As companies establish their presence through their products and services that the public delight in, they begin to dabble in efforts that develop and aid communities through various projects and programs focused on different aspects like women empowerment, poverty reduction, and more.
These efforts are known as corporate social responsibility (CSR), a management concept where companies integrate concerns in their business operations and interactions with their stakeholders. While these responsibilities may vary from company to company, they tend to focus on issues that require immediate attention.
Social concerns are the most common initiatives that CSRs deal with, but as the environment’s condition continues to be a pressing issue around the world for several years now, major companies have taken the necessary steps to promote sustainability.
For instance, the San Miguel Corporation, through its CSR arm San Miguel Foundation Inc., has made it its mission to protect the Philippines’ land, water, and air implemented throughout their numerous production plants.
The foundation’s Task Force Hangin helps the company’s plans to comply with the clean air act by determining the best available fuel and control technology for the plants’ fuel-burning equipment. San Miguel Corporation is known for its food and beverage products that span alcoholic drinks, processed foods, and more.
On a smaller scale, San Miguel Foundation Inc. conducts tree-planting projects in areas identified by various SMC production plants. These projects are also promptly scheduled to coincide with known plant celebrations.
Another company that practices CSR toward the environment is the Ayala Corporation. Through its social arm, Ayala Foundation, Inc., the company implemented reforestation projects to enhance air quality, promote diversity, and give back to the environment. In 2019, 297 volunteers across the Ayala Group participated in Project Kasibulan, a reforestation movement that resulted in 6,929 seedlings planted in celebration of the company’s 185th anniversary.
The company also prides itself on its successful waste management program, currently reflected in three strategies—reduction, recycling, and recovery—implemented throughout the group. Furthermore, the Ayala Corporation is also developing a group-wide waste reduction program that can systematically address solid waste to reduce waste that reaches landfills and pollutes oceans.
Plastic pollution is also a prevalent concern in today’s society. One of the leading sources of plastics is bottles from beverage companies. Coca-cola Philippines realized the environmental impact of plastics if left untreated. As a result, the beverage company aims to collect and recycle cans and bottles for each one they produce. The company is also planning to use 100 percent sustainable materials for its packaging.
Since water is a key ingredient in Coca-cola Philippines’ operations, the company also implemented a water stewardship program that focuses on sustainable water security through local water replenishment, smart water policies, and responsible water use in their operations.
Each person has a role to play when caring for the environment. Even major companies, through their social arms, lend a hand to preserve the natural resources that they benefit from as well. It is through the cooperation between the stakeholders and these companies that their environmental efforts will be fully realized and propel the Philippines towards a sustainable future.
