manila, are already polluted and clogged. For those interested, call the Environmental Management Bureau at 9284674 or email emb@emb.gov.ph
